EAST LANSING -- "There are a lot of people here."

A lot of people, indeed. AmeriCorps volunteers -- 550 of them -- were initiated Thursday in East Lansing for another year of service. They're part of a nationwide trend.

"AmeriCorps is on the path to grow from 75,000 members annually all across the country to 250,000 members between now and 2017," said Paula Kaiser VanDam, executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission.

That's a more than 200 percent leap in AmeriCorps members, in other words. Those volunteers, to be sure, understand their central purpose with the nationwide non-profit: To serve.

But there's no doubt about it. Part of the reason for the boom both here in mid-Michigan and across the country is simple: Times are tough, and for many AmeriCorps is a means to a better future.

"It's opened up a whole new set of doors, in terms of where to look for opportunities in the non-profit sector," said volunteer Ben Gulker.

VanDam said, "There aren't a lot of job opportunities for people, so they're looking at AmeriCorps in a different way, to say, 'Can this be the pathway for me for future employment?'"

AmeriCorps workers get a small stipend, about $11,000 a year, plus health insurance and about $5,000 in education grants once they've served a year.

Abigail Ertel spent two years trying to find a job after graduate school. AmeriCorps presented her with a job, and a chance to improve her longer-term job prospects down the line.

"I felt AmeriCorps was a great way for me to get out and network and sharpen my employment skills," says the Port Huron-based volunteer.

But the workers being initiated here -- including Abigail -- will tell you: AmeriCorps work isn't easy. Those simply looking for a job should probably look elsewhere.

"I would say if you're here just for the money, just for a job, I would recommend that you don't come," said Asa Lockett, a volunteer for City Year in Detroit. "Because there's going to be a lot asked of you."