BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick is distributing the first of the Commonwealth Corps grants he hopes will encourage volunteerism and community service across Massachusetts.

The governor announced Friday that some $2.4 million is being given to 36 public and non-profit groups so they can hire and provide health insurance for 300 volunteers this fall.

In Hampshire County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County and a college awareness program for latino students in Holyoke have been funded. Big Brothers Big Sisters will receive $23,450 for volunteer recruitment, match support, and fundraising. The Commonwealth Corps program will consist of 5 members filled both by local college students and year-round community residents.

Mount Holyoke College is taking the lead on the college awareness program and will receive $40,200 to work jointly with Holyoke Community College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst to put 12 Commonwealth Corps members into the community to support Latino educational achievement in Holyoke.

Corps members will provide college awareness programming for Holyoke public school students that connects them to the Five College plus Holyoke Community College campuses, students, faculty, and staff through college fairs, workshops, and campus visits, and direct tutoring and mentoring through in-school and after school programs.

Activities will improve Holyoke students' academic performance, aspirations, and access to higher education, according to the governor's office.

In Hampden County, Mercy Hospital will use its $131,000 grant for 12 people who will work in its prenatal care center, volunteer department and campus school.