AmeriCorps

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects over 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet community needs in education, the environment, public safety, health, and homeland security. AmeriCorps’ members serve with more than 2,000 non-profits, public agencies, and community organizations.

Members serve in full or part-time positions over a 10-12 month period. Upon completion of their service, members receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans. Those members who serve part time will receive a partial education award. Those members who participate in the VISTA program also have the option to select either the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or an end-of-service stipend of $1,200. Members also have access to other benefits such as: health insurance, child care, training, and student loan forbearance during their service. Some members also receive a modest annual living allowance depending on the terms of their program.

AmeriCorps’ consists of three programs in which applicants may enroll: (1) VISTA; (2) NCCC; and (3) AmeriCorps State and National.

What are the different AmeriCorps programs?

VISTA – Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members, ages 18 and older, perform capacity building activities, over a course of a year, through private non-profit organizations and public agencies. VISTA members address issues related to poverty, such as public health, education, the environment, public safety, and employment, by developing and mobilizing resources that create long-term sustainable benefits at a community level.

NCCC – National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members range from ages 18 to 24 and serve in a 10-month team-based residential program (teams usually include 10-14 individuals) to complete a variety of projects in the areas of education, disaster services, the environment, and other unmet needs. NCCC members often travel to projects throughout their region. You may either apply for the Fall Class, which begins in the September/October timeframe, or apply for the Winter Class, which begins in January.

AmeriCorps State and National – State and National members, ages 17 and older, serve in either teams or individually through national and community-based private and public organizations. Members help solve community problems through direct and indirect service, in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, and other human needs such as health and housing.

Who is eligible for AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens.  Age restrictions vary by program.

How do I search for Volunteer Opportunities?

Anyone has the ability to search for volunteer opportunities.  If you would like to have the option to save the project opportunities to review or apply to at a later date, or allow program/project sponsors to search for you based on your skill set, then you must create a profile.  Those who have already established a profile, can simply login using their username and password.

If you have established a profile, you may click on “Search Listings” found on the left hand side of your homepage.    If you have not established a profile, you may click on “Search Listings” found at the bottom of the My AmeriCorps login page.  You may search by either entering the criteria that fits your interests (Advanced Search), checking the boxes that apply, or by a specific AmeriCorps program (Quick Search).  After you have entered all the required information, hit the “Search” button to show all results that match your preferences.

All search results that match your specified criteria will appear as a list. The list will include the following categories: the program name, AmeriCorps Program Type, the start date, and the location of the project.. There will also be a brief summary about the program.  To receive more information, click on the name of the project, and the Project Description will appear.  The Project Description will feature a more detailed explanation of the project along with an Info Round-up box found at the right side of the page that contains basic facts, as well as contact information for the selected project.  If you are interested in applying for a project, just click on the “Apply” button located at the bottom of the Project Description page.  For more information on the application process, click on the link.  If you have created a profile and you do not want to apply at that moment, you may click the “Add to favorites” button, which allows you to come back at a later time.

Volunteers for Community Impact
EIN# 59-1626348