Note: This page is intended for AmeriCorps State members serving in Colorado. Some of the resources outlined below may apply to other types of AmeriCorps members.
Congratulations on becoming one in a million! Literally. There are more than one million alumni of all AmeriCorps programs. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you still have questions, please contact your former site supervisor/program director, Serve Colorado at servecolorado@state.co.us, or, depending on the topic, the National Service Hotline at (800) 942-2677.
- Is there an AmeriCorps alumni network?
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AmeriCorps Alums, a program of Service Year Alliance, is the only national network that connects alumni of all AmeriCorps programs to the people, ideas, and resources that support their commitment to a lifetime of service. Click here to register as an alum and find out more information on finding a job, attending college or grad school and advocating for national service.
You can even check out the Denver AmeriCorps Alums chapter by joining their Facebook group (click here). This group is a place for alums to share local events and jobs, sign-up for volunteer opportunities, and have comradery with other AmeriCorps alums.
- How do I use my education award?
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The education award can be used to pay for an associate, undergraduate, or graduate degree, to pay down existing qualified student loans, study abroad programs, specialized skills programs. You can make payments from your award in full or part, and you can take up to seven (7) years after your term of service has ended to use your award. Click here for more information on using your education award.
Payments made from the National Service Trust are subject to federal and state tax in the year each payment is made. It is considered taxable income regardless of whether it is used to pay current educational costs, repay qualified student loans, or accrued interest. Click here for more information on the tax implications.
- Are there institutions that will match my education award?
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Colleges and university across the county are recruiting AmeriCorps alumni because they know alumni are driven and civic-minded. These institutions are providing at least $1,000 match, scholarship, or benefit to at least one AmeriCorps alumni each year. Click here to search the list.
If you don't see your institution on the list, it doesn't hurt to ask if they will provide a match!
- Are there employers that value national service experience?
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Employers of National Service connects AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni with employers from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. More than 500 employers have committed to recognize the valuable skills of AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni. Some of these employers are choosing to grant preference in the hiring process, but it is not required. Click here to search the network.
- How do I talk about my service experience?
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CNCS has prepared resources (click here) to help alumni like you develop your elevator speech, write your resume, prepare for an interview, and update your LinkedIn profile.
- Are there resources to help me file my taxes?
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IRS Free File Software is a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a group of industry-leading private-sector tax preparation companies that have agreed to provide free commercial online tax preparation and electronic filing. Free File Software is available for those with an income of $66,000 or less, free Fillable Forms if your income is greater than $66,000. All providers offer free federal returns, and some providers offer free state returns too. Click here for more information on this program.