AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It's a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. There are nearly 75,000 Americans across the country participating in AmeriCorps each year. All of them are tackling different problems in different ways.
Below are some frequently asked questions:
- What do AmeriCorps members do?
All AmeriCorps members tackle various community needs in different ways. Members serve between three months and a year. Programs are focused around disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental services, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Click here to learn more about the programs in our portfolio. We recommend you contact the program(s) you are interested in directly to learn more.
- What are the benefits of serving in AmeriCorps?
The benefits of service include, but are not limited to:
- Earning a modest living allowance,
- Placing qualified student loans into forbearance during the service term,
- Receiving healthcare benefits (depends on the service type),
- Receiving childcare benefits (limited to full-time members that qualify),
- Skills and training, including personal development, professional development, leadership development, networking opportunities, career exploration, and civic engagement, and
- An education award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training, or to repay qualified student loans.
- Are there eligibility requirements?
Yes. Applicants must be:
- 17 years old and up.
- A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States.
- Willing to get things done. Some programs have specific skill requests and others look for a bachelor's degree or a few years of related volunteer/work experience. For others, your motivation and commitment may be the primary requirement.
- Will the AmeriCorps living allowance impact my veterans benefits?
AmeriCorps service shouldn't jeopardize any veterans compensation, pension, GI Bill benefit, or other benefits a veteran or their family receives. As a plus, GI Bill benefits and the Education Award can be used at the same schools. Click here for more information.
- As an older adult, I don't think I need the education award. Are there any other options for me?
Members who are at least 55 years old at the start of their service, may transfer their education award to their child, grandchild, or foster child. Click here to learn more about the transfer process and specific conditions.
- I'm in! How do I join?
We recommend you contact the program(s) you are interested in directly to learn about their application process. Then, click here to navigate to the AmeriCorps opportunity that fits what you're looking for.