I want to join the Americorps, but I dont know some things.?

Question

Do they pay for your housing? If so, how much? Do you get to pick where you are going to volunteer? Do you need a college education?

Answer 1

I'm confused. There are different programs, with different names, but they're allAmeriCorps?

Yes, basically. AmeriCorps is a national network of hundreds of programs throughout the US. There are two programs that are managed nationally: AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps NCCC. The other group of programs come under the general heading of AmeriCorps, and they are found in local and national organizations throughout the US. Depending upon your interests and availability, we can help you determine which program might be best for you.

Is AmeriCorps like Peace Corps?

Yes. AmeriCorps is often referred to as "the domestic Peace Corps." Both agencies are committed to service, and both offer challenging and rewarding full-time opportunities. Peace Corps assignments are all overseas, and AmeriCorps members serve only in the US. While Peace Corps Volunteers serve for two years, a stint in AmeriCorps usually lasts 10 months to one year. (Some AmeriCorps projects also offer part-time opportunities, and some AmeriCorps members serve more than one term of service.)

Do I get paid?

For all AmeriCorps programs, members receive a modest living allowance, and some programs provide housing. You may not save much money during your year of service, but most members find the living allowance to be adequate to cover their needs. AmeriCorps members who complete a term of service also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.

What if I'm out of school and not interested in the education award? Can I get that money in cash?

If you're part of AmeriCorps VISTA, you may opt for a cash payment of $100 per month of service instead of the education award. All other AmeriCorps members are eligible only for the education award.

How long are the assignments, and are they all full-time?

The time commitment varies, from ten months to a year, depending upon your project. Most assignments are full-time, but there are some part-time service opportunities available.

Can I join if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the U.S. to be an AmeriCorps member.

Is there an age requirement?

You must be at least 17 years old, although some service opportunities require you to be at least 18. For one of our programs, the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), members must be between 18 and 24 years old, but for most there are no upper age limits.

What skills do I need to have?

Some programs have specific skill requests in certain areas, and others look for a bachelor's degree or a few years of related volunteer/job experience. For others, your motivation and commitment may be the primary requirement.

Can I defer student loans during my service with AmeriCorps?

You may qualify for postponement, or forbearance, of the repayment of your loans during your service. The education award will help you pay off qualified student loans when you're finished. Contact your lender for more specific information or to confirm your loan status during AmeriCorps service.

Will I get any training before I start?

Absolutely. All members receive training at the beginning of their service, as well as project-specific training during service

Frequently Asked Questions About AmeriCorps NCCC

What is AmeriCorps NCCC?

AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a residential, team-based, national service initiative that engages young adults ages 18 to 24 in full-time service. Operated directly by the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps NCCC is part of a national network of service programs that help local communities address their compelling needs. There are currently more than 50,000 members serving in AmeriCorps NCCC, AmeriCorps VISTA, and over 900 other AmeriCorps State and National programs throughout the country.

What is the AmeriCorps NCCC mission?

The AmeriCorps NCCC mission is: To strengthen communities and develop leaders through team-based national and community service.

What do AmeriCorps NCCC members do?

AmeriCorps NCCC members perform team-based service projects in six different areas--environment, education, public safety, unmet needs, homeland security, and disaster relief--in communities in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

What are the benefits of serving with AmeriCorps NCCC?

AmeriCorps NCCC members receive a living allowance of approximately $4,000 for the 10 months of service (about $200 every two weeks before taxes), housing, meals, limited medical benefits, up to $400 a month for childcare, if necessary, member uniforms, and an education award of $4,725 upon successful completion of the program.

What organizations does NCCC support?

NCCC supports faith-based and other community-based organizations; national nonprofits; schools; local municipalities; national and state parks; and Indian tribes.

What do the medical benefits cover?

The medical benefits plan covers all injuries and/or illnesses suffered during service and most pharmacy needs. The plan does not cover medical care for pre-existing medical illnesses and/or injuries.

Can I bring my child/children with me to the campus?

Children are not permitted to live with members at the campus. AmeriCorps NCCC members with children must make arrangements for someone to care for their child/children while they are in the program. Members that have custody of their children are eligible for up to $400 per month to help pay for child care while they serve with the program.

What are the minimum requirements for participation in AmeriCorps NCCC?

Members are required to complete 1,700 hours of service, including 80 hours of independent service activities. Members must be able to serve effectively with a team of individuals from and within communities of diverse cultural, ethnic, economic, geographic, and education backgrounds. Members must be able to communicate, to some extent, in the English language with peers, supervisors, staff and other individuals. They must comply with the rules and regulations outlined in the AmeriCorps NCCC member handbook. Members must be able to perform physical labor, sometimes in stressful environments and adverse weather conditions. They must be willing to serve long hours beyond the eight-hour workday, deploy to any location in the region served by the campus, and be able to deal with sudden and unexpected changes.

What is required to successfully complete the program and receive the AmeriCorps Education Award?

Members must serve the full ten months and complete 1,700 hours of community service, including 80 hours of independent service. If a member departs the program early, he or she forfeits the education award unless there is a compelling reason, in which case the education award is pro-rated. Details are explained in the member handbook.

Where are AmeriCorps NCCC sites?

There are currently three campuses that serve four regions. Two are located on closed military bases in Sacramento, CA and Denver, CO. One campus is located at a Veterans Medical Center on the Chesapeake Bay in Perry Point, Maryland.

When do the AmeriCorps NCCC campuses open?

We have two start cycles: the fall and winter. The fall cycle campus is in Sacramento, and open in late September and early October. The winter cycle campuses are in Perry Point, and Denver, and open in January.

What states are covered by each region?

Central Region: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Eastern Region: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Western Region: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Pacific Territories.

Gulf Coast States: Alabama, Florida, Texas Gulf Coast, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

What are the application deadline dates?

There are two deadline dates, one for the fall cycle-March 15-and one for the winter cycle--July 15. However, members are encouraged to apply early, because selection is continuous and the class may be filled before the application deadline date.

What are the selection process and criteria?

All eligible applicants will receive an acknowledgement letter and further information about the program within three weeks of submitting their application. They will be instructed to call a toll-free telephone number to continue the selection process. At this point the applicant will be screened for an interview based on his or her response to several questions about the applicant's willingness to participate in all aspects of the program. All applicants who successfully clear the interview screening are scheduled for an interview within five to six weeks of receipt of their the application.

If invited to serve or placed on the alternate list, the applicant will have to respond within 10 days of receiving the letter by returning the confirmation form, a completed medical history form, and fingerprint card in a stamped, addressed envelope that is provided in the mailing.

If we don’t hear from the applicant by the date identified, the applicant will be disqualified and ineligible for service with the NCCC for this specific term of service.

How long is the selection process or how long will it take before I find out the status of my application?

Our goal is to complete the selection process within two months of receiving the application. This means that two months after we receive an application, the applicant should know if he or she has been accepted, placed on the alternate list or not accepted. However, there are ma