Anyone who is willing to help our country should look into volunteering at AmeriCorp. AmeriCorp is the U.S. Federal Government’s domestic national service program run by the Corporation for National and Community Service. While serving in AmeriCorp, students receive a small living allowance (stipend) and upon successful completion of service earn an education award, which can be used for educational expenses such as fees, tuition, books, or to repay qualified student loans.
AmeriCorp has three main programs: AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorp NCCC. The State and National Programs mentor youth, assist crime victims, build homes, and restore parks. The VISTA program diminishes poverty and promotes reliant individuals and communities. The NCCC program is a program for 18-24 year olds in which they develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service. Anybody accepted in the program can live on one of the AmeriCorps five campuses for ten months. Usually students are supposed to be at least 17 years of age and a U.S. citizen.
Americorps VISTA candidates are young adults who aim work towards awareness and sensitivity towards cultural differences. If selected for service, they are eligible to receive some public benefits due to the low pay of the work. Section 8 housing and stipends are made available. VISTAs also qualify for food stamps and share homes to cut rent and utility costs.
Being a VISTA requires some training and support. People who become VISTAs must give up a year or more of their life to serve others and strengthen-at risk communities. VISTAs must be 18 years old and should have completed some college or relevant experience and training.
If you complete your AmeriCorps commitment through the VISTA program, you have an option of choosing to receive an end-of-service stipend of $1,200 and possibly a partial reduction in any outstanding Perkins Student Loans.
Most of the hours worked in AmeriCorp program are from 9am-5pm or 10am-6pm.
Full-time AmeriCorp volunteers work one to two years for 1700 hours total. They receive a $10, 600 living allowance and a $4,725 education award along with childcare and health insurance. A part-time AmeriCorp volunteer has to work 1-2 years for 900 hours. They receive $5,000 living allowance and an education award of $2,362. There are no benefits. Reduced part-time volunteers work 1-2 years for 300 hours and receive an education award of $834.
The National Service Trust will pay at least some of the interest of your loans at the end of the period to which you have served.
As far as the award money goes, a student can take as long as seven years to claim their awards. There is a limit of two awards per volunteer.
The Program may be beneficial to students who are struggling to pay college tuition. If you want to help others while earning assistance for college funds, this may be an option for you.