Benefits & Qualifications

For Members:

• Help improve the community's inner-city neighborhoods.
• Help children, youth and families of low-income and low-literacy levels participate in academic, reading, and recreational opportunities.
• Enhance reading programs for youth.
• Adult Literacy support.
• Homework assistance.
• Assist in providing arts and sports opportunities.
• Develop clubs for youth based on AmeriCorps members talents and interests.
• Help children improve social skills.
• Make a difference in a families's life.
• Grow in ways you've never dreamed.
• Members receive a living allowance while they complete 1700 hours of service during a one year term.
• Earn $4,725 toward education.
  
  

  AmeriCorps members who successfully complete all program requirements are eligible to receive the award of $4,725. This award is in the form of a voucher, not cash. The education award can be used to repay existing or future qualified educational loans or to pay for the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education or an approved school-to-work program, as defined by the Departments of Education and Labor. The award isn't limited to one loan or one school.

• Minimum health benefits
• Forbearance of student loans - AmeriCorps members may be eligible to postpone the repayment of their qualified student loans while they are in an approved national service position. This postponement - called forbearance - applies to repayment of both the principal and the interest.
• Child Care - A child care subsidy, paid directly to the child care provider, is available to members who qualify. The National Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies distributes this allowance evenly over the term of service on a monthly basis.
• Training - CERT, CPR, first aide, and job specific training are just a few of the types of training received at no cost to the AmeriCorps members.

Qualifications

To be eligible to enroll as an AmeriCorps Member, applicants must:

• Be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;
• Be at least 17 years of age; and
• Have a high school diploma or GED or agree to obtain one while serving.