What are the requirements to serve?
Most programs look for people with a passion for service and do not require specific skills. Some programs list desired skills or look for applicants with specific education, volunteer, or job experience.
What are the requirements to serve?
- Must be 18+ years of age (or minimum of 17 and working toward a high school diploma).
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident.
- Must participate in a national criminal history background check.
In addition to the points above, our partners are looking for people with a passion for service. Other education, volunteer, or job experience requirements and preferences vary between programs. Look through opportunities to servefor details.
Do I Get Paid?
Members receive biweekly or monthly living stipends. Stipend amounts will look different depending on where you choose to serve.
Will I Get Training Before I Start?
Yes, all members receive training at the beginning of their service, as well as project-specific training during service.
Can I Defer Student Loans During My Service With AmeriCorps?
Members may qualify for postponement, or forbearance, of the repayment of their loans during service. The education award will help you pay off qualified student loans when you’re finished. You may also qualify to have the interest accrued on your student loans during service paid for by the National Service Trust. Contact your lender for more specific information or to confirm your loan status during AmeriCorps service. For more information, please visit our Education Award page.
How Long Are The Assignments, And Are They All Full-Time?
The time commitment varies depending on the needs of the program. Generally, the service commitment can be from three months, e.g., a summer program, up to one year. Many terms of service are full-time, but there are also part-time service opportunities available.
Can you explain the different type of AmeriCorps programs?
AmeriCorps State and National: AmeriCorps State and National supports a broad range of local service programs that engage thousands of Americans in intensive service to meet critical community needs. Learn more about AmeriCorps State and National https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder/americorps-state-national
AmeriCorps VISTA: AmeriCorps VISTA provides full-time members to community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs that build capacity and ultimately bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. Learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder/americorps-vista
AmeriCorps NCCC: The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps is a full-time residential program for men and women, ages 18-24, that strengthens communities while developing leaders through direct, team-based national and community service. Learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder/americorps-nccc
Can I Serve If I'm Not A U.S. Citizen?
For AmeriCorps State and National and AmeriCorps NCCC you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States to be an AmeriCorps member. For AmeriCorps VISTA, you must have one of the following citizenship statuses: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens, or persons legally residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. By law, only VISTA members who are either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens—sometimes referred to as “Lawful Permanent Residents”—are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award. All other members will receive an end of service cash stipend.
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.)
