Apply for AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is an independent federal agency of the United States government that focuses on service and volunteer work. While some positions are volunteer based, you may receive a small stipend or education credit through certain programs. To apply for AmeriCorps, decide what you have to offer, choose your service path, and apply for opportunities.

Steps

Deciding What You Have to Offer

1. Determine if you want to be full- or part-time. Some positions are part-time and allow you to volunteer your time on a schedule that works for you, while most positions are full-time. With full-time positions, you may be able to get an allowance or an education credit, depending on the position.
   • Consider if you have another job or school to attend.
   • Take advantage of part-time opportunities if you want to give your time but can’t commit to a big project.
2. Choose your length of service. Projects can vary in length, so decide how long you want to spend working on a project. Most projects will be about three months long - to fit over a summer - or a year long. Knowing how long you want to spend on a project can help you narrow your choice about which AmeriCorps path to pursue.
3. Check if you meet the requirements. Each program has its own requirements. The AmeriCorps Network has many positions that have different requirements that are only specified in individual job postings, so it's possible for most people to find a position they're qualified for. AmeriCorp NCCC and AmeriCorp VISTA each have narrower requirements.
   • To join AmeriCorp NCCC, you should be 18-24 at the time you begin your service, serve full-time for 10 months, complete 1,700 hours of community service, work with a diverse group, communicate in English, comply with the AmeriCorps Handbook, perform physical labor, work long hours, and be flexible in changing conditions.
   • To join AmeriCorp VISTA, you must be at least 18 at the time you begin your service, must legally reside and be able to work in the United States, must be willing to serve full-time for a year, and must meet any additional requirements for individual positions.
4. Factor in your age. Some AmeriCorp groups, such as the NCCC path or Senior Corps have narrowed age ranges. AmeriCorp NCCC members must be between the ages of 18 and 24, while Senior Corps members must be 55 and over.

Choosing Your Service Path

1. Consider the AmeriCorps Network path. The AmeriCorps Network is a collection of programs that operate under the umbrella of AmeriCorps. These programs are located in every state and territory. While many positions are full-time, if you're interested in part-time options AmeriCorps Network offers some.
   • Requirements for the AmeriCorps Network depend on the program you apply to. Some may just require your motivation to help, while others might require experience or an education.
   • Services you might perform include teaching accelerated reading or STEM programs, leading after school camps, counseling students, building homes, helping veterans, conservation, providing job training, helping the homeless, helping prepare for disasters, or providing healthcare information and outreach.
2. Try the AmeriCorps NCCC path. NCCC stands for National Civilian Community Corps. This path is open to individuals who are between the ages of 18-24. It’s a full-time position that requires you to work in teams of 10-12. These teams work on projects that last for 2-3 months at a time.
   • Activities include responding to national disasters, community improvement projects, and working with children.
3. Choose the AmeriCorps VISTA path. VISTA stands for Volunteers in Service to America. As a VISTA member, you would work full-time for a year in a nonprofit agency or governmental agency that is working to eliminate poverty. You would be working for governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations that focus on fighting poverty. You may be doing tasks such as being a case worker, building affordable housing, or doing office work to sustain an organization.
   • You must be 18-years-old.
   • Some positions have additional requirements, such as a degree or work experience.
4. Join Senior Corps if you’re aged 55 and over. Senior Corps members can volunteer for one of three programs: Foster Grandparents, RSVP, and Senior Companions. Through this program, you can help children, veterans, the elderly, and the community at large.
   • Foster grandparents spend one-on-one time with special needs children.
   • RSVP volunteers can recruit and manage other volunteers. They also work on environmental projects, work with children, help after natural disasters, and work on other community projects.
   • Senior companions spend time with elderly individuals who are frail or who need help remaining independent.

Applying for Opportunities

1. Visit the AmeriCorps website. Go to https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/join-americorps. From there, you will either search for jobs or set up a profile, depending on which AmeriCorps path works for you.
   • If you’re interested in the AmeriCorps Network or in joining the Senior Corps, you can search for opportunities without creating a profile. You’ll then use the My AmeriCorps portal to apply.
   • If you’re interested in AmeriCorps NCCC or AmeriCorps VISTA, then you’ll want to create a profile on my.americorps.gov so that you can search for positions in those programs.
2. Create a profile on my.americorps.gov. All of the AmeriCorps programs can be accessed through the same portal. You will need to fill out basic information about yourself before you begin searching for programs.
   • While you will need to create a profile before looking for opportunities in the NCCC and VISTA programs, you can search for AmeriCorps Network programs on the AmeriCorps site without creating a profile.
3. Search for an opportunity that interests you. You’ll be able to narrow your search by zip code, state, program, or interest. Select a program that fits your skillset and interests.
   • Make sure that you read over the requirements for the position, as well as the service requirements for AmeriCorps.
4. Complete your application. Click on the position and fill out your application while still on the my.americorps.gov website. Submit your application when it’s complete.
   • Most applicants will know if they were accepted into the program within two months of sending in their application; however, sometimes it can take longer.
5. Make your eligibility call. About a week after you submit your application, you should receive an acknowledgement email, followed by a mailing the week after. Your materials will include instructions on how to continue the application process by making an eligibility call. You will be asked a set of questions to determine if you are a good fit for the program.
   • The eligibility call is required to advance your application. If you pass the screening, you’ll be added to the pool of eligible candidates for AmeriCorps. If not, your application won’t continue.
   • You may not have to do an eligibility call if you’re applying to the AmeriCorps Network.

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