Overview of the AmeriCorps Education Award
AmeriCorps is the National Service Program
that provides Americans of all ages and backgrounds with an opportunity to earn education
awards in exchange for community service. The AmeriCorps commitment is a one- or two-year
obligation in which members help meet the nation’s critical needs in areas of public
safety, education, human needs, and the environment. Through more than 600 sponsors,
AmeriCorps unites diverse Americans through the pledge "Getting Things Done".
Over 100,000 AmeriCorps members have served their communities since 1994. Currently more
than 500 members serve in New Jersey communities.
What Do AmeriCorps Members Do?
AmeriCorps members take action and find solutions
to address community needs. AmeriCorps members share their talents and energy to make a
difference in our neighborhoods. These services include the following: tutoring students;
assisting with law officials; cleaning up rivers and streams; providing safe places for
children after school; teaching parenting skills; aiding with home renovation and
construction; caring for the homeless, terminally ill, disabled, and mentally ill;
responding to medical calls; and recruiting volunteers to ensure continued dedication.
What Benefits Do AmeriCorps Members Receive?
AmeriCorps members receive a modest living
allowance and health coverage throughout the duration of their service. After completing a
year of service (at least 1,700 hours) each member will receive an education award of
$4,725. This award can be used to help pay off student loans or to finance college,
graduate school or vocational training. Beyond these benefits, each AmeriCorps member will
gain hands-on experience, accept new fulfilling responsibilities, and be able to
understand the satisfaction of building a community and enriching our nation. Click here
to find out more about the education award (link).
Each year, more than 40,000 Americans are serving
as AmeriCorps members in more than 600 programs nationwide. AmeriCorps members are united
by four common goals:
1. Getting Things Done—AmeriCorps
members achieve real results that help solve community problems in the areas of education,
public safety, environment, and other human needs.
2. Strengthening Communities—AmeriCorps
brings together people of all ages and backgrounds in the common effort to improve our
communities. AmeriCorps members recruit volunteers and encourage partnerships among
community organizations to expand their impact.
3. Encouraging Responsibility—AmeriCorps
enables members to explore and exercise their responsibilities toward their communities,
their families, and themselves.
4. Expanding Opportunity—AmeriCorps
enhances members’ educational opportunities and life-skills.
The AmeriCorps Ethic
The centerpiece of the AmeriCorps ethic is getting
things done—improving communities by helping solve problems in the areas of
education, public safety, the environment, and other human needs. The other key aspects of
the ethic are to strengthen communities and develop members’ opportunities and civic
responsibility.
