AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps members serve through more than 2,100 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. They tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters. Created in 1993, AmeriCorps is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversee Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. Together these programs engage more than 2 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service each year.

What will I do as an AmeriCorps member?

AmeriCorps members provide a wide range of direct services, depending on the needs of a particular community. Member may tutor students, weatherize homes for seniors and low-income residents, provide health education, train child care providers, recruit community mentors, lead efforts to immunize children, renovate housing for low-income families, provide follow-up assistance to crime victims, respond to natural disasters, and much more.

AmeriCorps member benefits:

During a year of service, an AmeriCorps member receives a living allowance of at least $10,600 for full time service and approximately $5,300 for part time service. Full-time AmeriCorps members receive health care benefits. Full-time AmeriCorps members may be eligible for income-based childcare assistance. After a year of service (1700 hours for full-time and 900 hours for part-time), members are eligible for an education award of $4,725 for full-time members and $2,362 for part-time members. This education award can be used to help pay off student loans or pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training. You can defer most student loans while you are serving as an AmeriCorps member. At the end of your term of service, the Corporation for National Service will usually pay any interest that has accrued during your service.

Who is eligible for AmeriCorps?

To be an AmeriCorps member you must: Be at least 17 years of age at the time of enrollment Have completed high school, received a GED, or agree to receive a GED by the end of a term of service Be a US citizen or permanent resident Not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school in order to enroll AmeriCorps does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, color, political affiliation, religion, age, or disability.

How to enroll:

To enroll in AmeriCorps, you must apply directly to a specific program. For more information on AmeriCorps programs in Missouri, contact the Missouri Community Service Commission toll-free at [877] 210-7611