Community Service

 

AmeriCorps community service jobs may be available from the federal and state governments as well as from local agencies. You may be eligible to receive a stipend and an education award to help pay for your education.

AmeriCorps is a cooperative effort between the federal government, the state, and local agencies to improve community service around the country. Jobs often are available in projects addressing preschool education, dropout prevention, literacy, low-income housing, assisted living for the elderly and people with disabilities, violence prevention, conservation, and neighborhood recycling.

Who is eligible?

If you are 17 or older and have a high school diploma or a GED (or are completing your GED), you may be eligible for a full-time or part-time AmeriCorps community service job.

Participants may hold AmeriCorps position while enrolled in college and may apply to projects in the state or nationally. However, you can serve no more than two AmeriCorps terms.

How long is the commitment?

Most jobs require a full-time commitment of 1,700 hours during a year (9 months to 1 year). Part-time positions require 300 to 900 hours of work.

Are there any benefits?

Each full-time participant receives a living allowance of approximately $10,000 plus health care coverage, child care (if applicable), and a post-service education award of $4,725 to help pay for tuition or existing students loans. Each part-time participant receives a living allowance of about $5,000, and a post service benefit of $2,363 (pro-rated based on the number of service hours).

Is the education award taxable?

Yes. It is considered taxable income. However, you may be able to reduce your federal taxes using the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, or the Student Loan Interest Deduction. For more information, review IRS publication 970 or Tax Information for Students.

How do I request more information?

To learn more about the national program, call the Corporation for National and Community Service hotline at (800) 942 2677 or visit AmeriCorps.

For more information on Minnesota programs, visit www.serveminnesota.org or call ServeMinnesota! at (612) 333-7740.