Our frequently asked questions
Featured FAQs
What benefits are provided during and after AmeriCorps Seniors?
Improved health and wellbeing, a living stipend, and strong sense of community. Some programs offer supplemental insurance and health care benefits or an increase stipend to purchase healthcare.
How do I apply to AmeriCorps Seniors?
Search opportunities using the AmeriCorps Seniors Pathfinder. Once you find an opportunity you want to apply for, use the contact info on the listing to contact the program. The program will explain next steps to apply.
How old do I need to be to serve in AmeriCorps?
The minimum age requirement for most AmeriCorps programs is 18. However, some accept applications from 16-17-year-olds. While a few programs are designed specifically for young adults, the majority of our programs have no upper age limit.
What benefits are provided during and after AmeriCorps?
Living allowance, and education award to pay for college or trade school expenses, or to repay qualified student loans, loan deferment and interest forbearance on qualified student loans, while in service, professional development, alumni network, and more. Some of our programs provide health care benefits or a stipend to purchase healthcare. You may also be eligible to receive a childcare benefit if you have children under the age of 13.
FAQs
I’m nervous because this is my first time away from home. How does AmeriCorps NCCC ensure Member safety?
The AmeriCorps NCCC Member Handbook contains rules, policies and procedures intended to inform and ensure the safety of our Corps Members and the community organizations served. The program continually strives to provide safe and healthy housing for all Corps Members and Team Leaders, and to partner with sponsors who provide safe and healthy project sites. Please review prior to campus arrival.
How are meals handled?
For most AmeriCorps programs, members are responsible for providing their own food. For AmeriCorps NCCC, sharing food is a special part of the experience. Each NCCC team is provided a food budget that encourages teams to be both flexible and creative. To make this happen, some Team Leaders appoint a food/meal POC or a meal planning committee that creates a cooking schedule and prepares meals for the entire team. If you have special dietary needs or want to eat something specific, you are allowed to buy your own food.
Will I be able to take night classes or have a part-time job?
AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, residential program, which exceeds the responsibilities of a typical 9 to 5 job. A project sponsor may assign additional work, members must complete additional Independent Service Project (ISP) hours, and members are required to participate in team activities, meetings and selected team role responsibilities.
Due to the high level of responsibility, a member cannot engage in any outside activity (e.g., employment, classes, or personal volunteer opportunities) that either precludes, limits, or detracts from the member serving successfully as a NCCC Team Leader or Corps Member.
What are "service learning activities"?
Service Learning activities grant members an opportunity to delve deeper into their service experience. These activities are geared to connect members with the community they are serving within to better understand the impact of their service. Examples of these experiences include attending a community event, writing a story about the impact of service, reading local history, or visiting natural or man-made points of interest.
Service learning provides a deeper understanding of the AmeriCorps mission and the importance of service. Service learning activities are a prominent component of AmeriCorps NCCC.
If my AmeriCorps program requires me to get my fingerprints done, where do I go to do that?
First you need to figure out where you’re getting fingerprinted. Fingerprinting services are available at most local police departments or sheriff’s offices, but you can sometimes find help elsewhere. Visit http://myfbireport.com/locations/index.php to help you in your search.
Once you have scheduled an appointment to get fingerprinted, make sure to bring your valid government-issued photo ID, as well as the blank fingerprinting card that we’ve mailed you.
How will I get to my AmeriCorps NCCC campus?
AmeriCorps NCCC covers transportation to and from the campus, at the beginning and end of the service term. Most members travel by air. If a member cannot or will not fly, campus staff must be contacted to determine other travel options. Travel is booked by the campus. More details regarding travel are dispersed after an applicant is officially invited to a campus.
I have a misdemeanor, am I automatically disqualified from serving in AmeriCorps?
We take all criminal backgrounds and situations on a case by case basis. If you have any specific legal clearance questions, please reach out to us at ANCCC@cns.gov.
In AmeriCorps NCCC, what is "transition"?
Transition is the period of time when teams return to campus between projects. These periods are typically last between 3-9 days. During this time, teams debrief from the previous project, attend additional training, and prepare for the next project.
I am on leave from AmeriCorps NCCC and want to use marijuana. Could using marijuana while on leave affect me serving in AmeriCorps NCCC?
AmeriCorps NCCC members are subject to drug testing, including testing for marijuana usage. A positive test result, regardless of when the marijuana usage occurred, is grounds for an administrative proceeding. AmeriCorps NCCC members, even when off duty or on leave, are not permitted to use marijuana or any other substance prohibited under federal law.
Does AmeriCorps provide child care benefits?
Child care allowance is available to members who are custodial or joint-custodial parents. The allowance is for expenses related to day care. Members who qualify for this benefit need to complete the necessary forms and provide proof of dependent children (i.e., birth certificate). More information about the Child Care Allowance.
Application process can be found at http://www.americorpschildcare.com/ or call 1-855-886-0687.
Children are not allowed to accompany members during the service term.