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
How can I share information about AmeriCorps with my students, children, or other young adults?
There are many ways to help us spread the word about AmeriCorps. You can order flyers and other print materials from our free online ordering system, use our brand resources to give a presentation, or engage with us on social media. For more information, visit our Partners and Educators page.
I have “x” medical condition and want to apply for AmeriCorps NCCC?
Each applicant is looked at on a case by case basis. We do not have a list of medical conditions that will automatically disqualify you from service. If the Medical Screening Unit needs any additional information from you they will contact you.
What is the deadline for applying for an AmeriCorps NCCC team?
Project Concept Form and Service Project Application deadlines are determined by each Regional Campus. Please contact your Region’s Staff to determine when applications are being accepted. More information can also be found on our National Request for Proposals.
How do I apply for an AmeriCorps NCCC team?
The first step is to determine the appropriate Regional Campus as your point of contact. Reach out to Regional Staff to discuss your ideas for a project, clarify questions, and learn more about the program. From there your organization can submit an NCCC Project Concept Form. Upon review of this form, NCCC will invite your organization to complete and submit a Service Project Application. Teams are awarded based on compelling need, geographic distribution, availability of teams, costs related to team deployment, and additional criteria within the application instructions. Please visit the NCCC sponsor page for more information on the application process.
What does the clearance process entail for AmeriCorps NCCC?
Invited AmeriCorps NCCC members must undergo 2-3 types of clearances before they may begin serving: a medical history clearance (Medical History Form) and a legal clearance (Fingerprint Card, Criminal History check). FEMA Corps Only: FEMA Initial Screening (OF-306 Federal Employment Form, Credit Release, Privacy Waiver). Passing the initial screening will allow you to begin your service with FEMA Corps, but a more in-depth background investigation will continue during your service. These forms will be provided to you when you are invited to serve with us. Please contact ANCCC@cns.gov if you need help filling them out, or have questions about what is contained in these forms.
What are the general guidelines for a healthy and well-balanced diet?
- Eat this: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, beans,nuts and seeds, vegetable oils.
- Limit this: fatty meats, full-fat dairy, caffeine, sugar sweetened beverages, sweets,sodium intake.
- Stay hydrated! (Does not include energy drinks, sodas, or any other sugary drinks)
What is a dietary preference?
Dietary preference is a term for food choices based on what you enjoy, find satisfying, value, and feel best eating. You may choose to use personal funds to supplement your diet with preferred foods.
What is a dietary restriction?
Dietary restriction refers to food(s) that cannot be consumed based on medical necessity or religious practice.
What should I do if I have a food allergy?
- A food allergy is considered a dietary restriction.
- Food allergies should be reported during the NCCC pre-screening process.
- All Members with food allergies should discuss the situation with their team and request support in taking necessary action to avoid exposure/ingestion.
- If a reaction occurs from exposure or ingestion of allergen, seek immediate medical attention.
How do I discuss dietary preferences and/or restrictions with my team?
- Participate in meal planning so that your dietary preferences and needs are taken intoconsideration.
- Be specific with requests and reasoning when talking with your team. For example:
“My preference for pizza night is half veggie and half meat because some of the teammembers do not eat meat.”“I’d like to discuss separate pots, pans and utensils for me to use as a preventivemeasure for managing my allergy.”“My suggestion is that we keep bottled water on hand, not soda.”