AmeriCorps

AMERICORPS
AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs engaging nearly 75,000 Americans in service each year to meet critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas. Since 1994, nearly 500,000 AmeriCorps members have served with thousands of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and faith-based organizations nationwide-from small community groups to nationally known organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Members tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, clean parks and streams, and recruit, train, and manage community volunteers.

AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. In addition to AmeriCorps, the Corporation also administers 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.

ELIGIBILITY AND BENEFITS
AmeriCorps membership is open to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents age 17 and older. Members serve full or part time over a 10- to 12-month period. As an AmeriCorps member, you’ll gain new skills and experiences—and you’ll also find the tremendous satisfaction that comes from helping others. Upon successful completion of your service, full–time members receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725 to pay for college or graduate school or to pay back qualified student loans. Members who serve part time receive a partial AmeriCorps Education Award. During their service, members receive health coverage, training, and student loan deferment. Some AmeriCorps members also receive a modest living allowance during their term of service.

AMERICORPS AT ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
St. Cloud State University hosts two AmeriCorps programs: The Minnesota Math Corps and the central Minnesota regional office of the statewide Minnesota Reading Corps program. Both programs are located in the Center for Continuing Studies.