In order for a member to receive a post-service education award from the National Service Trust, the grantee must certify to the National Service Trust that the member is eligible to receive the education benefit. The grantee must notify the National Service Trust on a form provided by the Corporation (electronic submission via WBRS suffices) when it enrolls a member for a term of service, when the member completes the term, and whenever there is a change in the member's status during the term (e.g., release for compelling circumstances or suspension).
A member may receive a post-service education award only for the first two terms of service. For example, one full-time and one half-time term of service count as two terms. If a member is released for reasons other than misconduct prior to completing 15% of a term of service, that term does not count as one of the two terms for which an education award may be provided. No Corporation or other federal funds may be used to provide member support costs for a third or subsequent term of service in an AmeriCorps*State or National Program.
In order to receive a full education award, a member must perform the minimum hours of service as required by the Corporation and successfully complete the program requirements as defined by the Program. For example, if successful completion of a full-time program requires 1,800 service hours, members in that particular program are not eligible for an education award simply upon completion of 1,700 hours. If a member is released from a Program for compelling personal circumstances, the member is eligible for a pro-rated education award based on the number of hours served, if it is at least 15% of the total required hours. Questions regarding authorized uses of the education award should be directed to the Corporation’s National Service Trust Office.
The grantee (and any individual or entity acting on behalf of the grantee) is responsible for the accuracy of the information certified on the end-of-term certification. Penalties for false information: Any individual who makes a materially false statement or representation in connection with the approval or disbursement of an education award or other payment from the National Service Trust may be liable for the recovery of funds and subject to civil and criminal sanctions.