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
Do I need a degree to serve in AmeriCorps?
You do not need a college degree to serve. If you don’t have a high school diploma, you may still be eligible to serve.
Will my race, sexual orientation, or disability affect my application?
We are committed to the idea that everyone can serve. AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs are an opportunity to learn about our differences while working toward a common goal. We strive to create an inclusive environment and offer reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
Do I need to pass a drug test to serve in AmeriCorps?
Yes, all members must pass an initial drug screening test upon arrival to the program. The drug screen covers several different substances, including marijuana. Keep in mind that, while it may be legal to possess marijuana in some states, it is still considered illegal according to federal law. As AmeriCorps NCCC is a federal program, all Corps Members and staff are expected to comply with federal law. A positive test on a drug screen for any substance (including marijuana) at any time during service, will result in dismissal from the program, so please plan accordingly.
When are AmeriCorps NCCC application cycles?
Please check the AmeriCorps NCCC join page for up-to-date application and service cycles.
Does AmeriCorps NCCC have a preferred name option in their application system?
Yes, however, applicants must provide AmeriCorps NCCC their legal name in order to process an applicant’s background check. In the case that a member’s preferred name and legal name differ, AmeriCorps NCCC provides a preferred name box for the member to use. Throughout the application process applicants may be referred to by their legal name, unless it is specially requested of us not to. Members will be free to use their self-selected name while serving.
Does AmeriCorps NCCC allow transgender and gender non-conforming members to choose which gender they share accommodations with?
Yes, AmeriCorps NCCC will assign accommodations according to the gender the applicant either identifies as or, in the case of gender non-conforming members, chooses to share accommodations with.
Are LGBTQIA Corps Members and Team Leaders explicitly protected in nondiscrimination policies?
Yes. Page 7 of the AmeriCorps NCCC Member Handbook states ”AmeriCorps prohibits all forms of discriminations based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, military service, or political affiliation.” To clarify, members are explicitly protected within the program from discrimination by staff, Team Leaders, and Corps Members based upon sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression.
What qualities are considered in my AmeriCorps NCCC application?
AmeriCorps NCCC is a program with few barriers, and we accept members with a diverse range of skills and experiences. While skills, work experience, and volunteer experience are factors we consider in an application, we strongly value people who are highly motivated to serve and who have strong references that believe an application would be a good fit for the program. Individuals applying to serve as a Team Leader are also assessed based on their demonstrated leadership experienced and motivations to serve as a leader.
Can LGBTQ AmeriCorps NCCC Corps Members and Team Leaders be open about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity during their term of service?
The decision to serve openly is a personal decision made by the individual member. AmeriCorps NCCC does not discourage or encourage members to “come out.” Some LGBTQIA members choose to be discreet about their sexual orientation/gender identity within the communities they serve but are open on their team(s). Some LGBTQIA members decide to keep their identities entirely to themselves and still others decide to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity to everyone with whom they come in contact. As every community is different, so, too, is the decision to be “out.”
How do AmeriCorps NCCC teams get around? Will I have access to a vehicle during my service year?
Each team is provided a 15-passenger van for team travel throughout the service term. Although the van is primarily used for project-related travel, there is flexibility built in to account for day-to-day living, such as going to the grocery store, medical appointments, and leisure activities. If you wish to drive the van, you must be certified by campus staff. This involves attending a driver’s class and passing a driver’s test so that campus staff can evaluate your knowledge and ability to drive safely.