Join the ranks of almost 1 million AmeriCorps members who have served to improve communities across the country. AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 members in projects each year in nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and community and/or faith-based organizations across America. The time commitment varies, from ten months to a year, depending upon your project. Most assignments are full-time, but there are some part-time opportunities available.

AmeriCorps has five programs:

1. AmeriCorps NCCC Traditional Corps: Travel the country working in teams to construct and rehabilitate low-income housing, clean up streams, and address other pressing local needs. 
2. AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps: Help communities prepare for and recover from disasters while also gaining professional skills in emergency management.
3. AmeriCorps NCCC Forest Corps: You’ll also undergo intensive training with the United States Forest Service to prepare you and take on leadership roles and specialized assignments in the areas of wildfire risk mitigation, reforestation, environmental conservation, and resource management.
4. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America): Be a changemaker! Work on projects focused on ending poverty in America and make a real difference for those in disadvantaged circumstances.
5. AmeriCorps State and National: Bring out the best in America! Join a network of local and national organizations committed to addressing critical community needs in issues like education, health, or the environment.

Regardless of where you live and what your interests are, each of these programs has many opportunities for you to explore. AmeriCorps is not just about making you feel good about the work you’re doing (though we think that’s a big bonus). You get tangible benefits, too. Most AmeriCorps members receive student loan deferment, and may receive a living allowance and limited health benefit options.

There are some minimum requirements for acceptance into AmeriCorps programs, though requirements vary for different programs. For example, NCCC requires you to serve for at least 1,700 hours, be able to work in teams, and perform physical labor. VISTA requires members to be at least 18 years old. For more info on important details like timeline for acceptance, age requirements, trainings, and other details, check out the AmeriCorps Application Guide and Member FAQ and benefits page.[i]

Looking for more? Be sure to also browse our Opportunities page to get connected to internships, conferences, programs, and other ways to get involved. Want weekly updates on opportunities like this? Follow us on Facebook to see young Change Makers doing great work, for opportunities, tools for success, and support!

[i] Information for this post was pulled from the AmeriCorps website: https://www.americorps.gov/