West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service
AmeriCorps in West VirginiaAmeriCorps
 F.A.Q.

What is AmeriCorps?
Who can be an AmeriCorps member?
How big is AmeriCorps?
What is the AmeriCorps National Service Network?
What service options do members have?
What benefits do members receive?
What AmeriCorps programs operate in West Virginia?
How do I become an AmeriCorps member?
How do organizations apply for AmeriCorps grants?
How many terms can members serve?
Where can I get more information about the education award and its use?

What is AmeriCorps? (back)
AmeriCorps is the national service program established in 1994 that provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities in return for an education award. AmeriCorps members serve with nonprofits, schools, colleges and agencies that address critical public-safety, environmental, educational and human needs. AmeriCorps members get things done by providing a direct and measurable benefit, they strengthen communities by recruiting volunteers, and they receive training and support for their own professional development.

Who can be an AmeriCorps member? (back)
AmeriCorps members must be at least 17 years old (there is no upper age limit) and be U.S. citizens, nationals or permanent resident aliens. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED. Some programs help members attain a GED during their service. Other eligibility requirements may apply, depending on the program.

How big is AmeriCorps? (back)
Since 1994, more than 250,000 Americans have served in AmeriCorps. At any given time across the country, more than 50,000 people are engaged in direct service through AmeriCorps. Here in West Virginia, more than 600 AmeriCorps members will meet critical community needs this year.

What is the AmeriCorps National Service Network? (back)
AmeriCorps is a network consisting of four distinct programs:

The information below relates specifically to the AmeriCorps*State program.

What service options do members have? ( back)
AmeriCorps members are recruited locally by AmeriCorps programs and selected from a national referral system (1-800-942-2677). Most members serve full-time, at least 1,700 hours in one year. Part-time and summer service options are also available. AmeriCorps members are NOT occasional volunteers; rather, they make a substantial commitment to serve. "Become an AmeriCorps Member."

What benefits do members receive? (back)
In return for a year of service, full-time members receive a living allowance of $9,600, along with health care and child care if eligible. During their service, they receive extensive training and skill building. Upon successful completion of their term of service, full-time members receive an education award of $4,725 that can be used to help pay for college, graduate school or technical/vocational training, or to help repay qualified student loans. Part-time AmeriCorps members receive an education award of $2,363 and may receive a living allowance of $4,700. "Become an AmeriCorps Member.

What AmeriCorps programs operate in West Virginia? (back)
AmeriCorps*State programs in West Virginia are funded in part by the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service. Some programs place members in a single town or county; others are statewide.

How do I become an AmeriCorps member? (back)
If you would like to apply for an AmeriCorps position in West Virginia, please review the list of AmeriCorps programs and contact them directly for application information.

If you would like to apply for an AmeriCorps position outside the state, check out the AmeriCorps national website or call 1-800-942-2677.

How do organizations apply for AmeriCorps grants? (back)
There are two ways to apply for AmeriCorps grants. Organizations that are local, regional or statewide must apply through the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service. Multi-state organizations or those affiliated with national nonprofits may apply directly to the Corporation for National Service for an AmeriCorps*National grant. Call (202) 606-5000 for more information.

How many terms can members serve? (back)
Members may serve no more than two terms in AmeriCorps*State/National programs. However, members may serve up to three terms across the different types of national service programs. For example: An AmeriCorps member may serve two terms in an AmeriCorps*State/National program and then serve a third term in an AmeriCorps*VISTA program. Learn more about term limits here.

Where can I get more information about the education award and its use? (back)
The education award is one of the many benefits of serving in an AmeriCorps program. There are a number of rules related to using the award. Learn more about the AmeriCorps education award here.