AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages Americans in intensive service work to address critical community needs. AmeriCorps members commit time and effort to strengthen communities through nonprofit organizations and public agencies across the country. The Imagine AmeriCorps program, in particular, aims to connect young adults with opportunities to improve lives and foster civic engagement.
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a federal agency established in 1993 to engage Americans in service to meet community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. Today, AmeriCorps is one of the largest national service networks in the United States, coordinating over 80,000 individuals serving more than 21,000 different groups.
Since its inception, over 1 million Americans have provided more than 1.5 billion hours of service through AmeriCorps. The national service program aims to strengthen communities through projects that address critical issues like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and more.
AmeriCorps members commit time, typically 11 months, to intensive service projects. In exchange for addressing locally identified priorities, AmeriCorps members receive modest living allowances and education awards to help pay for college or repay student loans. This model leverages federal funding to support national service positions at nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations across the country.
The Impact of AmeriCorps Service
Studies has shown AmeriCorps delivers measurable results and provides a significant return on investment to communities. By leveraging private, public, and individual resources, AmeriCorps strengthens the ability of organizations to address local challenges. Some impact highlights from past programs include:
Tutored or mentoring more than 1.4 million children.
AmeriCorps members supporting early childhood education, after-school programs, and youth development initiatives help improve academic performance and keep kids on track to graduate. Studies found children receiving AmeriCorps tutoring gained 1-2 months of additional learning compared to non-tutored peers.
Distributed 5.2 million meals to seniors.
Many AmeriCorps positions focus on meeting the needs of vulnerable populations like seniors. Members help deliver meals, conduct wellness checks, and address social isolation through companionship – allowing more seniors to live independently in their homes.
Prepared 6,500 organizations for disasters.
With a focus on readiness and emergency response, AmeriCorps plays a key role in supporting FEMA and local authorities. Members spread awareness, map risks, help develop response plans, and coordinate volunteers. This preparation has helped strengthen community resilience to withstand disasters, large and small.
Planted over 23 million trees.
Through partnerships with land management agencies like the National Park Service, AmeriCorps members assist with reforestation and environmental restoration projects nationwide. Members not only help re-seed landscapes but work to preserve natural and historic sites for future generations.
As this data demonstrates, AmeriCorps service addresses local needs at scale by mobilizing a dedicated workforce. National and community service expands opportunity, solves problems, and brings people together to strengthen America.
What is Imagine AmeriCorps?
Imagine AmeriCorps is a specific initiative within AmeriCorps focused on engaging young adults between 18 and 30 years old. Launched in 2007, Imagine AmeriCorps aims to foster a culture of service and civic participation among youth. It connects individuals with intensive, skill-building service opportunities through direct placement with nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations nationwide.
Eligibility and commitment
To qualify for Imagine AmeriCorps, applicants must be US citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents between 18 and 30 years old. Selected members make a 10.5-11 month, full-time commitment to service. Part-time commitments are also available and last 900-1700 hours over 9-12 months.
Education award
Upon successful completion of service, Imagine AmeriCorps members receive an education award of $6,345 that can be used to pay for qualified past, present, or future education expenses at Title IV institutions. This includes community colleges, four-year universities, and eligible career training programs. Part-time members receive a prorated amount.
Service activities
Imagine AmeriCorps members serve in a wide array of positions to strengthen communities. Common project areas include education, environmental stewardship, health, economic opportunity, disaster services, and more. Members may tutor or mentor youth, operate food banks, assist veterans, support housing initiatives and much more.
Career experience
In addition to the education award, Imagine AmeriCorps provides hands-on leadership training, networking opportunities, and career experience that are beneficial for future job or graduate school applications. National service builds resumes while making a meaningful impact.
Applying to Imagine AmeriCorps
Interested individuals can browse open Imagine AmeriCorps positions and apply directly through the AmeriCorps website. Applications are typically accepted year-round for both full and part-time placements starting at various times. The process involves:
- Researching available projects on the AmeriCorps site and identifying 2-3 potential placements of interest
- Completing an online application with a resume, references, and short essays
- Communicating directly with placement organizations as part of the selection process
- Upon selection, enrolling as an AmeriCorps member through the AmeriCorps portal
- Completing pre-orientation and onboarding requirements like background checks
- Starting intensive full or part-time national service upon agreed start date
It’s recommended to apply early as many positions fill up quickly. Starting dates can range from immediate to several months out, depending on the project. Reach out directly with any questions – AmeriCorps and placement organizations welcome inquiries to help candidates find the best fit.
Benefits of Imagine AmeriCorps Service
Beyond just the education award and experience gained, serving with Imagine AmeriCorps provides numerous professional and personal benefits:
Leadership skills
Members supervise volunteers, manage projects, develop budgets, and work independently – gaining transferable skills like problem-solving, accountability, and teamwork.
Networking opportunities
Interacting with community partners, supervisors, and fellow AmeriCorps members creates an extended network that can be leveraged for career and job openings post-service.
Résumé boosts
Commitment, initiative, and tangible accomplishments through national service, demonstrating qualities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Self-discovery
Serving diverse populations in new environments fosters cultural awareness, flexibility, and a sense of purpose. Self-confidence increases along with compassion for others.
Alternative experience
For those uncertain of the next steps, AmeriCorps offers job experience outside a traditional career – helping determine interests or acting as a bridge to the next opportunity.
Loan forbearance
Qualifying student loans may be deferred during full-time national service with no payments due and interest still accumulating. This provides short-term relief.
Overall, national service with Imagine AmeriCorps jumpstarts adult life by immersing participants in meaningful work with skill-building responsibilities – “helping others helps yourself” in the process.
Sample Imagine AmeriCorps Positions
To provide a sense of the diverse projects available through Imagine AmeriCorps, here are profiles of a few example positions:
Early Childhood Education Coordinator
Serve with United Way in Richmond, VA assisting pre-K classrooms, conducting developmental screenings, and coordinating family education events outside of school hours. Support early literacy and kindergarten readiness for at-risk youth.
Environmental Stewardship Corps Member
As part of a crew with the Student Conservation Association in Idaho City, ID, complete trail maintenance and habitat restoration tasks on public lands. Help manage invasive species and conserve natural ecosystems alongside federal land managers.
Public Health Advocate
Based in Cincinnati, OH, with Interfaith Healthcare Ministries, conducts outreach to homeless populations. Provide case management, assist with applications for social services, and address barriers to healthcare access for underserved groups.
Veterans Success Coach
Partners with Veterans Affairs in Des Moines, IA, to support former service members as they transition to civilian life. Help navigate education, employment, and housing resources and address issues like PTSD through one-on-one counseling and group programs.
Disaster Response Corps Member
Deploy nationally with the American Red Cross to set up shelters, distribute supplies and support disaster mental health goals during emergencies. Gain all-hazards response training to prepare communities and assist those impacted by crises large and small.
National service provides opportunities to serve alongside various organizations and make an impact through diverse projects. Members help address priority issues in communities from coast to coast.
Sample Imagine AmeriCorps Placement Organizations
With AmeriCorps members serving through hundreds of nonprofits, public agencies and groups each year, here are a few example Imagine AmeriCorps placement organizations to illustrate the breadth of partner opportunities:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- City Year
- Habitat for Humanity
- K12 education agencies (all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico)
- Local county health departments
- National parks/forests/lands (National Park Service, Forest Service, BLM)
- Food banks (Feeding America network)
- State/local housing organizations
- YMCA
- Catholic Charities USA
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
Members work directly with these established organizations to augment their programming and expand local community impact. Placements provide necessary training, support, and project guidance to leverage members’ time and skills effectively. The diversity of partners means there is likely an AmeriCorps opportunity matching many interests within close proximity anywhere in the country.