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Join AmeriCorps

There are many different ways you can serve as an AmeriCorps member. No matter what type of service you are interested in providing, there is likely an AmeriCorps program to suit your needs. To determine which program is the best fit for you, see the details below or use the chart Choosing to Serve in an Iowa AmeriCorps Program. Then, search for an available position at the AmeriCorps website (www.AmeriCorps.gov).
AmeriCorps State
AmeriCorps State members provide direct services through placements with Iowa schools, nonprofits, state and local governments, and others.

  • Examples of member service activities include tutoring youth, providing services to prevent child or domestic abuse, weatherizing homes, and recruiting community volunteers. Check out the Program Directory to see a list of current AmeriCorps State programs in Iowa.

Responsibilities:

  • AmeriCorps State members serve full-time or part-time over a period of up to 12 months, depending on their program model.
  • Typically, full-time and part time members serve a certain number of hours a week during the course of the program year, depending on the parameters of their program.
    • Full-time members must complete a minimum total of 1700 hours
    • Part-time members complete terms ranging from 300 to 900 hours
  • At least 80 percent of a member's time is spent providing service and the remaining 20 percent may be spent in training with fellow corps members.

Qualifications for applicants:

  • Must be at least 17 years old, but there is no upper age limit.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.
  • If you do not have a high school diploma or GED at the time you begin AmeriCorps service, you must agree to work towards this while serving and obtain your diploma or GED prior to claiming your education award.

Ready to serve in AmeriCorps State? Start your application today at www.americorps.gov or contact the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service at 800.308.5987 or icvs@iowa.gov for information about programs that may have available positions.

AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members provide service that aims to eliminate poverty.
What members do in Iowa:

  • Help to build capacity in nonprofits, government agencies, and faith-based groups.
  • Work to decrease school achievement gaps, improve civil rights, increase availability of affordable housing, and coordinate response to disasters.
  • Rather than offering direct service, AmeriCorps VISTA activities emphasize tasks such as fundraising, grant writing, creating training programs, and developing or improving agency systems.

Being an AmeriCorps VISTA member:

  • All AmeriCorps VISTA positions are full-time for one year
  • All members receive a living allowance and qualify for health care and child care assistance.
  • Upon successful completion of service, members have a choice of either the education award or a cash stipend.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age to join VISTA, but there is no upper age limit.
  • As with all AmeriCorps programs, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for citizenship status and also the high school diploma or GED requirement/attainment.

Ready to join AmeriCorps VISTA? VISTA placement sites are coordinated by the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Iowa Office. Contact them for more information by calling 515.284.4816 or emailing ia@cns.gov. You can start searching for positions and applying immediately through the AmeriCorps website, www.americorps.gov.

AmeriCorps NCCC
AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is the only full-time residential program through AmeriCorps:

  • A 10-month, team-based program
  • Open to men and women between the ages of 18 and 24.
  • NCCC members serve in teams based out of five campuses located across the country, including one in Vinton, Iowa.
    • Each team receives basic training before embarking on a series of short-term (six to eight week) service projects in their region. Projects may address needs related to disaster relief, public safety, environmental concerns, education, and unmet human needs.
  • Members serving in AmeriCorps NCCC are provided with housing, meals, medical benefits, uniforms, and childcare assistance, if necessary.
  • They receive a limited living allowance and a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award once they successfully complete their term of service.
  • Applicants to NCCC must meet the same education and citizenship requirements of other AmeriCorps programs.

Ready to join AmeriCorps NCCC? Apply online at www.americorps.gov or find out more information by speaking to representatives from Iowa’s Vinton campus at 319.472.9664.