AmeriCorps Application Instructions & Forms

AmeriCorps Volunteers are carefully matched with positions and host sites based on suitability and qualifications. Volunteers provide direct services to immigrants and refugees such as access to resources, academic support, and employment opportunities. Their support spans a wide range of services, including case management, integration assistance, English language instruction, interpretation, transportation, and much more. These services represent just a glimpse of the extensive support AmeriCorps Volunteers provide through the ACCESS Project as they guide immigrant and refugee families toward self-sufficiency, community integration, and long-term stability.

In addition, AmeriCorps Volunteers engage in community outreach, build capacity for host sites through volunteer coordination, and collaborate with community partner organizations to strengthen services for these marginalized communities.

1.  Professional Development: AmeriCorps Volunteers receive training from both the program and their host site on topics such as cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, mental health wellness, immigration law and citizenship, cultural awareness, and more. These trainings help Volunteers engage effectively with immigrant and refugee communities. By the end of the service year, Volunteers gain valuable experience and transferable skills to enhance their resumes and employability post service.
2. Living Allowance and Benefits: AmeriCorps Volunteers receive a living allowance based on their service commitment: up to $25,000 for full-time, $18,500 for three-quarter-time, and $12,500 for part-time. The allowance is taxable and slightly reduced after deductions. Volunteers may apply for Food Stamps for additional support. Full-time volunteers may also be eligible for health insurance if uninsured and can apply for childcare subsidies for children ages 0–13, with eligibility based on family income.
3. Education Award: Upon completing their service, AmeriCorps Volunteers earn an education award: up to $7,395 for full-time, $5,176.50 for three-quarter-time, and $3,697.50 for part-time. Awards must be used within seven years and are subject to tax when used. The award can be applied to:
   • Repaying qualified student loans
   • Paying educational expenses

To serve in an AmeriCorps program, individuals must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete National Service Criminal History Checks
• Have a valid Social Security card (not “For Work Authorization Only”)
• Provide proof of completed education (high school diploma, GED, or college degree)

Applicants do not need to be UNCG students—any eligible individual is encouraged to apply.

Some positions may have additional requirements based on specific service activities.

Some AmeriCorps positions require Volunteers to provide transportation or use their personal vehicle. AmeriCorps ACCESS Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage when attending program trainings and events.

For service specific travel activities, mileage reimbursement from the host site may vary and is specified in the individual Volunteer Service Description.

AmeriCorps ACCESS Volunteers commit to one year of service, from early September to August 31of the following year.

 Individuals may serve up to four terms but can earn no more than the equivalent of two full-time education awards. Returning to the ACCESS Project depends on successful completion of previous terms and AmeriCorps Volunteer performance. Former ACCESS Volunteers must reapply and complete the interview process for reconsideration.

1. Application Submission and Review
   • Applicants submit a completed application with required documentation. ACCESS staff review the application for completeness and refer eligible applicants to the appropriate host site. Referral materials include the applicant’s ACCESS Volunteer application, resume, and two reference forms. Applicants are copied on the referral email.
2. Site Supervisor Review and Interview
   • The host site supervisor reviews the applicant’s materials and decides whether to schedule an interview based on the referral documents. After interviewing candidates, the supervisor recommends applicants to move forward in the selection process.
3. Final Interview and Selection
   • Recommended applicants are contacted by ACCESS staff to schedule a second interview with the Program Director. Applicants should have all the required documents ready for this interview. The Program Director makes the final selection, and both applicant and host site are notified.
4. Background Checks and Eligibility Verification
   • Selected applicants must complete required UNCG and AmeriCorps background checks, including:
     • UNCG: Criminal background check, Sex Offender Registry check, DMV check (if using a personal vehicle)
     • AmeriCorps: National Sex Offender Public Website search, state criminal history checks (applicant’s state and North Carolina), FBI fingerprint-based check
   • Applicants must also verify U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or lawful permanent residency, and provide a valid Social Security Number.
5. Acceptance and Orientation
   • Once all checks and verifications are complete, applicants receive an acceptance letter and must attend a two-day, in-person AmeriCorps Volunteer Orientation before beginning service. AmeriCorps Volunteers cannot start serving or earning hours prior to completing Orientation and the program start date.
   • Most service schedules follow regular business hours, but Volunteers may coordinate schedules with their host site supervisor.

AmeriCorps Volunteers may complete the program early, often for graduate school or other opportunities. To successfully finish, Volunteers must meet the required service hours, complete all trainings, and submit all necessary documents. Volunteers should discuss early exit plans with ACCESS staff and their site supervisor as soon as possible.

Voluntary exits or releases due to performance before meeting the minimum service hours result in forfeiture of the education award and interest accrual payments. Stipend, health, and childcare benefits also end upon exit. Volunteers leaving for documented circumstances beyond their control may be eligible for a portion of their education award and interest payments.

Yes, AmeriCorps Volunteers receive a living allowance, paid in monthly installments and is subject to state and federal taxes. Upon successfully completing program requirements, Volunteers also earn an education award that can be used to repay qualified student loans or pay educational expenses at eligible institutions.

• Full-Time: Serve at least 1,700 hours per year, earn up to $25,000 in living allowance and $7,395 in education award
• Three-Quarter-Time: Serve at least 1,200 hours per year, earn up to $18,500 in living allowance and $5,176.50 in education award
• Part-Time: Serve at least 900 hours per year, earn up to $12,500 in living allowance and $3,697.50 in education award

Volunteers may take additional employment if it does not interfere with their service schedule or duties. However, they may not be employed by their service site during their term of service.

The ACCESS Project provides AmeriCorps Volunteers with multiple training opportunities. All Volunteers attend a mandatory two-day orientation at the start of the service year. Additional required and supplemental trainings for skills and professional development are provided throughout the year by the ACCESS Project. Host sites also offer service-specific training and other professional development opportunities to enhance service delivery.

The ACCESS Project does not provide housing or relocation assistance, and there are no funds available to cover these costs. AmeriCorps Volunteers are responsible for all housing-related expenses.

What is an education award?
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is a post-service benefit given to AmeriCorps Volunteers who complete a term of national service in an approved AmeriCorps program.

How much is the education award?
The award amount depends on the type of position served.

• Full-Time AmeriCorps Volunteers: $7,395
• Three-Quarter-Time AmeriCorps Volunteers: $5,176.50
• Part-Time AmeriCorps Volunteers: $3,697.5

When do AmeriCorps Volunteers receive their education award?
Volunteers are eligible for the award after completing program requirements and receiving a satisfactory end-of-year performance evaluation.

What can the education award be used for?
AmeriCorps Volunteers can use the award to repay qualified student loans or pay for qualified educational expenses.

Is the education award taxable?
Yes. The award is subject to taxes in the year it is used. AmeriCorps provides an IRS Form 1099 for tax reporting.

How long do AmeriCorps Volunteers have to use it?
Volunteers have 7 years from the date of issuance to use the award. Extensions may be available under certain conditions.

What is a loan forbearance?
AmeriCorps Volunteers serving in an approved AmeriCorps position may be eligible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through loan forbearance.

How do I know if my student loan is eligible?
The AmeriCorps agency cannot approve or deny forbearance requests; it only verifies that you are in an approved national service position. Only your loan company can determine eligibility and approve the request. Some private loans or loans in default may not qualify. Volunteers are responsible for confirming eligibility with their lender.

How can I request a forbearance?
Volunteers can request a forbearance directly through their loan company or through my.americorps.gov after enrollment in the program.

What is an interest accrual payment?
While your loan is in forbearance during your service term, interest continues to accrue. If you successfully complete your term of service, the National Service Trust will pay all or part of the interest accrued on your qualified student loans during your service.

How can I request an interest accrual payment?
AmeriCorps Volunteers can request an interest accrual payment through www.my.americorps.gov after enrollment in the program.

Is the interest accrual payment taxable?
Yes. The amount paid by the National Service Trust is subject to taxes in the year it is used. A 1099 form will be issued for tax reporting.

Only full-time AmeriCorps Volunteers are eligible to apply for childcare assistance. Eligibility is determined based on individual income.

Only full-time AmeriCorps Volunteers are eligible for health insurance coverage that meets Affordable Care Act requirements. Insurance is available to Volunteers who do not already have coverage. ACCESS pays the monthly premium, while Volunteers are responsible for co-pays and any costs from healthcare visits.