How to become a corpsmember – just the FAQs.
What is AmeriCorps?
Often described as the “domestic Peace Corps”, AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides thousands of Americans with educational awards in exchange for their community service. President Obama named AmeriCorps as one of the worthy non-profit organizations he was calling Americans to serve. Apply now.
CCNB operates four AmeriCorps programs: Restoration & Ecosystem Management, Youth in Environmental Service, Corps Respond, and our Sonoma Natural Resources Management program.
What do AmeriCorps members do?
AmeriCorps Sonoma NRC corpsmembers work throughout Sonoma County performing the vital work of making the environment safer, greener, healthier and more enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Working for land management, parks and open space, public work agencies and fire departments throughout the North Bay, crews create and maintain trails, restore sensitive habitat areas and manage vegetation to protect urban areas from fire and flood. Corpsmembers are trained to safely use a variety of hand and power tools. They can also receive certification in the operation of chainsaws and chippers. The work is hard and physical, but the rewards are great. Learn more.
What do AmeriCorps members receive?
AmeriCorps members with CCNB receive a monthly living stipend of $1,200, health insurance, networking, mentorship, and training. After completing a year of community service and a minimum of 1,700 hours, AmeriCorps members receive an education award of $5,300. This award can be used to pay existing or future qualified student loans or educational expenses. In addition, corpsmembers benefit from two years of support in developing job skills through our Corps-to-Career program. Beyond these benefits, you will learn new skills, take on new responsibilities, and know the satisfaction of building a community and helping our nation be everything it ought to be.
What are the AmeriCorps requirements?
Please see AmeriCorps Sonoma NRC position for a detailed description of requirements and duties. In order to be an AmeriCorps member, you must be:
- U.S. Citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the U.S., at least 18 years old when the program begins.
- interested in career development, participation in job-training program and development of new skills
- committed to a year long service term.
- willing to work a flexible weekly schedule; over 40 hours per week is required periodically for special events, retreats, and trainings
- have served less than two AmeriCorps service terms.
Can I defer student loans during my service with AmeriCorps?
Yes, you may qualify for forbearance during your year of service. Contact your lender for more specific information or to confirm your loan status during AmeriCorps service.
How do I join?
Conservation Corps North Bay's AmeriCorps program is comprised of members serving on the Restoration and Ecosystem Management (REM), Youth in Environmental Service (YES), Corps Respond, and Sonoma Natural Resource Management teams. To join a team, follow the instructions on the AmeriCorps Sonoma NRC Position Description.
Contact us at 415-454-4554 ext. 142.
AmeriCorps Program administered by the California Conservation Corps and sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
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