AmeriCorpsNot all ACE EPIC positions are AmeriCorps positions, but if you are enrolled in an AmeriCorps term, here are some tips for navigating your term of service and fully utilizing the value of your AmeriCorps position.
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For Assistance with the my.americorps.gov website, or questions that are not answered below, you can call the National Service Hotline at 1-800-942-2677.
Student Loan Forbearance
Individuals in approved AmeriCorps positions are eligible for forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans. You should contact your loan holder to see if your loan qualifies for forbearance based upon your AmeriCorps service. If your loan holder tells you that your student loan does not qualify for forbearance based upon national service, ask them if your service qualifies you for some other type of forbearance or deferment.
How to Apply for Forbearance
After you have been fully enrolled in an AmeriCorps project, go into your account in My AmeriCorps. Full enrollment typically happens on your first day on the project site, so you will not be able to access these forms before then.
How to Apply for Forbearance
After you have been fully enrolled in an AmeriCorps project, go into your account in My AmeriCorps. Full enrollment typically happens on your first day on the project site, so you will not be able to access these forms before then.
- In your Home Page, click on the “Create Forbearance” link to bring up the page where you can request forbearance.
- Follow the instructions. Select your current term of service and identify the company that holds your student loan.
- When you click on “submit,” a request will be sent electronically to your loan company. This request will verify your involvement in AmeriCorps and request that your qualified loans be put in forbearance during your service period.
Interest Payments
If you complete your AmeriCorps term successfully, AmeriCorps will pay for any interest that accrues on qualified education loans durring the season.
How to Apply for an Interest Payment
After you have completed your service and received notification of your award, you can go into your account in My AmeriCorps.
It is a good practice to get the accrued interest paid before making a payment using your education award. This will give you a more accurate payoff amount if you want to pay off a student loan using your education award.
Access to the interest accrual documents will only show up at the end of your season once you have been fully exited from your AmeriCorps term.
If you have any questions about applying for student loan forbearance or interest accrual, you can call the AmeriCorps hotline at 1-800-942-2677.
How to Apply for an Interest Payment
After you have completed your service and received notification of your award, you can go into your account in My AmeriCorps.
- In your home page, click on the “Create Interest Accrual” link at the top of the page to bring up the page to request the payment.
- Follow the instructions. Select the appropriate term of service and type of loan. Then, identify the holder of your student loan.
- When you click on “submit,” a notice will be sent electronically to your loan company. A record of your request will appear in your account home page.
It is a good practice to get the accrued interest paid before making a payment using your education award. This will give you a more accurate payoff amount if you want to pay off a student loan using your education award.
Access to the interest accrual documents will only show up at the end of your season once you have been fully exited from your AmeriCorps term.
If you have any questions about applying for student loan forbearance or interest accrual, you can call the AmeriCorps hotline at 1-800-942-2677.
Time Off Requests
Members may not accrue hours on a day that they did not serve. ACE AmeriCorps Members are not paid employees. They are National Service Volunteers and are not entitled to paid time-off, paid vacation days, paid sick leave, etc. ACE AmeriCorps Members do not have vacation hours built into their term of service. Additional hours are scheduled to accommodate for potential injuries, illness, or unplanned project cancellations that may occur throughout their term. Therefore if a Member wishes to take any time-off, approved leave requests must be submitted to ACE staff and project partners in writing (email) at least one month in advance to be considered. All requests submitted one month in advance will be considered on a case-by-case basis with approvals dependent on Member performance and project scheduling needs. A submitted request does not guarantee any approved leave. Member should not make any travel plans prior to receiving written permission from ACE and the project partner. Members will not be granted more than 1 week approved leave at a time. Members will not be paid for any time-off. Members should not have any gaps in service outside of approved leave. If a Member requires time-off for a qualifying Compelling Personal Circumstances (CPC), they must return within 7 days or they will be officially suspended (and possibly reinstated upon return). For any questions regarding time off during your AmeriCorps term, contact your ACE point of contact.
Segal Education Award
How to use your education award: Your Education Award is managed by AmeriCorps, not ACE. Please visit the National and Community Service website, which answers a lot of common questions about your AmeriCorps Education award.
You should also be aware that your education award WILL count as income on your taxes during the year that you use it.
After you complete your program and complete all of your exit forms, the ACE office will exit you from AmeriCorps. Once you have been exited a new option will show up on your My AmeriCorps Portal, under “My Education Award.” Fill out the form in order to distribute your award directly to the lending institution or Title IV School of choice. Be sure to read through the FAQs available at the AmeriCorps website as it will answer most of your questions.
Also there are many institutions that will match your AmeriCorps award or have additional scholarships for AmeriCorps alums. You have up to seven years to use your award after you have earned it (some exceptions can be made--contact AmeriCorps for details).
If you are having trouble accessing your education award or have additional questions, you can call the AmeriCorps hotline at 1-800-942-2677.
You should also be aware that your education award WILL count as income on your taxes during the year that you use it.
After you complete your program and complete all of your exit forms, the ACE office will exit you from AmeriCorps. Once you have been exited a new option will show up on your My AmeriCorps Portal, under “My Education Award.” Fill out the form in order to distribute your award directly to the lending institution or Title IV School of choice. Be sure to read through the FAQs available at the AmeriCorps website as it will answer most of your questions.
Also there are many institutions that will match your AmeriCorps award or have additional scholarships for AmeriCorps alums. You have up to seven years to use your award after you have earned it (some exceptions can be made--contact AmeriCorps for details).
If you are having trouble accessing your education award or have additional questions, you can call the AmeriCorps hotline at 1-800-942-2677.
Discounts for AmeriCorps members
There are some companies that will provide discounts for AmeriCorps alums. You can find a list of AmeriCorps partners on the AmeriCorps Alums website here. Check back often, as additional services are added on occasion.
Geico provides discounts on insurance for AmeriCorps Alums.
myfreetaxes.com has free tax returns for AmeriCorps members and alums.
Geico provides discounts on insurance for AmeriCorps Alums.
myfreetaxes.com has free tax returns for AmeriCorps members and alums.
AmeriCorps on your resume
Having an AmeriCorps term of service on your resume can be a great thing! Many organizations recognize this program and will understand the dedication and impact of your term. Here are some tips for adding your AmeriCorps term to your resume.
my.americorps.gov will have a member side once you’ve been enrolled allowing access to forbearance request and a service letter.
“…we got more than twice the calls back from USAjobs applications after we included our AmeriCorps service letter in the attached documents when submitting. Please pass that info on to all the new and current corps members!”- Former ACE AmeriCorps Member
my.americorps.gov will have a member side once you’ve been enrolled allowing access to forbearance request and a service letter.
“…we got more than twice the calls back from USAjobs applications after we included our AmeriCorps service letter in the attached documents when submitting. Please pass that info on to all the new and current corps members!”- Former ACE AmeriCorps Member
AmeriCorps Alums
Check out this guide from CNCS about Life After AmeriCorps:
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Did you serve with AmeriCorps? Are you registered with the alumni association? If not, join now!
http://www.americorpsalums.org/Login.aspx
It’s free and allows you to connect with your local AmeriCorps Alums chapter, learn about the Career Development Program, access cool member benefits, and more!
Not sure what your plans are for after your internship experience? If you are an AmeriCorps member, check out the Employers of National Service. Their website is full of resources and links to organizations that specifically look to hire AmeriCorps Alum!
http://www.americorpsalums.org/Login.aspx
It’s free and allows you to connect with your local AmeriCorps Alums chapter, learn about the Career Development Program, access cool member benefits, and more!
Not sure what your plans are for after your internship experience? If you are an AmeriCorps member, check out the Employers of National Service. Their website is full of resources and links to organizations that specifically look to hire AmeriCorps Alum!
Future Eligibility
There are limitations on the number of terms an individual can serve in each AmeriCorps program, and on the maximum value of education awards one individual can receive.
Current limits on number of terms an individual can serve:
Although an individual can serve more than two terms, a person cannot earn more than the value of two, full-time education awards.
Each term of service for which an individual earns an education award counts as one term of service in computing the term limitations. This includes terms for which a member earns a full-time, half-time, and any other type part-time or prorated education award. A prorated education award is an award that may be earned when an individual, for reasons beyond his or her control, cannot complete the entire service period. Generally, if a member is released before completing a term of service and does not receive the education award, that term counts as one of the terms served.
Current limits on number of terms an individual can serve:
- AmeriCorps NCCC- no limit on service terms, but members may NOT serve more than two consecutive NCCC terms without a break of at least 10 months before serving again
- AmeriCorps State and National- four terms
- AmeriCorps VISTA- five total years of service
Although an individual can serve more than two terms, a person cannot earn more than the value of two, full-time education awards.
Each term of service for which an individual earns an education award counts as one term of service in computing the term limitations. This includes terms for which a member earns a full-time, half-time, and any other type part-time or prorated education award. A prorated education award is an award that may be earned when an individual, for reasons beyond his or her control, cannot complete the entire service period. Generally, if a member is released before completing a term of service and does not receive the education award, that term counts as one of the terms served.
Alternative ways to use your education award
Already went to college or have a great financial aid package? Don’t have any student loans? Don’t think you want to pursue a degree? There are many other ways to use your education award!
Get a computer, text book, or other course materials Already have a good financial aid package but still need help paying for text books and supplies? While many schools allow this, it is at the discretion of the financial aid office. You can use your award to pay for expenses within the school's predetermined Cost of Attendance. (Cost of attendance is a financial aid term for the general amount it would cost for a student to attend that school).
Some schools allow an increase of Cost of Attendance in a given year to help pay for supplies and equipment, such as a computer. Your best bet is to ask what the policy is. If you are a full-time student requesting to use the award on a computer, your chances are better than a student taking just one class. If you are a photography major, you have a better chance in asking to use the award to buy a camera than a student studying biology.
Living Expenses Need help paying rent while in school? Not all schools allow this, but it is worth looking into. It is more likely for them to accept the award if you live in student housing, but contact your financial aid office to determine if they will accept the award.
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) NOLS offers a variety of classes around the world in mountaineering, rock climbing, horse packing, skiing/snowboarding, and wilderness medicine. There are also classes to become instructors and special courses for adults. NOLS will even match a portion of your award for certain semester-long and year-long courses. The AmeriCorps match rate change frequently, so be sure to check with NOLS for most up to date match rates before signing up. Find out more here.
Outward Bound Similar to NOLS, Outward Bound has some really cool outdoor courses across the country. There are even some courses that you can receive college credit through certain institutions. Courses vary from one-week to an entire semester or instructor courses to gain experience in outdoor skills, leadership and group facilitation and embark on a career in experiential education. Learn more about how to use your Ed Award here.
Medical Skills Training: interested in pursuing wilderness medicine certifications? There are many programs that will accept the AmeriCorps award.
Wilderness EMT (via Aerie Backcountry Medicine, NOLS)
Wilderness First Responder (via NOLS)
Swiftwater Rescue Technician: Earn college credit for water rescue certifications and kayak safety classes through University of Idaho or and University of Utah.
Aerie Backcountry Medicine: Aerie offers a variety of programs across the country and internationally. You can take anything from Wilderness First Aid to a full semester in Wilderness Medicine. You can receive college credit through University of Montana for most courses and use your education award to pay for it. Learn more here.
Colorado Fire Camp: You can use your award to take any of the following classes from Colorado Fire Camp: Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I, First Responder, S-130/190, Firefighter 2, S-131/133/211, Firefighter 1, S-212, Sawyer/Faller, S-230/231, Crew Boss/Engine Boss, S-234 and Ignition Operations. Refresher classes are also available if you just want a review. It’s a great way to get your red card or brush up on your skills. Learn more about Colorado Fire Camp here.
Kling Mountain Guides: You can use your award to take Kling Mountain Guide classes, if you sign up for the college credit option through San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico. You don’t have to be a student there to enroll. You can learn more here.
Scuba Diving for College Credit: Want to learn how to scuba dive or brush up on your skills? Some colleges and community colleges offer scuba diving classes and certification programs through the Academy of Scuba. The Scuba For College Credit program will enable you to extend your Scuba skills far beyond a beginner course. You can develop your professional skills through our Continuing Education Platform or take “credit” courses, including Advanced Scuba Diver and several specialties for Marine Life Behavior and Underwater Ecology. You may have to enroll as a student first, in order to register for scuba class, but don’t let that prevent you from registering. Check your local community college to see what they have to offer, you may even be able to use your award for your scuba gear!
Sign-language Certification: Want to learn sign language? Take an introductory class or become a certified interpreter. Check with your local community college or university to see if they offer what you are looking for.
Trade Schools: Trade school is a great option to become trained in a particular career or a way to learn a new skill. Consider going to culinary school, becoming a massage therapist, or even getting your pilots license!If you would like to go to a trade school, check to see if the school is on the Title IV list. It might take some work to find the ideal school in a desirable location that will accept your education award. Don't forget to check community colleges! These institutions often provide the same focus areas as trade schools but for a fraction of the cost.
Non Profit Management Certificates: If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can take online non-profit management classes and attend a conference to be certified in non-profit leadership through the Non Profit Leadership Alliance. The NPLA is a national alliance of colleges, universities, and nonprofits whose mission is to educate, prepare, and certify professionals to strengthen and lead nonprofit organizations. Participation in the Nonprofit Leadership program builds on and enhances degrees by providing the skills and knowledge to achieve success as an entry level nonprofit professional. Graduate level classes may also be available, depending on the school. Learn more about this program here.
Non Profit Management Intensive Track at Duke University: Earn a certificate in non-profit management in just 8 days through the Continuing Studies program at Duke University. You don’t need to be a student at Duke to enroll. Register in advance as registration tends to close quickly. Learn more about this program here.
Yoga Teacher Certification There are generally two ways to do this. You can either go through a community college that offers yoga instructor certification classes or go through a non-profit certification program that accepts financial aid. Community college programs are generally cheaper and may be more familiar with financial aid, but private programs are worth looking into as well.
Leave No Trace Master Educator Become certified to become a Leave No Trace Educator through NOLS. This course is only 5 days long and averages about $600-$800 in cost. Read more about the program here.
Global Service Corps: Global Service Corps offers an overseas service experience with optional college credit and the chance to use your education award for program fees, airfare, and related expenses.Whether serving inTanzania, Cambodia, or Thailand, AmeriCorps alumni can stay involved in issues that are important to them while they make a positive impact on global communities. Global Service Corps community development projects focus on the areas of health, education, and nutrition. Programs are offered throughout the year and range in length from as short as two weeks, to more intensive internships lasting six months or longer. College credits are also available for all programs, though it is not required to earn credit to use the education award. Learn more here.
Overseas Schools: Want to study abroad or go to school in another country? A number of schools overseas and in Mexico and Canada are listed as Title IV and accept the award. You can also browse this document to see if the school you are interested in is Title IV. If your My AmeriCorps account won't allow you to send funds to the overseas school, you might consider taking out a Stafford or other federal student loan and then repaying the loan with your award.
If an overseas school is NOT listed as Title IV but you would still like to attend using your education award, you might be able to enroll in a school stateside and participate in an exchange program. That way, you are paying your tuition to a school inside the U.S. while attending a school overseas. To make this option work, it will take a bit of research on your part.
Start Your Own Business: Ever thought about starting your own business? Most community colleges have business start-up classes that coach you while you start your business. Some schools even offer business incubator opportunities, which is a place for your business to grow during its beginning stages. There, you will have support, access to resources, and networking opportunities with other new entrepreneurs. Check with your local community college to see what entrepreneurship opportunities they offer.
Enrichment Classes: You can use your award to take a single class at a community college or public university, as long as it's Title IV. You can take classes like guitar, swimming, photography, or anything else that's offered. If you take one or two classes per quarter at a community college, you can make your award last for years and gain a great deal of enrichment. The award can also apply to writer's conferences and other activities offered through schools, as long as the tuition is paid to an eligible institution.
Get a computer, text book, or other course materials Already have a good financial aid package but still need help paying for text books and supplies? While many schools allow this, it is at the discretion of the financial aid office. You can use your award to pay for expenses within the school's predetermined Cost of Attendance. (Cost of attendance is a financial aid term for the general amount it would cost for a student to attend that school).
Some schools allow an increase of Cost of Attendance in a given year to help pay for supplies and equipment, such as a computer. Your best bet is to ask what the policy is. If you are a full-time student requesting to use the award on a computer, your chances are better than a student taking just one class. If you are a photography major, you have a better chance in asking to use the award to buy a camera than a student studying biology.
Living Expenses Need help paying rent while in school? Not all schools allow this, but it is worth looking into. It is more likely for them to accept the award if you live in student housing, but contact your financial aid office to determine if they will accept the award.
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) NOLS offers a variety of classes around the world in mountaineering, rock climbing, horse packing, skiing/snowboarding, and wilderness medicine. There are also classes to become instructors and special courses for adults. NOLS will even match a portion of your award for certain semester-long and year-long courses. The AmeriCorps match rate change frequently, so be sure to check with NOLS for most up to date match rates before signing up. Find out more here.
Outward Bound Similar to NOLS, Outward Bound has some really cool outdoor courses across the country. There are even some courses that you can receive college credit through certain institutions. Courses vary from one-week to an entire semester or instructor courses to gain experience in outdoor skills, leadership and group facilitation and embark on a career in experiential education. Learn more about how to use your Ed Award here.
Medical Skills Training: interested in pursuing wilderness medicine certifications? There are many programs that will accept the AmeriCorps award.
Wilderness EMT (via Aerie Backcountry Medicine, NOLS)
Wilderness First Responder (via NOLS)
Swiftwater Rescue Technician: Earn college credit for water rescue certifications and kayak safety classes through University of Idaho or and University of Utah.
Aerie Backcountry Medicine: Aerie offers a variety of programs across the country and internationally. You can take anything from Wilderness First Aid to a full semester in Wilderness Medicine. You can receive college credit through University of Montana for most courses and use your education award to pay for it. Learn more here.
Colorado Fire Camp: You can use your award to take any of the following classes from Colorado Fire Camp: Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I, First Responder, S-130/190, Firefighter 2, S-131/133/211, Firefighter 1, S-212, Sawyer/Faller, S-230/231, Crew Boss/Engine Boss, S-234 and Ignition Operations. Refresher classes are also available if you just want a review. It’s a great way to get your red card or brush up on your skills. Learn more about Colorado Fire Camp here.
Kling Mountain Guides: You can use your award to take Kling Mountain Guide classes, if you sign up for the college credit option through San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico. You don’t have to be a student there to enroll. You can learn more here.
Scuba Diving for College Credit: Want to learn how to scuba dive or brush up on your skills? Some colleges and community colleges offer scuba diving classes and certification programs through the Academy of Scuba. The Scuba For College Credit program will enable you to extend your Scuba skills far beyond a beginner course. You can develop your professional skills through our Continuing Education Platform or take “credit” courses, including Advanced Scuba Diver and several specialties for Marine Life Behavior and Underwater Ecology. You may have to enroll as a student first, in order to register for scuba class, but don’t let that prevent you from registering. Check your local community college to see what they have to offer, you may even be able to use your award for your scuba gear!
Sign-language Certification: Want to learn sign language? Take an introductory class or become a certified interpreter. Check with your local community college or university to see if they offer what you are looking for.
Trade Schools: Trade school is a great option to become trained in a particular career or a way to learn a new skill. Consider going to culinary school, becoming a massage therapist, or even getting your pilots license!If you would like to go to a trade school, check to see if the school is on the Title IV list. It might take some work to find the ideal school in a desirable location that will accept your education award. Don't forget to check community colleges! These institutions often provide the same focus areas as trade schools but for a fraction of the cost.
Non Profit Management Certificates: If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can take online non-profit management classes and attend a conference to be certified in non-profit leadership through the Non Profit Leadership Alliance. The NPLA is a national alliance of colleges, universities, and nonprofits whose mission is to educate, prepare, and certify professionals to strengthen and lead nonprofit organizations. Participation in the Nonprofit Leadership program builds on and enhances degrees by providing the skills and knowledge to achieve success as an entry level nonprofit professional. Graduate level classes may also be available, depending on the school. Learn more about this program here.
Non Profit Management Intensive Track at Duke University: Earn a certificate in non-profit management in just 8 days through the Continuing Studies program at Duke University. You don’t need to be a student at Duke to enroll. Register in advance as registration tends to close quickly. Learn more about this program here.
Yoga Teacher Certification There are generally two ways to do this. You can either go through a community college that offers yoga instructor certification classes or go through a non-profit certification program that accepts financial aid. Community college programs are generally cheaper and may be more familiar with financial aid, but private programs are worth looking into as well.
Leave No Trace Master Educator Become certified to become a Leave No Trace Educator through NOLS. This course is only 5 days long and averages about $600-$800 in cost. Read more about the program here.
Global Service Corps: Global Service Corps offers an overseas service experience with optional college credit and the chance to use your education award for program fees, airfare, and related expenses.Whether serving inTanzania, Cambodia, or Thailand, AmeriCorps alumni can stay involved in issues that are important to them while they make a positive impact on global communities. Global Service Corps community development projects focus on the areas of health, education, and nutrition. Programs are offered throughout the year and range in length from as short as two weeks, to more intensive internships lasting six months or longer. College credits are also available for all programs, though it is not required to earn credit to use the education award. Learn more here.
Overseas Schools: Want to study abroad or go to school in another country? A number of schools overseas and in Mexico and Canada are listed as Title IV and accept the award. You can also browse this document to see if the school you are interested in is Title IV. If your My AmeriCorps account won't allow you to send funds to the overseas school, you might consider taking out a Stafford or other federal student loan and then repaying the loan with your award.
If an overseas school is NOT listed as Title IV but you would still like to attend using your education award, you might be able to enroll in a school stateside and participate in an exchange program. That way, you are paying your tuition to a school inside the U.S. while attending a school overseas. To make this option work, it will take a bit of research on your part.
Start Your Own Business: Ever thought about starting your own business? Most community colleges have business start-up classes that coach you while you start your business. Some schools even offer business incubator opportunities, which is a place for your business to grow during its beginning stages. There, you will have support, access to resources, and networking opportunities with other new entrepreneurs. Check with your local community college to see what entrepreneurship opportunities they offer.
Enrichment Classes: You can use your award to take a single class at a community college or public university, as long as it's Title IV. You can take classes like guitar, swimming, photography, or anything else that's offered. If you take one or two classes per quarter at a community college, you can make your award last for years and gain a great deal of enrichment. The award can also apply to writer's conferences and other activities offered through schools, as long as the tuition is paid to an eligible institution.