FAQs

What does AmeriCorps look like in California?

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, is the state office tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteering, and civic action to tackle our state’s most pressing challenges. California Volunteers is the state commission for AmeriCorps and leverages nearly $82 million in public and private funding to support AmeriCorps programs operating in California.

Nationally, there are approximately 64,000 AmeriCorps State and National members serving a year. California Volunteers has the largest AmeriCorps State program in the country. AmeriCorps members serving in California are part of a network of over 4,500 members in over 1,000 locations, including schools, nonprofits, public agencies, and community centers across the state.

FAQs for AmeriCorps Members

  • AmeriCorps members who are part of the California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) AmeriCorps Initiative receive bimonthly stipends. They are a flat amount based on whether a member serves quarter-time, half-time or full-time.

  • Yes, all members receive training at the beginning of their service, as well as project-specific training during service. Members will review a 2-part zoom recording orientation before beginning their service, and then virtually attend a live 2-part zoom orientation later in their first month.

  • Individuals in approved AmeriCorps positions are eligible for forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans. In addition, interest payments that accrue during service may be eligible for repayment by AmeriCorps. Contact your lender for more specific information or to confirm your loan status during AmeriCorps service. For more information, please visit the AmeriCorps Education Award page.

  • After successfully completing your AmeriCorps term of service and enrolling in the National Service Trust, you are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

    Additionally, if you are a full-time member who successfully completes your term of service you’ll receive a second education award from California Volunteers, Office of the Governor.

  • The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award amounts for national service positions approved in Fiscal Year 2023 (October 1, 2022-September 30, 2023) are:

    Full-time service position - $6,895.00

    Halt-time service position - $3,447.50

    Quarter-time service position - $1,824.07

    The California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, Education Award (for full-time members only) is $3,105.00.

    Therefore, full-time members who successfully complete their term of service receive a total education award of $10,000.00.

  • The California Library Literacy Services AmeriCorps Initiative is a one year term of service from Nov. 1, 2022 - Oct. 31, 2022.

    There are full-time, half-time and quarter-time positions.

    Full-time positions must serve a minimum of 1,700 hours during the term to earn the Education Award.

    Half-time members must serve a minimum of 900 hours during the term to earn the Education Award.

    Quarter-time members must serve a minimum of 450 hours during the term to earn the Education Award.

  • To be a member in the California Library Literacy Services AmeriCorps Initiative you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States.

  • Most programs look for people with a passion for service and do not require specific skills. Some programs list desired skills or look for applicants with specific education, volunteer, or job experience. CLLS AmeriCorps library sites may have additional requirements.

    AmeriCorps members must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

    They must be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of their term of service.

    Members must be high school graduates, GED recipients, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service. They must agree to obtain either a diploma or GED before using the education award.

    All members must pass an FBI database criminal history check and a sex offender database check via Truescreen and Fieldprint. These background checks are free to the member applicant.

    Individuals who have been convicted of murder or those who are required to register on a sex offender public registry are not eligible to serve in AmeriCorps.

  • Yes. AmeriCorps is often referred to as “the domestic Peace Corps.” Both agencies are committed to service, and both offer challenging and rewarding opportunities. Peace Corps assignments are all overseas, and AmeriCorps members serve only in the US. While Peace Corps Volunteers serve for two years, a stint in AmeriCorps usually lasts 10 months to one year. AmeriCorps members may serve more than one term of service.