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The Corps Experience at College Possible

College Possible's AmeriCorps members are talented, passionate people who will do whatever it takes to help students earn admission to and succeed in college. The Corps consists of recent college graduates from across the country who have diverse knowledge and experiences. They all bring with them a desire to change the world and the determination to make it happen.

At College Possible, AmeriCorps members strive to be idealistic leaders even as they encounter obstacles in their service. They serve students directly as coaches and help build the organization's capacity by planning events, fundraising and supporting public relations.

After a year of service (although many people stick around for two), Corps members have gained the skills and experiences to prepare them for careers in education, public service, business, and much more, while knowing their time with College Possible has changed the lives of low-income students forever. Former Corps members, who go on to pursue a variety of careers, say it was most challenging and rewarding professional experience they've ever had. And not only do they have fun while doing it, they make friendships that last a lifetime. You can read their first-hand experiences here.

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The AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA Experience
AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA are national service programs that offer opportunities to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. College Possible's AmeriCorps team is made up of recent college graduates who serve a term of 10 to 12 months. They are part of every area of our organization - program, development, communications and administration.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are AmeriCorps VISTA & AmeriCorps?
VISTA began in the 1960s and stands for Volunteers In Service To America. VISTA members help build capacity in organizations and assist them in becoming stronger and better at what they do as a community organization. College Possible’s VISTAs develop professional skill sets in communications and development that are highly valued in the nonprofit community.

AmeriCorps was created in 1993. AmeriCorps joined VISTA and both (along with other programs) reside under the large “AmeriCorps” national service umbrella. Members provide direct program service.

What is the relationship between College Possible and AmeriCorps?
Both AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps are a part of the same national service organization (AmeriCorps) where individuals serve in community organizations on various issues: education, housing, technology, health industry, and others. Because College Possible receives federal AmeriCorps funding (through a grant process) to implement the program, the organization is considered an AmeriCorps program. For further clarification, please visit the AmeriCorps website at www.americorps.gov.

What is a living allowance?
The AmeriCorps living allowance is the financial support provided to service members during their year of service. AmeriCorps provides about $11,000 for AmeriCorps VISTA service (approximately 1800 hours over 12 months) and AmeriCorps service (1700 hours over 10-12 months, depending on position).

What is the education award?
A $5,350 education award can be used to repay student loans or for future education expenses. Federal student loans may be deferred during the term of service; a 10 month (September 2010-June 2011) or 12 month (August 2010-August 2011) commitment is required (depending on position).

When do I receive the living allowance and education award?
The AmeriCorps living allowance is distributed every 2 weeks and the AmeriCorps VISTA living allowance is distributed 2 times per month. The education award ($5,350) is given to the Member after his or her term of service (after 10 or 12 months, depending on position).

Where will I be placed for service?
AmeriCorps High School Coaches are based in their designated high schools Monday through Thursday and spend Friday at the College Possible office for staff meetings and training.

Workshop/Volunteer AmeriCorps Members are based at the College Possible office but spend significant time during the week in their designated high schools alongside high school staff, College Possible Coaches and students, Monday-Friday.

AmeriCorps College Coaches are based either at the College Possible office or a designated college campus, but spend time on college campuses connecting with College Possible alumni, Monday-Friday.

Events & Consortium AmeriCorps Members and Communications & Development VISTAs are based at the College Possible office, Monday-Friday.

For All Positions: Weekend events occur frequently, and Corps members are required to attend many of them.

Is there health coverage?
Yes, health coverage is offered at no cost to the Members.

Am I able to have an additional (part-time) job?
The rules and regulations of AmeriCorps VISTA state that a VISTA member may not hold another job during their term of service.

AmeriCorps does allow members to hold another job during their term of service. Outside commitments must not interfere with the obligations of an College Possible term of service.

Do you have questions about serving as an AmeriCorps or VISTA member? Find out more from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

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