Program Overview | Benefits of Membership | For Current Members | For Site Supervisors

Americorps Program Overview

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engage Americans in intensive service to meet the nation’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. In June 2010, JVC Northwest became one of more than 325 organizations to receive new AmeriCorps funding under the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. By partnering with AmeriCorps, JVC Northwest is able to offer a $5,350 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to each JVC Northwest AmeriCorps member who successfully completes a year of full-time service.

What Are the Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards?

Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards are education vouchers given to AmeriCorps Members who successfully complete a required term of service for the program in which they are participating. An education award can be used in the following ways:

- To repay qualified existing or future student loans.

- To pay all or part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education (including certain vocational programs).

- To pay expenses incurred while participating in an approved school-to-work program.

JVC Northwest AmeriCorps members earn an education award of $5,350 after successfully completing 1,700 service hours. Currently each JVC Northwest AmeriCorps member is only eligible for two education awards in their lifetime, regardless of how many years they serve, or whether they have completed full or part-time terms of service, but there is a possibility this restriction will be amended in the near future.

What is the purpose of the AmeriCorps Education Awards Program?

The purpose of the AmeriCorps Education Awards Program is four-fold:

1) To expand opportunities for individuals to serve their communities as AmeriCorps members and earn educational benefits.

2) To increase the number of communities across the country where AmeriCorps members are helping meet local needs.

3) To broaden the network of national service program sponsors and strategies.

4) To encourage new non-federal resources to support service programs.

An AmeriCorps member’s service must enhance an existing program by developing a new project, offer services in a new area, or offer supplemental services which would not be provided by the service site without the member’s support.

For more information go to www.americorps.gov

How is JVC Northwest AmeriCorps Different?

JVC Northwest AmeriCorps is distinct from other AmeriCorps programs in several ways.

JVs live together in a community setting.
JVs share a commitment to the mission and values of JVC Northwest. (see Mission Statement / Core Values)
JVs receive year round support and encouragement from JVC Northwest and gain access to the network of former JVs.

Are all Jesuit Volunteers also AmeriCorps members?

While the vast majority of Jesuit Volunteers are AmeriCorps members, some are not eligible for membership due to federal guidelines specific to their personal situation or service placement.