Team Tennessee AmeriCorps

►See our funded AmeriCorps programs in Tennessee.
►See AmeriCorps Tennessee highlights.

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is the "domestic Peace Corps" where thousands of Americans, both young and young in spirit, are going to be getting things done through service in exchange for help financing their higher education or repaying their student loans. AmeriCorps seeks to harness the energy and idealism of Americans who are dedicated to making their communities -- and this country -- a better place for all of us to live. Visit this link to learn more!

What  are the different branches of AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps State & National members engage in a diverse range of service projects at local, regional, and national organizations to address critical community needs of disaster services, economic opportunity, education, healthy futures, environmental stewardship and veterans and military families.

AmeriCorps VISTA members go where the need is greatest: to communities facing poverty, inequity, and unemployment. VISTA members serve in a professional setting building partnerships, writing grants, and organizing volunteers. Above all, VISTA members are catalysts for change, working to advance local solutions. For more information on AmeriCorps VISTA program in Tennessee, please contact tn@cns.gov.

 You can also learn more on the "Other National Service Programs" page. 

AmeriCorps NCCC members strengthen communities and develop leadership skills through direct, team-based service. Teams of young adults, age 18-24, travel across the country to complete projects that meet crucial community needs. FEMA Corps members complete projects specifically designed by FEMA to support disaster preparedness and response.

What do AmeriCorps members do?

AmeriCorps is, first and foremost, about Getting Things Done, and AmeriCorps members will be engaged in solving problems and meeting a wide variety of needs across Tennessee and the country. Here in the Volunteer State, for example, AmeriCorps members will tutor at-risk youth, teach conflict resolution and mediation skills, improve the health and quality of life of senior citizens, work with families to prevent child abuse, and help children who are far behind in their growth and development to catch up to normal. And that's just for starters!

What benefits do Tennessee State Program members receive?

People can be a part of AmeriCorps in two capacities--as a part-time member or as a full-time member. Full-time AmeriCorps members must put in at least 1,700 hours of service in an approved AmeriCorps program in approximately one year. In return, they receive valuable training, a living allowance, health insurance, child care (if they qualify), and, upon completing their service, an Eli Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The education award is good for seven years and can be used to pay off student loans and/or upcoming educational expenses. Some colleges and universities match the education award.

Less than full-time AmeriCorps members must put in 300 to 1.200 hours of service in an approved AmeriCorps program over one year. Part-time AmeriCorps members may receive a living allowance if the local program offers one, and will, upon the completion of their service, receive an education award based on the number of hours served. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed work incentives to encourage individuals with disabilities to attempt and retain employment. While national service is not employment, the SSI work incentives can be used to offset the impact of receipt of the living allowance and still retain SSI benefits.

Who can be a member of AmeriCorps?

Any US citizen or legal permanent resident alien 17 years old or older can be a member of AmeriCorps, from 17 to 117! There are no other limitations, such as income. Different local programs may, however, have their own individual requirements.

How can I find out more about joining AmeriCorps?

You can contact a program directly or contact Volunteer Tennessee at 615-253-858 or via e-mail at volunteer.tennessee@tn.gov.  We'll be happy to provide you with information about the state's AmeriCorps programs.

If you're interested in being considered for AmeriCorps at sites across the country, visit www.americorps.gov or call the national recruitment database at 1-800-942-2677 (Voice) / 1-800-833-3722 (TDD) or submit a webform to AmeriCorps.

Students Training & Education in Public Service (Steps) has created an online guidebook that lays out all of the major differences between AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps to help in the decision-making process and includes a quiz that gives readers a recommendation. You can check out the quiz andf the guide at www.publicservicedegrees.org/volunteering/americorps-vs-peace-corps/.

How can I bring an AmeriCorps program to my community?

Any non-profit and state or local government agencies are eligible to host AmeriCorps programs. Contact Volunteer Tennessee at 615-253-8585 or by email volunteer.tennessee@tn.gov and we'll be happy to get you information about how your agency can apply to host an AmeriCorps program. You can also look at funding process information on our Funding Opportunities page.

What resources are there for AmeriCorps Alums?

AmeriCorps Alums (a program of Service Year Alliance) is a ational network that connects the nearly one million alumni of all AmeriCorps programs who have served since 1994 to the people, ideas, and resources that support their commitment to a lifetime of service. For resources and more information visit the  AmeriCorps Alums Site.