Wednesday, November 10, 2010

How to Survive on an AmeriCorps Salary – Thoughts from Citizen Schools and City Year Reps

Citizen Schools and City Year are two organizations with great opportunities for seniors interested in short-term work experiences after graduation. Both nonprofits have locations in Boston and a number of other cities across the U.S. In addition, both have high rates of retention and are concerned with participants’ professional development during their programs. A few weeks ago, representatives from Citizen Schools and City Year visited the Tufts campus to chat about their organizations and give advice for making the most of a year (or two) of service, including stretching a living stipend to cover one’s expenses (totally do-able, by the way!)

First, some quick facts about both organizations:

Citizen Schools – National Teaching Fellowship
Fellows spend two years pursuing three intensive educational professional development opportunities, gaining hands-on experience at middle schools, work experience with community organizations, and academic training through pursuit of a Master's degree.

Deadlines
Apply by January 7; Notification by February 25
Apply by March 11; Notification by April 29

Benefits
  • AmeriCorps educational award at the completion of your service (can be used for existing or future loans)
  • Fellows receive the largest stipend allowed by AmeriCorps (~$22,800)
  • Health Insurance
  • Student loan forbearance
  • 3 weeks vacation
  • 403B retirement benefits
  • Transportation allowance
  • Laptop for use during program

City Year – Corps Members
As a City Year corps member, you will serve full-time as a tutor and mentor in schools, running after-school programs, leading and developing youth leadership programs, and vacation camps to make a difference in the lives of children and their communities. Although most of your corps experience will be working with kids, you will also help rebuild neighborhoods and perform a variety of transformative physical service projects.

Deadlines
Apply by November 15; Notification by December 17
Apply by February 1; Notification by March 1
Apply by April 1; Notification by May 1
Apply by May 15; Notification by June 15

They typically receive about 850 applications for 170 positions
Applying early is always better for ensuring a spot in the Corps, though there will still be spots for those who apply at later deadlines

Benefits
  • AmeriCorps educational award at the completion of your service (can be used for existing or future loans)
  • Bi-weekly living stipend
  • Cell phone provided by T-Mobile
  • Health Insurance
  • Student Loan forbearance
  • Networking sessions and professional development
  • Leadership development trainings
  • Uniform provided by The Timberland Company and ARAMARK
  • Online community where accepted Corps Members can discuss housing

Recommendations for making the most of your living stipend:
  • Plan ahead – think about your expenses (necessities vs. areas where you might be able to cut back)
  • Leverage your resources – this may include applying for federal assistance programs like food stamps and making sure your student loans are in forbearance
  • Collaborate with co-workers – find an inexpensive apartment, share grocery and other common expenses
  • Consider part-time work if your time allows – for example, some Corps Members with City Year have found part-time weekend jobs to supplement their stipends
  • Remember why you’re there – you’ll certainly face some tough times during a year of service, and remembering your reasons for wanting to serve will help you face those challenges and emerge a stronger person

For questions about Citizen Schools or City Year, contact our Tufts liaisons:

Sheldon Johnson
Campus Recruitment Manager
Citizen Schools
617.695.2300 ext. 1104
sheldonj@citizenschools.org

Jamaal Williams
Recruitment Manager
City Year Boston
617.927.2511
JWilliams@cityyear.org