AmeriCorps Overview
As part of being a Teach For America corps member, you may be enrolled as an AmeriCorps member. AmeriCorps is a federal government program (part of the Corporation for National and Community Service) that encourages and enables Americans to give back to their communities through service. By enrolling in AmeriCorps, you are joining a nationwide community of service-minded individuals! AmeriCorps programs in Texas, funded by the OneStar Foundation, are doing amazing things, and you get to be a part of that movement!
If you have questions, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions section on this page first, and contact Cari Meggyesy ([email protected]>) for further clarifications.
In addition to being part of a huge service movement nationwide, there are also some financial benefits* that you receive as an AmeriCorps member:
If you have questions, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions section on this page first, and contact Cari Meggyesy ([email protected]>) for further clarifications.
In addition to being part of a huge service movement nationwide, there are also some financial benefits* that you receive as an AmeriCorps member:
- Loan forbearance on eligible student loans (this does not include parent loans such as Parent PLUS loans)
- Payment of eligible student loan interest that accrues while your loans are in forbearance during service (this does not include reimbursements for interest already paid)
- Education award of approximately $5,500 at the end of each AmeriCorps service year, which can be used to repay qualified post-secondary student loans, pay educational expenses at a qualified higher education institution, or pay expenses while participating in an approved school-to-work program
Timeline
There are several steps in the AmeriCorps enrollment process. This page provides a brief overview of critical dates.
Note: Action steps that you must take are in bold.
Note: Action steps that you must take are in bold.
Time |
Description |
Pre-Institute |
|
Institute |
Complete and sign all required enrollment paperwork: (For example: Emergency Contact Information, AmeriCorps Enrollment Form, Requirements Policies and Procedures, Corps Member Job Description, and Dallas-Fort Worth Corps Member Contract) |
Fall 2018 |
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Spring 2019 |
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July 2019 |
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AmeriCorps Rules and Regulations
Receiving the benefits of AmeriCorps membership comes with some responsibility. You will sign a "Requirements, Policies, & Procedures" contract before your service term begins that clearly outlines all of the rules and regulations associated with AmeriCorps membership, but here's a quick overview.
What Should I Do? |
What Shouldn't I Do? |
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While accumulating service hours (while at work), using AmeriCorps funds/resources, or wearing AmeriCorps apparel, you cannot engage in the following:
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The AmeriCorps education award and interest accrual payments are considered taxable income by the IRS in the calendar year in which they are used. If the education award and interest accrual payments total more than $600 in a calendar year, CNCS will send CMs a 1099 IRS form to be used in preparing their income tax return. If your CMs have any questions regarding this, they should visit the CNCS website and consult with a tax advisor, as TFA cannot provide tax advice to CMs.
2018_-_2019_americorps_overview.pdf | |
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