Service with AmeriCorps is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience and give back to your community. As an AmeriCorps member, you’ll increase your monthly income and build new skills while opening up new career pathways. AmeriCorps members receive a living stipend, which, unlike an hourly wage, does not reduce SNAP benefits. Connect with your counselor to learn more about AmeriCorps service and the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP).
What Is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a national service program often referred to as the “Domestic Peace Corps.” Here in Minnesota, more than 2,000 individuals are serving in more than 200 communities statewide. People who join AmeriCorps commit to a year of service in exchange for a modest living stipend and an education award to help pay for tuition or student loans. Members gain valuable professional, educational, and life benefits, and the experience has a lasting impact on the members and the communities they serve.
AmeriCorps and MFIP
- Service in AmeriCorps programs is considered Paid Work Experience, which is a core activity.
- AmeriCorps living stipends are only considered included income for MFIP participant’s qualifications if the amount is more than minimum wage.*
- Counties should record both income received and hours of participation in AmeriCorps programs in the MAXIS system.
*For the 2021 – 2022 program year, thanks to additional funding provided through the American Rescue Plan, most program positions receive a higher living stipend this year which does impact MFIP, DWP, GA, CCAP, and GRH benefits. See DHS policy manual for more details.
Qualifications
To join AmeriCorps, you must meet these minimum qualifications by the time you begin your service:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be a citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
- Agree to and successfully complete a background check
Program Options
Reading Corps
Thousands of children need extra help to read at grade level. Take action as a tutor because kids who are strong readers by the end of 3rd grade are positioned to be strong learners for the rest of their lives. Our tutors work one-on-one or in small groups with students in kindergarten through third grade. No experience? No problem! You’ll receive great training and support to help kids build their skills and confidence. Service with Reading Corps is a great springboard for careers in education – many tutors go on to become aides, paraprofessionals and teachers.
Learn more by clicking one of the links below:
Math Corps
Thousands of children need extra help to complete math at grade level. Take action as a tutor because students who have strong foundational math skills are better prepared for success in the classroom, community and workplace. Our tutors work with pairs or small groups of students in kindergarten through 8th grade to master fundamental math skills. No experience? No problem! Math Corps provides comprehensive training in strategies proven to help students build math skills.
Learn more by clicking one of the links below:
K-3 Math Tutor positions
4-8 Math Tutor positions
Minnesota Recovery Corps
Many people do not have enough support to live a healthy life in recovery from substance use disorders. Take action by offering your time and talent as a Recovery Corps member. Members with lived experience in recovery are trained to offer mentoring, peer support and resource navigation as Recovery Navigators. Project Coordinators serve at recovery organizations where they provide much needed added capacity and focus on supporting program development, evaluation, training, workforce pipelines and community engagement. Serving and training with Recovery Corps prepares you to earn your certification as a peer recovery support specialist – a growing need in the field of addiction care.
Learn more and apply for Recovery Corps positions.
Important Dates & Benefits
Education Programs
| Hours | Apply By | Start Date | Stipend | Ed Award | Health Insurance | Child Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 8/10 | 8/29 | $450 | $2,474 | ||
| 25 | 8/10 | 8/29 | $650 | $3,247 | ||
| 35 | 8/10 | 8/29 | $900 | $4,546 | Yes | Yes |
Recovery Corps
| Hours | Apply By | Start Date | Stipend | Ed Award | Health Insurance | Child Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 8/10 | 8/29 | $650 | $3,247 | ||
| 40 | 8/10 | 8/29 | $1,100 | $6,495 | Yes | Yes |
Resources
Questions?
Contact Chris Erickson at [email protected] or 612-524-9228.