Frequently Asked Questions

Is AmeriCorps like the military?

No. AmeriCorps is a community service organization modeled after the Peace Corps. While the Peace Corps gives Americans the opportunity to make a difference in a foreign country, AmeriCorps gives people the opportunity to make a difference in their own communities.

What does a UL Lafayette AmeriCorps member do?

For a brief overview of service, training, and other activities, visit our About Us page. See a calendar for the current service year, click here.

How much time does AmeriCorps require?

Applicants may choose between a 900 or 450 hour commitment for the service year. AmeriCorps members with a 900 hour commitment must average just over 20-25 hours of service per week. AmeriCorps members with a 450 hour commitment must average 10-12 hours of service per week.

Do I really get paid?

All members who complete the program earn an education award, and most earn a monthly living allowance or work study payment as well.

Can you explain the differences between the 450 and 900 hour positions?

The requirements, training, and service opportunities are identical for both positions. They differ only in the amount of time commitment, living allowance, and education award.

Our service year is roughly from September through June. AmeriCorps members with a 900 hour commitment must average 20-25 hours of service per week. All 900 hour members receive a monthly living allowance (currently $555 per month) regardless of need or financial aid eligibility. In addition, these members receive an education award of $2362.50 upon successful completion of their term of service.

AmeriCorps members with a 450 hour commitment must average 10-15 hours of service per week. A limited number of these positions do receive a monthly living allowances (currently $222 per month), but most 450 hour members who are work-study eligible earn a monthly income for their service through the work-study office. (Check with the UL Lafayette Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility.) You may apply for one of these positions regardless of your work-study eligibility. All 450 hour AmeriCorps members will receive an education award of $1250 upon successful completion of their term of service.

How long is the commitment? When can I start?

All members commit to one year of service, which is actually about 9 months. The service year begins in late August and continues through early June. Our next service year begins in August 2010.

Is AmeriCorps flexible enough to fit with my school schedule?

In most cases, we can accommodate your class schedule. The easiest to accommodate are those that have 3-5 hour blocks of time available in the mornings or afternoons for service.

Can I serve more than one year?

It depends. By law, no one can serve more that two terms in any AmeriCorps. If you have never been an AmeriCorps member, at UL Lafayette or anywhere else, then you would be eligible to serve up to two terms in our program.

What if I’ve never built a house or tutored a child? Can I still serve?

Absolutely. Your skill set is not as important as your desire to serve and make a difference.

What is required to be a UL Lafayette AmeriCorps member?

The program is open to all UL Lafayette students, undergraduate or graduate, who meet the following basic criteria:

  • • U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident

  • • Registered UL Lafayette student (at least 6 college hours per fall and spring semesters)

  • • Good academic standing (2.0 or above)

Our top applicants are also mature, responsible, self-motivated, positive, and enthusiastic about making a difference in the community.

How do I apply?

The first step is to submit an online application. To apply online and learn more about the application process, click here.   
 

Please contact our office if your question has not been answered on this page.