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?

All of our members commit to 450 hours for the service year, which runs from September through May. A 450 hour commitment requires10-12 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 living allowances, work-study, and education awards?

AmeriCorps members who are work-study eligible can get paid each month through the federal work-study program. (Check with the UL Lafayette Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility.) Members who are not work-study eligible can recive a monthly living allowance of approximately $300, although there are a limited number of those slots available. Finally, some members may choose to serve without any living allowance or work-study payment at all.

The Segal Education Award is given to every member who completes the program, regardless of work-study or living allowance status. The Education award can be used to pay current educational expenses, student loans, or future educational expenses (within 7 years). The current value of the Segal Education Award is approximately $1400.

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 2012.

Is AmeriCorps flexible enough to fit with my school schedule?

All of our members are UL Lafayete students, so accommodating class schedules is a must. The easiest to accommodate are those that have 4-5 hour blocks of time available in the mornings or afternoons for service. In some cases, school schedules with limited availability may not be compatible with an AmeriCorps service commitment.

Can I serve more than one year?

If you have never been an AmeriCorps member, at UL Lafayette or anywhere else, then you would be eligible to serve up to three terms in our program. Applicants with previous AmeriCorps experience may be subject to further term restrictions.

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.