<p>I posted this in another forum but got no replies. So here goes...</p>
<p>I've recently been considering a gap year after high school. I was wondering if any of you had experience (personally, or through your children) of doing Americorps for just under a year. I would be doing an Americorps National/State program, since I'm only a high school graduate.</p>
<p>However, I have a ton of questions.</p>
<p>Was it a useful experience (and how so)?</p>
<p>I'm primarily interested in expanding my leadership skills and real-world experience. Does this program help with that? (I know that there a re a bunch of different programs, though)</p>
<p>One problem is that I have limited experience with community service (mostly, I volunteered as a school tutor and as a debate judge). However, that's actually one reason this program seems interesting: to allow me some exploration. Do they accept people with no work experience/limited community service?</p>
<p>I'm interested in doing a program that's away from home. However, few programs provide housing, instead providing a "living allowance." Is this enough for housing? On a related note, is there a lot of interaction with fellow volunteers, in order to possibly find a roommate?</p>
<p>As a a side benefit, I know that colleges that rejected me probably would not admit me after a gap year. However, would this kind of program be a benefit for a possible transfer? And would colleges whose acceptances I turned down likely re-admit me? Note that this really is not my primary reason for doing this program, but it is a helpful possibility.</p>
<p>I don’t know about their high school-level programs, but I’m an alumnus of a post-bachelor’s AmeriCorps placement with a federal land management agency - doing communications-related work in a regional headquarters office. That internship led straight to an entry-level job with that agency as a ranger-naturalist, and to graduate school.</p>
<p>As an intern, I was treated quite well, mainly felt like I was doing meaningful work and received a fair stipend/government housing. It wasn’t luxurious living and you learn the value of food stamps - but I feel like I better understand the struggles that so many people have to make ends meet. Being poor gives you perspective.</p>
<p>I am a current AmeriCorps State/National volunteer in Ohio. I work for a college-access organization, and I am just finishing my first year. I plan to stick around for an additional year. I am a college graduate and have been out of school for a few years, so some of what I say might not be as applicable. Even though you are just out of high school, you are still eligible for all of the AmeriCorps programs (State/National, VISTA, and NCCC). I would suggest looking into the NCCC program, as it is targeted toward 18-24 year old students in particular. The S/N and VISTA programs might prefer a college degree (it is required at my site due to the type of work), which might put you at a slight disadvantage. However, I would still apply to any and every site that interests you.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Absolutely, it has been extremely valuable, both in terms of experience and networking. Since I am interested in going into education and nonprofit management, my position has been very helpful in getting me where I want to be. However, your term of service does not necessarily have to directly coincide with your career goals. Since it is only a year (or sometimes less) commitment, it is a great way to do something that makes an impact but doesn’t require an extended commitment. Even though you are considered a full-time volunteer, employers definitely see the value in the work you accomplish, and view it as full-time experience. The skills you gain depend on the site, with VISTAs doing more capacity building, development, grant writing, etc., and the S/N volunteers doing more direct service.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Most of volunteers at my site were fresh out of college with very limited work experience. That is probably true at most sites, the program helps you gain the experience you need to then move on to sometime full-time (or in your case college). Already having community service experience is great, and I would try to play that up. Overall, I think being passionate about the prospective position, and how you would benefit from it (and how the site would benefit from you) is most important. They are not expecting you to have years and years of community service or work experience.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Doing a program far from home sometimes poses a challenge, especially with moving expenses. VISTA programs will typically reimburse your moving expenses (to some extent), however most S/N programs won’t. This might be a burden if you are having to move far away and place a deposit on an apartment, especially if you don’t have much money saved. The living allowing depends on the program and the location where you are serving. It is definitely enough to live on if you aren’t in an area with a high cost of living. As an AmeriCorps volunteer you are also eligible for food stamps, which definitely helps with expenses. There are also other programs you could qualify for, like energy assistance, etc. My living allowance for the last year is $12,100 paid over 11 months. I also receive food stamps which is $200 a month, and get miles reimbursed. I’m not living extravagantly or saving loads of money, but it is manageable and I’m still able to go out and have fun. I also get some help from my parents. The key is definitely having a roommate to split the expenses. I live with my significant other, so finding someone to live with wasn’t an issue, but depending on your site you might be able to live with another volunteer to help defray housing costs. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>You should see if any of the colleges that you were accepted to will allow you to defer for a year. This is usually an option, especially if you are going to be involved with a community service position. I would not totally discount being admitted as a transfer student; some schools actually have a higher admission rate for transfers than they do entering freshman (but they usually give less aid). I think doing a year of service before college would definitely look great on an application. I previously worked in an admission office, and while I never personally knew of anyone taking a gap year, I think that it would be a positive aspect that would allow you to stand apart from other applications. Just because you turned down a college one year doesn’t mean they won’t readmit you, especially if you are up front in explaining your situation. I would contact someone in admissions at the schools you are looking at to help sort this out further, but overall I think that it would be looked upon highly.</p>
<p>Sorry for the long reply, I hope this answers everything!</p>
<p>I also agree with the NCCC concept- it seems like it would fit many of your needs. You would be with other 18-24 year-olds, housing is provided, and you learn a variety of different skills. I did a State/National program for 2 years and loved it. I definitely learned leadership skills, public speaking skills, and was in a program that specifically fit my job interests. It was a hugely useful experience, taught me a lot about the working world, and was useful in my admission to grad school. Some colleges will match the americorps scholarship, which could be worth looking into. Americorps really is a great opportunity, and I highly recommend it.</p>