It’s graduation season, and as nice as it might be to be done with classes, it can be stressful to figure out your next step. If you’re not sure what you want to do after college, AmeriCorps is a great place to start and can lead to a meaningful career.
Confused about what AmeriCorps is in the first place? AmeriCorps is a national network of paid service opportunities supporting critical needs. ServeMinnesota oversees the AmeriCorps programs in our state. We have a wide range of programs in different areas, all of which will give you a chance to make a meaningful impact in Minnesota.
Here are some of the top reasons why high school and college grads have found AmeriCorps to be a great next step after graduation.
1. Your resume doesn’t have to be a mile long.
Finding a job can be a challenge after graduating, especially if you don’t have much professional experience. AmeriCorps programs offer intensive trainings and do not require specific professional experience.
2. AmeriCorps is a way to build your professional network.
Career experts constantly say how important networking is – but building connections can be hard when you’re just starting out. AmeriCorps offers a way to get to know people in a new industry, so that they can learn your skillset and vouch for you in the future.
3. You’ll get money to help pay for school.
All AmeriCorps programs offer an education award. You can put this award towards any student-related costs, including tuition and federal student loans.
4. You may be able to pause your student loans.
If you’re serving and have federal student loans, you may qualify to postpone your federal loans during your service. If you qualify, AmeriCorps will pay off the interest that accrues on your loan during service. This is in addition to the education award.
5. You’ll have lots of programs to choose from.
We offer 17 programs across the state in recovery, education, sustainability, and community building. People who serve with these programs go on to careers in those industries and in many others.
6. It’ll help you figure out what you want from a career – and what you don’t want.
Maybe you want to work in a school, a nonprofit, a social service agency, an office environment – AmeriCorps can help you find out if those professional settings are a good fit for you or not. Either way, it’s information you’ll be able to take forward into your next professional opportunity.
7. You’ll get paid and get benefits.
Full-time AmeriCorps members in Minnesota get paid a living stipend twice per month that’s the equivalent of about $1,300 – $2,200 per month. They also receive health care benefits, access to childcare services, and professional development opportunities like a free career discovery course and our career pathways programs.
8. You’ll be supporting communities in Minnesota.
When you serve with AmeriCorps, you will make a tangible difference. Minnesota programs are some of the best in the nation – annual evaluations show remarkable impact in every focus area.
Want to learn more?
Fill out our contact form to get in touch with our team! They can help walk you through the many options available to you. You can also check out our program list and sign up for our email list for more information.
