Americorps: Worth it?

[amakhosidlo]

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I applied to a few Americorps positions a few months ago and I've found one position in city that's 3 states & 1400 miles away that seems pretty keen on getting me out there. It's with a free clinic in a rural-ish area working with providers to set up a quality assurance program that would be entirely my responsibility to design, establish and run. I was pretty pumped when I found out about it, but now that I've have some time to think, it's scaring the crap out of me.

I'd be moving to...pretty much the middle of nowhere, living on the Americorps "stipend" ($850/mo), and taking the reigns of a program that a) I have no experience with and b) Doesn't exist yet.


Anybody have any experience with Americorps? If so, what sort of an impact did it have on your app? Was it worth it?

 

[twocentnews]

bump

 

[blondie08]

Yes. It is worth it.

I am currently finishing up a year of AmeriCorps VISTA at a health clinic in New York city. Yes, the pay stinks. And as a VISTA, I was not allowed to get a second job. But if you are taking an AmeriCorps position, you can get another part time job if you want. The AmeriCorps people at my site have done some babysitting and small stuff.

Believe me, you will be able to survive on the stipend alone. I know >50 people who are doing it in new york, and you will be in a rural area. Other than that, we qualify for governmental programs like food stamps and medicaid which really help out with the stuff you actually need.

The point of many AmeriCorps programs is to establish something that is missing in the community, so your position sounds right on track. Most of us had no experience in our areas either, but most sites do a pretty good job making sure you get the trainings you need at your site.

Most of all, you will be doing something that the majority of people never get a chance to do. A year of americorps is a huge accomplishment, and you will feel you are more prepared for real life situations, and for medical school afterwards.

If there are other AmeriCorps people at this health center, ask for their contact information to get details of there experience. If you find a great health center like I did, it will definitely be worth it.

Hope that helps! good luck 🙂

 

[StarStup]

Take it! It will be hard as hell but definitely worth it!!! I did Americorps a few years ago where I lived in a home for adults with developmental disabilities...and it was the best experience of my life! Seriously! My stipend was less than $400 a month but it was totally worth it. You will also get an educational grant at the end of your term...not that that is any reason to do it but it is nice.

The one you are talking about sounds really cool! 😀 If you don't have any other plans go for it...have I gotten my point across? 😀

 

[futureapppsy2]

How competitive is Americorps?
I'm assuming that it's somewhat less competitve than Teacher For America, but I could be wrong. I expect applications may be up given the economy, but that this will be somewhat balanced by the influx of Recovery money recently awarded to the program.

 

[bruceleehiiiyaa]

americorps sucks. teach for america!