How competitive is Americorps?

[futureapppsy2]

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If I need to take a gap year, this would be high on my list, but it's hard to get a sense of the competitiveness of program.

Thanks!

 

[Nevadanteater]

It depends on the program. Each program has a different number of applicants and different number of spots.

The Americorps program I did (2007-2008 SFCCC) received about 200 applicants for about 20 spots. I know of a rural program in Idaho that had one applicant for one spot.

Are you more concerned about the prestige or about the difficulty of getting a spot?

 

[futureapppsy2]

Difficulty of getting a spot. I'd prefer somewhere cold and in the middle of nowhere (seriously), though. Not sure if or how that influences things.

 

[nick_carraway]

I didn't even know Americorps was competitive. Makes sense, I guess, especially with the renewed interest in volunteerism.

Still, I think it's a paradox that it's competitive nowadays to even volunteer for community service.

 

[scotsdoc54]

I didn't even know Americorps was competitive. Makes sense, I guess, especially with the renewed interest in volunteerism.

Still, I think it's a paradox that it's competitive nowadays to even volunteer for community service.

Well, while it is volunteering, you do get a stipend, health insurance, relocation allowance, etc. if its with the VISTA program (maybe state and national programs as well). The biggest perk for many people may be the potential for loan deferment though.

 

[dw2158]

Well, while it is volunteering, you do get a stipend, health insurance, relocation allowance, etc. if its with the VISTA program (maybe state and national programs as well). The biggest perk for many people may be the potential for loan deferment though.

and (at least for me in the program i'm doing) the ability to get a job that i would never have been able to get if i weren't doing it through this program.

 

[nick_carraway]

Well, while it is volunteering, you do get a stipend, health insurance, relocation allowance, etc. if its with the VISTA program (maybe state and national programs as well). The biggest perk for many people may be the potential for loan deferment though.

I considered the stipend and loan deferment and figured they should just allow as many people into Americorp as want to join but the extra volunteers simply don't get all the benefits.

That was before you told me they get health insurance, etc. and now my plan seems stupid.

 

[futureapppsy2]

bump...

 

[Longshanks]

edit: was thinking of teach for america, opps

 

[CYSeattle]

Like everyone else said - it depends on the program. Teach for America is probably the most selective and even more so this year.

In 2009 - City Year (disclosure - I'm from City Year) received about 4.5 applicants for every slot but the only education requirement is a HS diploma/GED. Even then - many members are college students or college grads.

Some places look for a specific skill or background and others are more open to a wide range.

Hope that helps!

Frank