AmeriCorps Discover the Power of Service Video 

 

Relay GSE has been an AmeriCorps program since 2014. We’re proud to be an AmeriCorps grantee and receive funds as part of their State and National program. Relay AmeriCorps members are eligible to earn the Segal Education Award which can be used towards educational expenses. 

 

What is AmeriCorps?

Founded in 1994, AmeriCorps is a civil society program supported by the US federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors. 

 

AmeriCorps provides grants to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health, veterans affairs, senior citizen care, the environment, and more!

• 40K communities served across the country

• 250K current members and volunteers

• 1.6 billion hours served by members     

• Over 700 students are currently serving as AmeriCorps members while at Relay

• Please Note: Do not apply on the JoinAmeriCorps.gov website. Relay will walk you through our own AmeriCorps application process once you're an enrolled student. 

 

AmeriCorps at Relay

 

Relay is a proud grantee of AmeriCorps since 2014. We receive federal funding to operate our programs, and we're able to provide a high-quality education at an affordable cost to our students as a result. 

 

AmeriCorps members can earn the Segal Education Award to offset out-of-pocket Relay tuition expenses if they so choose. Members are also eligible for other benefits such as loan forbearance and interest accrual payments. 

 

As a Relay graduate student, you will be committed to reforming P-12 education and making a lasting impact on your community! AmeriCorps’ mission aligns with Relay’s commitment to service and the work you will do daily as a teacher. There is no major additional time commitment for joining AmeriCorps, and you'll get access to so many benefits! Depending on placement and program, students may be asked to complete an AmeriCorps application and will be enrolled if eligible. More information will be shared during orientation.

 

Relay is considered a Professional Corps program, which means our members:

• are employees of their schools;
• receive a full-time salary and benefits from their school; and
• earn service hours through their work as a teacher, serving high-needs communities.

 

AmeriCorps Eligibility

 

	Federal
Eligible	Individuals may serve up to four (4) AmeriCorps State and National terms Individuals are eligible for two (2) Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards worth $7,395/year towards educational expenses like tuition AmeriCorps State and National programs are open to United States citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents age 17 and older —proof of citizenship will be required Successfully pass and satisfy the National Criminal History Check criteria
Ineligible	A person convicted of murder Anyone who is listed, or required to be listed, on a sex offender registry Non-United States citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents Anyone who refuses to consent to the National Service Criminal History Check Anyone who makes a false statement in connection with the National Service Criminal History Check

 

In addition to the federal agency list, participation in Relay AmeriCorps requires:

	Relay
Eligible	Enrollment in a degree or certification-seeking program (full or part-time) Secured full-time instructional role with a 9-hour workday, salary, and benefits at a non-parochial PK-12 school Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Relay and School Placement Site (the school where the student is teaching) Completion of all required registration steps before the enrollment date
Ineligible	Enrollment in Non-Residency program in Tennessee  Hold a paraprofessional, substitute or non-teaching role

 

Preparing for AmeriCorps

 

• All Relay students who are invited to the AmeriCorps Enrollment process are required to submit an application. If you are eligible for AmeriCorps (depending on placement and program), you will receive clear application instructions.

• The first step in the enrollment process is to complete the AmeriCorps Enrollment Training. The virtual training will walk you through our 6-step enrollment process and provide a glimpse of the member experience should you join.

• Relay's AmeriCorps Team will guide you through the remaining application steps throughout the summer. You'll be invited to join AmeriCorps office hours for personalized support if you have questions along the way! 

• Check out the Relay AmeriCorps Enrollment Flowchart for a sneak-peak of the 6-step process. 

 

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