Applying to Serve with Idaho's 4-H Positive Youth Development AmeriCorps 

Apply by:

1. Apply through our official Microsoft Forms Application at https://forms.office.com/r/nCKBpRZEWd (Preferred)
2. Apply through my.americorps.gov portal 

Applying Through the Portal

• Navigate to my.americorps.gov click on "Apply to Serve."
• Create a profile following the instructions found in "Help."
• From my.americorps.gov page go to "Applicant Home."
• Click on "Applications" and fill out the full application. Read the online help prior to completing the application.
• Click on "References" and provide at least two references.
• Once complete search for the Idaho's 4-H Positive Youth Development AmeriCorps program.
• In "Applicant Home" go to "Search Listings."
• Program Type — AmeriCorps State/National.
• State — Idaho.
• A list of opportunities for Idaho will populate. Select either 4-H Volunteer Coordinator or 4-H Youth Development Instructor in the location you wish to serve.
• You may apply now to the correct Idaho's 4-H Positive Youth Development AmeriCorps host site.
• You should receive a response to your My AmeriCorps application. You must respond to the offer in My AmeriCorps.
• If offered an interview, meet with the site supervisor.
• If a position has been offered/accepted provide legible copies of a valid driver's license, social security card and birth certificate to the site supervisor to initiate citizenship verification and background check process.

You may have questions about serving as an AmeriCorps member, so we have compiled a list of the questions we hear most often. If you don’t find what you need, please contact us at 208-454-7614 or yleonperez@uidaho.edu.

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges and improve lives and communities.

Why does it say “service” and not “work”?

AmeriCorps members are engaged in national service and are not volunteers or employees. They play a unique role in their community or organization to address unmet needs. Eligible AmeriCorps members can receive a living allowance, health insurance and childcare assistance to support them during their term of service.

What benefits are provided?

While AmeriCorps is not a job, it does offer benefits to members to support them as they support their community. Benefits given by Idaho 4-H PYD AmeriCorps include:

• Living Allowance
  • Full-Time Members receive $22,700.00
  • Half-Time Members receive $12,000.00
  • Quarter-Time (summer) Members receive $6,000.00
• Segal Education Award
  • Full-Time Members receive $7,395.00
  • Half-Time Members receive $3,697.50
  • Quarter-Time Members receive $1,956.35
• Health Insurance and child-care available to full-time members ONLY
• Professional Development training
• Access to Member Assistance Program that offers accessible and quality mental health services to AmeriCorps members
• Host site-specific benefits such as housing, transportation assistance and professional development *not offered at every host site, inquire to learn more

What is an education award?

After successfully completing your AmeriCorps term of service, you are eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs. This award cannot be cashed out and is valid for 7 years.

The Serve America Act allows the transfer of education awards earned by a member who successfully completes a term of service in AmeriCorps State and National programs, under specific conditions. To transfer your award, you must be at least 55 years old at the start of service and the award must go to your child, stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or foster child.

AmeriCorps members receive training on how to access their education award before their service term ends.

What is a host site?

The Idaho 4-H PYD AmeriCorps program partners with organizations and extension offices that share our goals and values. Each AmeriCorps member is placed at a distinct host site location somewhere across the state. Host sites that are currently recruiting are listed on our official application.

Is housing provided?

Housing is not automatically provided. There are a few host sites who have housing opportunities available. Please reach out to inquire about those locations.

What is the recruitment process?

1. Submit an application form
2. Zoom Interview with Program Coordinator and potential host site supervisor
3. Possible second interview with the host site supervisor
4. Receive a selection email
5. Complete background checks
6. I-9 Verification
7. Start service
8. New member training

What would my schedule look like?

Each member's exact schedule will differ but there is an average amount of hours that need to be completed weekly, see below:

• Full-Time Members – 1,700 hours over 11 months, about 35 hours/week
• Half-Time Members – 900 hours over 8.5 months, about 26 hours/week
• Quarter-Time Members – 450 hours over 16 weeks, about 28 hours/week

Most host sites are flexible with your schedule.

Will I receive training before I begin my service?

All AmeriCorps members will receive online and Zoom training before beginning their service. Summertime members receive in-person training in their region. Members receive continuous training throughout their service term.

Is remote work an option?

Most of the service will take place in-person. There may be some lesson-planning or training that can be done remotely, all of which need prior approval from your host site supervisor and from the Program Coordinator.

Is this an internship?

AmeriCorps is not technically an internship; however, we can offer internship credit if your institution allows. This is a great opportunity to accumulate student-teaching hours if you are an education major.

Youth Instructor

Make a difference in your community by increasing educational opportunities available to Idaho’s youth. AmeriCorps members teach, lead and facilitate hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities to underserved youth in various settings, to help spark interest and develop skills that will increase their academic and professional success in the future.

As part of our team, you will expand your experience in education curriculum development, education presentation and other professional skills. All materials are provided. AmeriCorps members spend 60% of their time in front of students teaching. If you are looking for a way to increase your experience in education while serving, 4-H AmeriCorps is for you. Other responsibilities include data collection, community outreach and networking.

This is a 16-week position where you will commit about 28 hours weekly to service. Most of the service will be done by teaching at STEAM Day camps and local schools, along with preparing lessons in an office setting. As a member, you will work closely with the University of Idaho Extension faculty and the 4-H program and will be a valuable member of the 4-H team. You will receive professional training, mentorship and earn an education award for school. Are you looking for internship credit? We can help with that too.

AmeriCorps member are:

• Committed to community service and making a difference in youth’s lives
• Able and willing to facilitate STEAM programming and recruit/train volunteers
• 17 years or older
• U.S. citizens, or U.S. national lawful permanent residents
• Able to clear the National Service Criminal History Checks
• Willing to travel, must have valid driver’s license
• Self-motivated and work independently

  Benefits:

• Member Living Allowance of $6,000.00 that is paid every two weeks in allotments of $750.00
• $1,956.35 in Segal Education Award, upon successful completion of service term
• Professional development training and experience with University of Idaho Extension
• Hands-on experience developing and delivering educational curriculum
• Flexible schedule with minimal evenings and weekends required
• Networking with statewide youth programs