Hosting an AmeriCorps member can greatly benefit your organization and help you to achieve your programming goals. Finding personnel to help can be stressful so we alleviate that process by taking on the responsibility of recruiting and onboarding members for you. You are also welcome to recruit your members and help in the recruitment process. You make the final choice on who you'd like to serve at your site.

Host site fees per member for the 2024-2025 program year are as follows:

• Full-time member (1,700 hours - 11 months / 36 hours per week) - $8,528
• Half-time member (900 hours - 11 months, 10 months or 8.5 months) - $5,331.00
• Quarter-time member (450 hours - 16 weeks / 28 hours per week) - $2,617.00

To host an AmeriCorps member, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Host Site Application
2. You'll receive a confirmation email or phone call after applying.
3. You'll receive a service agreement and handbook to review.
4. Recruitment for your member(s) starts via online job boards like Indeed and Handshake, career fairs and social media.
5. You'll receive an invitation to join a live Host Site Orientation via Zoom.
6. AmeriCorps staff and host sites conduct video interviews together.
7. Once your member is selected and starts service, you'll receive an invoice to be paid within 30 days of the member's start date.

View or print our flyer on hosting an Americorps member.

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/j6xATNEAgm (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 $23,700
  • Half-Time Members receive $12,500
  • Quarter-Time (summer) Members receive $6,200
• Segal Education Award
  • Full-Time Members receive $7,395
  • 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 11 months, about 20 hours/week
• Half-Time Members – 900 hours over 10 months, about 22 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.

What makes a successful AmeriCorps member?

• Self-motivated
• Enjoys working with kids
• Enjoys or has an interest in teaching
• Interested in STEM

Make a Difference as an AmeriCorps Youth Instructor

Join us in expanding educational opportunities for Idaho’s youth through the AmeriCorps program. As a member, you will teach, lead, and facilitate engaging hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities to youth, helping to ignite their interest and develop skills that will pave the way for their academic and professional success.

What You'll Do:

• Engage with Students: Spend approximately 60% of your time directly teaching students in various settings, including STEAM Day camps and local schools.
• Curriculum Development: Assist in creating and refining educational materials, with all necessary resources provided.
• Data Collection & Outreach: Gather data to measure program impact, conduct community outreach, and network to build program awareness and support.

What You'll Gain:

• Professional Growth: Expand your skills in education, curriculum development, and presentation.
• Mentorship & Training: Receive professional training and mentorship from University of Idaho Extension faculty and the 4-H program.
• Education Award: Earn a Segal Education Award upon successful completion of your service term.
• Internship Credit: Potential to earn internship credit for your service.
• Networking: Connect with statewide youth programs and professionals in the education field.

Commitment:

• Service Term and Approximate Hours by Slot Type:
• Full-time (1,700 hours) - 11 months /  36 hours per week
• Half-time (900 hours) - 11 months / 20 hours per week 
• Half-time (900 hours) - 10 months / 22 hours per week 
• Half-time (900 hours) - 8.5 months / 28 hours per week 
• Quarter-time (450 hours) - 16 weeks / 28 hours per week 
• Flexible Schedule: Minimal evening and weekend hours required

Requirements:

• Dedication to Service: A commitment to making a difference in the lives of youth.
• STEAM Facilitation: Willingness and ability to facilitate STEAM programming and recruit/train volunteers.
• Age & Citizenship: Must be 17 years or older and a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.
• Background Check: Ability to clear the National Service Criminal History Checks.
• Transportation: Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.
• Independence: Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.

Benefits:

• Living Allowance by Slot Type:
• Full-time (1,700 hours) - $23,700 paid in allotments of $987.50 every two weeks 
• Half-time 11 months (900 hours) - $12,500 paid in allotments of $520.83 every two weeks
• Half-time 10 months (900 hours) - $12,500 paid in allotments of $625 every two weeks
• Half-time 8.5 months (900 hours) - $12,500 paid in allotments of $735.29 every two weeks
• Quarter-time (450 hours) - $6,200 paid in allotments of $775.00 every two weeks 
• Education Award by Slot Type:
• Full-time (1,700 hours) - $7,395 upon successful completion of the service term
• Half-times (900 hours) - $3,697.50 upon successful completion of the service term
• Quarter-time (450 hours) - $1,956.35 Education Award upon successful completion of the service term 
• Professional Development: Gain valuable experience and training with University of Idaho Extension.
• Flexible Schedule: Enjoy a flexible work schedule with minimal evenings and weekends required.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections with youth programs across the state.

Join Us:

If you are passionate about education and looking to gain valuable experience while serving your community, apply to be a 4-H AmeriCorps Youth Instructor today. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of Idaho’s youth.