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Anyone have experience with AmeriCorps, or someone who does?

Screaming_Skull

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Ok, I know this isn't a college but it going to help pay for it. Basically I'm doing this because 1. I fucked around in school(it's my last year) so I can't really get any schoalorships, and after 10 months of serving you get about five thousand for school and up to 7 years to use it. My second reason being I live in a very shitty place and couldn't stand to go to a Community College with everyone I went to High school with(shudders), and it sounds like a good experience. So I was just wondering if anyone had any personal experience with it or know someone who was in it that could share?
 
Americorp & other available $$$ (USA)

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$5000, huh? Well, $5000, will not get you very far on a college education. I'd be thinking more, at a public university, or public community college-public university combination, in the cost area of $35,000 to $60,000.

Many folks in Americorp go to school and do the Americorp program, at the same time. The Americorp program is a good program. It allows you to help others within America, and many times within your own community, state, etc.

As far as your outlook on going to a community college with all the people you went to high school with, well, unless you are in a small town with one high school and one community college and no surrounding other communities, then there would be some truth to your perception.

But, the facts usually are the community college serves a wide geographic area. Community colleges cater to a much larger population than just one high school. Aside from catering to "new" high school graduates, community colleges cater to "returning" students - folks who come from an older population, stopped in the past and have decided to continue their education, and community colleges, above all, cater to America's general workforce, providing retraining to workers, professional and management classes, thus giving the workforce the chance for advancement.

Yea, you'll probably see one of your former classmates here and there, but there will be a whole lot more folks who you did not go to school with, and besides, why should it make any difference anyway?

You'll be going to school for YOU! Community colleges are not high schools. They are "the best" in starting points, figuring out what you really want to do, experiencing new technologies, and most of all; getting help and realistic guidence to make the most out of setting your goals for the future.

Should you decide to go with Americorp, with or without being in school, Americorp is no easy ride, its hard work, but, can be exceptionally rewarding, both in the friends you may make and in the community service given.

Getting back to the $5000; you know there is a whole-lot of financial aid available to first-time college students. There's enough money available to pay for school, books, misc expenses, and if you budget right, even pay for your own place to live. If you choose to work part-time, that's even more beneficial, and if you do want to work and go to school, well, there is the Federal Work-Study program. It allows a student to have a part-time job right at school and will give you an additional source of $$$, via a paycheck every month.

If you have already graduated, well you're a little late in filing for Federal Student Aid for the 2006-07 school year.

But, if you do not graduate till 2007, or have graduated already, you'll need to file, as soon as possible after January 1, 2007, for Federal Student Aid. Federal Aid is available to everyone in one form or another, and may be available to you as grants, federal loans, and Work-Study.

Even if you are not sure if you will attend college in the 2007-08 school year, it is a good rule to file for your Federal Student Aid, and the earlier, the better. This rule applies to any aid-year.

Why? Because colleges run out of federal financial aid funds, many times, before everyone gets what they need. Those who file early get the most benefits. When you wait, say, like now, August, in any aid-year, August is too close to the beginning of the start of a new year, so, most of the money has been delegated to students already.

File early, every year. Never delay!

The early bird gets the worm, when it comes to Federal college money.

Oh, yea, you can file for Federal student aid and check out how it all works at this website: <http://www.fafsa.ed.gov>

You can message-me, here on Bluelight, if you have any other questions unanswered.

Hey, good fortune, and have a safe journey via your choices.
 
Hey, I have a couple friends who are actively doing Americorps and I too am considering it for post-graduation from college. I definitely think you should at least apply for it but just know that it's not a 100% sure bet. I know from several people that only around 50% or so get accepted into the program. Also, you said your living area wasn't so great... well, if you do go, be prepared for even shittier conditions.

It's only about 10 mo of service so that's also a plus if you're not sure that service is an avenue you really want to pursue in the long term (like Peace C).

Just a little food for thought from my personal ideas... but I'm not sure if wanting to get a scholarship as your main reason is really worthy of serving in something as heavy as Americorps. I didn't see if you had said if you've been active in large-scale service but (as I'm sure you've figured) it's really hard, frustrating work that should be taken seriously and is usually best suited for those with the most passion for it.

I really didn't intend on posting this to deter you from pursuing your ideas, just throwing some things out there for you to be perhaps prepared of (maybe) happening. ;) Vague much huh?
 
i did americorps. it was a great experience. if you have more specific questions i'd be more than happy to answer them.

(they usually neglect to tell you your educational award will be taxed as income when you use it)

ETA: it's npt 'a program'; it's hundreds of different programs under an umbrella organization. acceptance rates will vary greatly according to which you apply to.
 
Three concise, thoughtful and informative posts - in a row? I can't be on bluelight...

I learned alot in about three minutes. Thanks to the questioner and the respondents.
 
Hey Michael, what is the process for applying?

What sorts of requirements are there? Are there any out-of-pocket costs?

Do you need a bachelor's degree?
 
sorry it took so long to reply to this.

basically you just find a program you are interested in and ask them for an application. requirements will depend on the program (for mine only a GED/HS diploma was required). you will likely need to pass a background check and some programs also require a drug test (mine did not). certain programs are age-restricted.

there were no out-of-pocket costs for the program itself.
 
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