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This article is meant to be used as a platform for all AmeriCorps members and alumni to share their accounts of Using the AmeriCorps Education Award. The Texas HIPPY (Home-Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) Organization would like to address the complexities of Using the Education Award since each university is unique and has different rules regarding the award. The AmeriCorps Education Award is granted to volunteers who have been employed, part-time or full-time, by HIPPY or other participating programs through AmeriCorps. After completing a term of service, AmeriCorps volunteers are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans.[1]
Amount of Segal AmeriCorps Award[edit]
| Term of Service | Minimum Number of Service Hours | AmeriCorps Education Award |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 1700 | $4,725.00 |
| Half-Time | 900 | $2,362.50 |
| Reduced Half-Time | 675 | $1,800.00 |
| Quarter-Time | 450 | $1,250.00 |
| Minimum-Time | 300 | $1,000.00 |
Serve America Act of 2009[edit]
The Serve America Act, implemented by Congress and effective October 1, 2009, will make important changes to the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Changes will include increasing the amount of the award by tying its value to the maximum Pell Grant, expanding its available uses, and authorizing transferability of the award for certain individuals. Though not all changes will be implemented by October 2009, rules will be finalized in 2010. Under the act, the education award can be used to pay expenses while participating in an approved school-to-work program in addition to using the award towards qualified student loans and education expenses to attend a university. Also, beginning with terms of service supported by 2010 funds, the maximum education award amount for full-time workers is now $5,350 instead of $4,725. Although depending what program of AmeriCorps volunteers are enrolled in determines when they will receive this new award amount. Nextly, awards earned in terms beginning on or after October 1, 2009 are eligible to transfer your education award to your child, grandchild, or foster child if you meet the following criteria:
- You were at least 55 years old when you enrolled
- You began service on or after October 1, 2009
- You are serving in an AmeriCorps State or National program
The Corporation for National and Community Service is also in the process of developing new term limits. Currently, volunteers may only participate in AmeriCorps and receive an education award for a maximum of two years but new rules may allow for those AmeriCorps members volunteering part time to serve for more than two terms. Lastly, a AmeriCorps volunteer may use their education award up to seven years after ending their service and volunteers will be taxed for the year in which they decide to use their education award. However, volunteers may qualify to use the Hope Scholarship Credit or the Lifelong Learning Credit which may provide significant tax relief. [3]
Qualified Loans[edit]
The majority of postsecondary loans that are backed by the federal government are eligible for repayment with a Segal Americorps Education Award. Qualified loans include:
- Stafford Loans
- Perkins Loans
- William D. Ford Direct Loans
- Federal Consolidated Loans
- Supplemental Loans for Students
- Primary Care Loans
- Nursing Student Loans
- Health Education Assistance Loans
- Loans issued to AmeriCorps members by state agencies, including state institutions of higher education
Qualified Schools[edit]
A school is qualified to accept the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award if it is a Title IV institution (this includes most colleges, universities, and graduate schools). [5]
If you have used the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award at an institution please list the school and share your experience below.
Brookhaven College[edit]
Brookhaven College is located in Farmer's Branch, TX. Through the Work-Study Program, students have the opportunity to receive funds from AmeriCorps in exchange for service to the community.[6]
Cedar Valley College[edit]
Cedar Valley College is located in Lancaster, TX.
Eastfield College[edit]
Eastfield College is located in Mesquite, TX.
El Centro College[edit]
El Centro College is located in Dallas, TX.
Mountain View College[edit]
Mountain View College is located in Dallas, TX.
North Lake College[edit]
North Lake College is located in Irving, TX.
Richland College[edit]
Richland College is located in Dallas, TX.
Notes[edit]
- ^ AmeriCorps website http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/benefits/benefits_ed_award.asp
- ^ Americorps website http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/benefits/benefits_ed_award_details.asp
- ^ Corporation for National and Community Service website http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/serveamerica/edaward.asp
- ^ Corporation for National and Community Service wedsite http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/serveamerica/edaward.asp
- ^ Americorps website http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/benefits/benefits_ed_award_use.asp
- ^ Brookhaven Community College website http://www.brookhavencollege.edu/studentsvcs/financial/types.aspx