Types of Service

The Montana Network for Civic Engagement offers opportunities for several types of AmeriCorps service in the state of Montana. Individuals who are interested in committing to a full-time service year experience should familiarize themselves with the AmeriCorps College Coach and AmeriCorps VISTA position types below, as well as our application process for full-year members, found here.

Individuals who are interested in serving part-time or for less than a year should explore the options for Summer and College AmeriCorps. These position types are designed to be accessible for students who are committed to their education, but also want opportunities to engage in national service and gain valuable skills before graduating.

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AmeriCorps College Coach (11-Month)

Service Activity

• Address educational equity in Montana as an AmeriCorps Member. You will develop curriculum and programming, identify barriers and work with students to overcome these barriers and inspire them to be successful and plan for their futures. You will engage with students one-on-one and in small groups, engage in community outreach, event planning, and much more. You regularly see the beneficiaries of your service in-person, and you have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with students and community members. Explore available positions.
• AmeriCorps service impacts K-12 youth, low income and first generation college students, veterans and military families, and other populations experiencing the effects of poverty.
• AmeriCorps service moves populations out of poverty by addressing educational equity, identifying and removing barriers to success, and empowering students and families to plan for post secondary education.
• AmeriCorps members recruit volunteers, build partnerships, and support the development of curriculum and programs addressing educational equity for Montana youth.
• High school coaches mentor first-generation and low-income high school students to build a pathway to college and increase academic success.
• College success coaches mentor first-generation and low-income college students to be successful in completing their degree or certificate programs.
• Student success mentors help younger students to explore careers, develop interests in STEM fields, and explore the idea of college.
• College Coaches also lead a team of part-time college student AmeriCorps members to increase the impact of their project and promote volunteerism and community engagement.
• AmeriCorps members serve with schools, colleges, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Flexible Start and End Dates

Service Term

September 3, 2024 to July 31, 2025

Flexible Start and End Dates

Service normally begins on September 3rd and ends on July 31th the following year. Based on your future schooling, we may be able to accommodate flexible start and end dates. All members must complete at least 1,700 hours of service.

Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the service site.

Eligibility

Must be at least 18 years old.

An associate, bachelor’s, or higher degree is preferred, but some college is considered.

Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or a U.S. Legal Permanent Resident Alien.

Must not be registered, or required to be registered, on a state sex offender registry or the National Sex Offender Registry.

Must not have been convicted of murder, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1111.

Must be willing to consent to a criminal history check.

Living Allowance

 $19,100

This number represents the living allowance received by members completing a full 11 months of service. It is distributed in installments of $868.18 (pre-tax) every two weeks. The living allowance is considered taxable income.

In some situations, the living allowance may not be considered as income for the purposes of assessing public benefits, such as SNAP. Read more below:

Education Award

$7,395.00 Education Award

Learn about how you can use your award.

Want to use your education award for an outdoor expedition? Check out these opportunities: Outward Bound Education Award Policy. NOLS Education Award Policy.

Eligible for Education Award matching programs at many Colleges and Universities in the United States.

AmeriCorps College Coaches who are at least age 55 on their first day of service may transfer the Education Award to their child, stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or foster child.

Professional Development

Community networking and outreach
Program development
Marketing and social media management
Event planning and execution
Navigating complex education systems including Tribal, high school, colleges and Universities
Curriculum development – sharing your passions and skills with students
Academic and basis needs mentoring K-12, high school and/or college students
Career exploration
Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility trainings
Systemic Racism training
Story telling trainings
…and more!

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AmeriCorps VISTA (Full-Year)

Service Activities

As a VISTA you provide “behind the scenes” support. You make it possible for organizations to provide services to more people in more ways with greater efficiency, but you do not regularly meet in-person with the beneficiaries of your service. Explore available positions.

• VISTAs serve with schools, colleges, nonprofits, and government agencies.
• VISTAs build an organization’s capacity by writing grants, recruiting volunteers, assessing community needs, building partnerships, or developing new programs.
• VISTA service impacts K-12 youth, low income and first generation college students, veterans and military families, and other populations experiencing the effects of poverty.
• VISTA service moves populations out of poverty by empowering communities to develop sustainable solutions specific to their needs and situations.

Service Term

August 12, 2024 – August 12, 2025

Eligibility

Must be at least 18 years old.

High School Diploma; Bachelor’s, or higher degree preferred

Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or a U.S. Legal Permanent Resident Alien. Or legally residing in a state under one of the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status.

Must not be registered, or required to be registered, on a state sex offender registry or the National Sex Offender Registry.

Must not have been convicted of murder, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1111.

Must be willing to consent to a criminal history check.

Annual Living Allowance

$22,882

This number represents the annual living allowance received by members completing a full 52 weeks of service. It is distributed in installments of $877.66 (pre-tax) every two weeks. The living allowance is considered taxable income.

Education Award

$7,395.00 Education Award

Learn about how you can use your award.

Don’t need an education award for your degree? Use it creatively, like for an outdoor expedition! Outward Bound Education Award Policy. NOLS Education Award Policy.

Eligible for Education Award matching programs at many Colleges and Universities in the United States.

AmeriCorps VISTA members who are at least age 55 on their first day of service may transfer the Education Award to their child, stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or foster child.

AmeriCorps VISTA members may elect to receive an an end-of-service cash stipend of $1,800 in place of the Education Award. AmeriCorps VISTA members who are not a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident Alien may only receive the cash stipend, and are not eligible to receive a Segal Education Award. Learn more about the stipend.

Outside Employment

AmeriCorps members may seek outside employment so long as it does not interfere with their service activities.

Relocation

If relocating more than 50 miles, a one-time relocation payment of $750 plus $0.40 per mile after beginning service.

If returning home at the end of the service term, an additional one-time relocation payment of $750 plus $0.40 per mile after concluding service.

Health Coverage

Eligible for health insurance via the International Medical Group at no cost. Members electing to receive health insurance through AmeriCorps VISTA will be enrolled in the plan automatically, beginning on their first day of service. Services include 24/7/365 access to virtual mental health care via Teledoc.

If they prefer, members may elect to remain on their own insurance plan, remain on a family or spouse’s insurance plan, or enroll/remain enrolled in Medicaid.

AmeriCorps VISTA members electing to remain on their own insurance may enroll in the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance. Learn more.

Time Off

10 Days of Personal Leave

10 Days of Sick/Medical Leave

Noncompetitive Eligibility

Receive noncompetitive eligibility when applying for federal jobs for one year after completing their term of service. Learn more here and here.

Childcare

Eligible for assistance covering childcare expenses through the AmeriCorps Childcare Program.

Employers of National Service

Eligible for hiring preference with Employers of National Service, which connects AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni with employers from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

Professional Development

Community networking and outreach
Program development
Marketing and social media management
Event planning and execution
Fundraising, grant writing, and nonprofit development
Community group facilitation and leadership
Volunteer recruitment and management
Navigating complex education systems including Tribal, high school, colleges and Universities
Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility trainings
Systemic Racism training
Story telling trainings
…and more!

Part-Time Service Opportunities:

• Summer AmeriCorps: Ideal for individuals who want to serve during the summer months, offering a concentrated service experience.

• College Student AmeriCorps: Designed for students who wish to balance their studies with meaningful service, these positions involve 300 or 450 hours of service over one or two semesters, with the possibility of extending into the summer.

Service Activities:
College Student AmeriCorps members engage in hands-on educational activities, such as academic support, near-peer mentorship, college application assistance, and test prep. These roles often involve working with local high schools, college food pantries, TRIO offices, and Upward Bound programs.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old (or 17 with parental permission).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Enrollment at an MTCC affiliate campus.
• U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or U.S. Legal Permanent Resident Alien.
• Must pass a criminal history check.

Benefits:

• Education Award: $1,459.26 upon completion, with potential matching opportunities at colleges and universities.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Hiring preference with Employers of National Service.

Ready to apply?

More Information:
For more details on each service type and how to apply, please reach out to us at info@mtengage.org. We’re here to help you find the right service opportunity that aligns with your interests and goals.