Teaming for Technology Colorado

Post - Service Options

Education Award & Loans

After successfully completing a term of service, AmeriCorps members who are enrolled in the National Service Trust are eligible to receive an education award. The education award can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education or training, or to repay qualified student loans. The award currently is $4,725 for a year of full-time service, with correspondingly lesser awards for part-time and reduced part-time service. A member has up to seven years after his or her term of service has ended to claim the award. Current members also are entitled to defer the interest that accrues on their existing qualified student loans during the time they serve in AmeriCorps.

For specific questions about your Education Award call 1-888-507-5962, Operators now on duty 8am - 6pm EST. For duplicate vouchers, find out your balance, update your address, or anything else e-mail edawardvoucher@cns.gov

• AmeriCorps Education Award Information
• AmeriCorps Loan Postponements & Interest Payments Information
• Forbearance Request for National Service form
• Interest Accrued During National Service form
• Effective Practice: Maximizing the value of the AmeriCorps education award

Matching the Education Award

A growing number of institutions of higher education are offering to match the education award, or are making other financial aid benefits available to AmeriCorps alumni, such as scholarships, tuition waivers, and in-state tuition. Attending one of these institutions can increase the value of your education award.

• Request for Matching Ed Award Letter (Word document)
• Schools That Match Ed Award (Word document)
• The Case For Augmentation (PowerPoint document)

Taxes

The education award, unlike most other forms of scholarships and fellowships, is subject to federal tax in the year the Trust pays the voucher. Living allowances you received during your term of service and any interest the Trust paid on qualified student loans are also subject to income taxes in the years they were paid. When and how much of the education award you redeem may have an impact on your overall income tax responsibility.

The Trust DOES NOT deduct taxes from your education award or interest payments. After the calendar year in which we paid your education award or interest payments, we send you a Form 1099 to be used in preparing your income tax return. The total sum of interest payments and the education award are listed together on the 1099 form. For more information on the 1099, go to AmeriCorps website page on Basic Tax Form Questions

Free Tax Assistance

Free tax assistance sponsored by Pitan Foundation

• Centro Bienstar San Jose
  623 Fox St. Denver
  Sat 10a-4p, Sun 10a-3p, W/R 6p-8p

• Community College of Denver
  3532 Franklin St. Denver

• Volunteer Income Tax assistance program (VITA) - The VITA Program offers free tax help to low to moderate income ($36,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers sponsored by various organizations recieve training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing. TO locate the nearest VITA site, call 1800-829-1040.

End of Service

Doing research and staying connected is crucial when shifting from one career to another. AmeriCorps alumni can be a tremendous source of information and networks.Many alumni are in high level government and independent sector positions and often it is personal connections that can get your foot in the door. Here are just a couple resources for AmeriCorps Alumni.

• AmeriCorps Alumni Site
• Colorado Alums Group - Join the Colorado Alums Group or email Heidi Baker to get involved

Building a Resume & Cover Letter

AmeriCorps service is highly sought after and recognized by potential employers. How you showcase your AmeriCorps experiences on your resume and during interviews is key. You'll want to briefly, but clearly outline the AmeriCorps program in which you served. You can also ask your project supervisors or co-workers if they would be willing to serve as a reference for you so that prospective employers can hear about your all of your accomplishments.

• Resume Guidelines (Word document)
• Cover Letter Guidelines (Word document)

Job Search Resources

Here is a list of websites that can be helpful in your post-service job search.

• www.craigslist.org
• www.canpo.org
• www.ynpn.org
• www.idealist.org
• www.coloradojobs.com
• www.denverjobs.com
• www.denverjobnetwork.com

Benefits for Federal Positions

US Federal Job Search

Under the current legislation, only AmeriCorps*VISTA alumni can use their service to help them get hired by the federal government. Note: this benefit does not apply for other AmeriCorps programs.

Applying for Federal Jobs - Upon successful completion of service, AmeriCorps*VISTA alumni are entitled to non-competitive eligibility. This means that if you meet all the minimum requirements (including any written tests), you can be hired without competing against the general public. This is only available for one year from the completion of service and does not guarantee you will get the position.

Becoming a Federal Employee - VISTA service can be credited toward federal retirement benefits and added to any years working as a federal employee. Your service will also be added for the purpose of leave entitlement, determining seniority, and other rights and privileges.

Visit the site for Non-Competitive Eligibility for Federal Government Service

For certification of AmeriCorps*VISTA service, please contact the below AmeriCorps*VISTA Alumni Office. Please include your current address and any other names you may have used during your service.

• AmeriCorps*VISTA Alumni Certifying Officer
  CNS/AmeriCorps*VISTA
  New York Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC 20525
  alumni@americorps.org