So you're thinking about joining the Bonner AmeriCorps Program at Centre? That's GREAT! 

This page was created to provide you with some information that you will need to know

before signing up, as well as instructions for getting started!

Follow these links if you decide to pursue enrollment or to find out about exiting the program:

AmeriCorps Enrollment Booklet

AmeriCorps Exit Forms

What are the benefits?

All Bonners at Centre are eligible and encouraged to join the AmeriCorps program.  The majority of your Bonner hours are also AmeriCorps eligible hours, and most participants have little trouble completing their hour commitment.  You can sign up for a maximum of two slots as an undergraduate at Centre, in any combination.  You have three options for enrollment:

• 300 hours in 1 year ($1,000 Education Award)
• 450 hours in 1 year ($1250 Education Award)
• 900 hours in 2 years ($2362.50 Education Award)

The money you earn through AmeriCorps comes in the form of either a check to Centre to help pay your tuition, or a check to the lender of your choice - have student loans?  This money can help pay those off!

Who can participate?

To enroll in AmeriCorps, members must be permanent, US residents, 17 or older (parental consent required if not 17), and have a high school diploma or GED or agree to obtain one during their term of service.

In addition, individuals may only ever receive two Education Awards through CNCS programs, and therefore if a student has previously been enrolled in AmeriCorps or any other CNCS program (e.g. VISTA, Teach for America), they may not be eligible to participate.  You should also keep this in mind if you would like to consider joining TFA after graduation.

Which service hours count?

The majority of the hours you commit to Bonner also count for AmeriCorps - including our weekly meetings and approved convocations!  There are some stipulations, however.

• AmeriCorps service hours must consist of "direct service," service performed out in the community, not on campus.
• AmeriCorps service hours may not deal with anything "international."  This may include service with immigration services, discussions of international perspective, etc.  Check with your Bonner Director if you are unsure.
• AmeriCorps service hours may not include an activity whose primary focus is to support worship, evangelical and proselytizing activities within church or para-church organizations. These activities include, but are not limited to, service that focuses on religious instruction, indoctrination or conversion. Examples include providing childcare at church in support of a worship service, teaching in evangelical and proselytizing programs, participating in a worship service, and clerical and/or administrative work for the organization. Please note that service with a religious or para-religious organization for the purpose of providing direct community service (e.g., tutoring, mentoring, providing goods to those in need, community justice programs, and crisis intervention) does qualify for Bonner service hours.

• AmeriCorps hours must be logged in BWBRS!