What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a federally funded national service program modeled after the Peace Corps that allows US citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents to serve their communities, address critical and local needs, gain professional experience, and earn an educational award to support college expenses or repay qualified student loans.

What is Alabama 4-H, and how does it fit with AmeriCorps?

Alabama 4-H is the youth development program of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University, serving all 67 counties. It provides research-based programs that help young people build leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

4-H AmeriCorps members expand the reach of Alabama 4-H by increasing access to high-quality programming in high-need communities and supporting academic success, civic engagement, and workforce readiness for young people across the state.

What will 4-H AmeriCorps members do?

4-H AmeriCorps members provide direct service through Alabama 4-H by delivering positive youth development programming to young people in grades 4–12. Members facilitate in-school club meetings, after-school enrichment programs, and hands-on learning experiences in areas such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), agriculture, healthy living, environmental education, leadership, civic engagement, and workforce readiness. Members may also assist with 4-H events, support volunteer engagement, coordinate service-learning projects, and help expand access to high-quality youth programming in high-need communities.

Are there restrictions on what members can do?

Yes. 4-H AmeriCorps members must follow all federal guidelines regarding allowable activities. Members cannot engage in prohibited activities, such as political campaigning, religious instruction, or excessive administrative work while counting service hours. Fundraising is limited and must directly support approved service activities.

What is a term of service?

A term of service is the designated period during which members complete their required hours. The Alabama 4-H AmeriCorps program is anticipated to operate on a twelve-month service term (October 1 through September 31), with specific dates provided upon selection.

Are 4-H AmeriCorps members paid for their work?

Yes. Members receive a monthly living allowance during their term of service. This is not a salary or hourly wage, but a fixed living stipend that is distributed evenly throughout the service term. Taxes are withheld in accordance with federal guidelines. For the 2026-2027 term, full-time 4-H AmeriCorps members will receive $1,751 per month before Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and state and federal income taxes are withheld.

Are 4-H AmeriCorps members considered Auburn University employees?

No. AmeriCorps members serving with Alabama 4-H are not employees of Auburn University. They are national service participants. However, they are covered by applicable insurance protections and must follow Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Extension System policies and procedures during their service.

What benefits do 4-H AmeriCorps members receive?

Members receive a living allowance, a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service, and eligibility for student-loan forbearance. Full-time members may qualify for health insurance and childcare assistance if eligible. The living allowance is not considered income for certain public assistance programs.

Will 4-H AmeriCorps members receive health insurance?

Full-time members are eligible for individual health insurance through AmeriCorps. While there is no monthly premium, members may be responsible for co-pays and deductibles when services are used. A benefit summary will be made available September 1.

What is the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, and how does it work?

Members that successfully complete their service term and required hours earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that is equivalent to the maximum value of the Pell Grant. The money is transferred into the My AmeriCorps portal account at the end of the term. These funds can be used to pay current educational expenses at Title IV schools or to pay back qualified student loans. Title IV schools are higher education institutions, both domestic and foreign, that participate in the US Department of Education’s Title IV school aid programs. An individual can earn up to two educational awards.

This year, the full-time education award is $7,395. Members have 7 years to use their award. If members are 55 years or older when they start their term, they can transfer their educational award to a child or grandchild. The child or grandchild then has 10 years to use it. If members do not finish their required 1,700 hours, they do not earn an award, not even a partial award.

• Visit fsapartners.ed.gov for a list of Title IV schools.
• Visit my.americorps.gov for more information on the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.

What is the AmeriCorps Childcare Program?

The AmeriCorps Childcare Benefit Program is available for qualified, active, and full-time AmeriCorps members who need the benefit to serve. Eligibility requirements and details are available at americorpschildcare.com.

Is a background check required?

Yes. All members must pass a National Service Criminal History Check, which includes a state criminal history check, a National Sex Offender Public Website search, and an FBI fingerprint-based check. Additional institutional background checks may also be required. Screening must be completed prior to beginning service.

How do people apply for the program?

People must complete the application process through the Auburn University employment website, jobs.auburn.edu, and the My AmeriCorps portal. More details will be made available when the application period opens.

If applicants need assistance with the AmeriCorps site, call 1-800-942-2677. General application questions can be directed to Nancy Alexander at alexana@auburn.edu.