AmeriCorps members serve with nonprofits, schools, government agencies and tribes dedicated to the improving the lives of all Americans. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. You can learn more about the variety of AmeriCorps programs by visiting AmeriCorps.gov.
Both of NCOE’s AmeriCorps programs are State and National AmeriCorps grants funded in partnership with California Volunteers, the state commission of AmeriCorps for California. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteering and civic action to tackle our State’s most pressing challenges. With the support of California Volunteers, and the federal Office of AmeriCorps, our programs make a huge impact both locally and statewide.
Check out the many ways AmeriCorps members are making a difference in CA by watching this short video HERE.
Benefits of Service:
There are many benefits of National Service! Our AmeriCorps members serve full time in exchange for:
In addition to the above benefits, members may also be eligible for relocation expenses, and student-loan forbearance or deferment.
AmeriCorps members in the state of California may also be eligible for CalFRESH, California’s food assistance program, during their term of service. Visit https://www.getcalfresh.org/ for more eligibility information.
*AmeriCorps members may qualify for subsidized childcare through a qualified caregiver during the duration of their service depending on their income.
Katie Kline (VIP, NCOE):“When you do a service year for AmeriCorps, you’re gaining so much in all the tangible benefits… But you don’t really think about the other stuff you gain just in basic life skills, whether you’re moving across the country, being able to live on your own, finding yourself…really creating your own journey and your own story, and I think that has probably been my favorite part about this entire year [of service]. There’s just so much growth in my personal life that’s been really rewarding.”
The Napa County Office of Education (NCOE) hosts two AmeriCorps programs:
Which Program is Right for You?
- You are still a big kid at heart
- You love working with kids
- Considering a career in education, social work or youth development
- You thrive in a busy, active & social environment
- Eager to learn new skills
- Want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth
- You are passionate about volunteering
- You want to make a difference
- You enjoy creating systems that improve efficiency and impact
- You are considering a future in nonprofit management, social work, or public administration
- You thrive working both independently and in groups
- You enjoy opportunities to meet and work with diverse populations
1998: Project SCHOLARS, an AmeriCorps reading tutoring program, launches at Sonoma State University. Project SCHOLARS was founded by Julie McClure.
1999: COOL School afterschool program begins!
2004: Promise Fellows AmeriCorps program begins.
2007-2008: Project SCHOLARS, COOL School, and Promise Fellows programs transition to the Napa County Office of Education’s leadership under the title of “CalSERVES”.
2009: The Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP), an evolution from the Promise Fellows program, begins its pilot year.
2018: Founder Julie McClure is awarded Congressional honor, presented to Congress by U.S. Representative Mike Thompson.
2021: CalSERVES AmeriCorps programs transition program names to simply “AmeriCorps Expanded Learning (EXL)” and “AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP)”.
Aeryn Jungerman, Program Coordinator, AmeriCorps VIP
Fernando Cardenas, Program Coordinator, VIP
Katherine Pineda, Evaluation Coordinator, National Service
Heather Whitacre, Administrative Assistant II
Nina Pariani, Program Assistant, National Service
If you would like to monetarily support our AmeriCorps members, please consider donating to the Napa County Office of Education’s AmeriCorps Scholarship Fund.
The AmeriCorps Scholarship Fund will directly support the service projects of our AmeriCorps EXL and VIP members, as well as provide support to AmeriCorps members who may be experiencing financial hardship during their service term.
Visit this link to make a secure donation through PayPal.