What you'll learn
Serving your community is a great way to help others, and it can also help you pay for your education. The AmeriCorps Education Award is a special payment you can get after you finish a service term with AmeriCorps. This award can make college or trade school much more affordable, or help you pay back student loans.
In this article, we'll explain what the AmeriCorps Education Award is, who can get it, and how you can use it. We'll also talk about how to find a service job and what to expect when it comes to taxes.
What is the AmeriCorps Education Award?
The AmeriCorps Education Award is money you earn for serving your community. It's named after Sargent Shriver, who started programs like the Peace Corps. For a full-time service year in 2026, the award is about $7,395. The exact amount can change a little each year. You can earn up to two full-time education awards in your lifetime.
Who can get the AmeriCorps Education Award?
To get the AmeriCorps Education Award, you need to meet a few rules:
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien.
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or agree to get one before using the award.
- Complete a term of service with AmeriCorps.
How can you use your award?
The good news is you have several ways to use your AmeriCorps Education Award:
- Pay for college or trade school: You can use it at nearly any school that gives degrees or certificates, like colleges, universities, or vocational schools.
- Pay back qualified student loans: If you have federal or state student loans, you can use the award to help pay them off.
- Pay for educational programs: This can include things like apprenticeship programs.
The money from the award doesn't go straight to you. Instead, it's sent directly to your school or loan provider. You usually have 7 years from when you complete your service to use the award.
What about taxes?
It's important to know that the AmeriCorps Education Award is considered taxable income. This means you will need to report it on your tax forms the year you use it. When you use your award, AmeriCorps will send you a tax form (a 1099-MISC) that shows the amount you received. It's a good idea to talk to a tax advisor or visit our /articles/tax-tips page if you have questions about how this affects your taxes.
How to apply for an AmeriCorps service position
Getting started with AmeriCorps is simpler than you might think:
- Find a place to serve: Visit the official AmeriCorps website (our AmeriCorps search tool can help) to find service positions. You can look for programs that interest you, like helping in schools, building homes, or working in disaster relief.
- Apply for a position: Once you find a program you like, you'll apply through their website, just like applying for a job. Make sure to highlight why you want to serve and what skills you have.
- Complete your service: When you're accepted, you'll complete your full term of service. The length of service can vary, from a few months to a full year or more.
- Receive your award: After you successfully finish your service, your AmeriCorps Education Award will be available for you to use. You'll get information on how to access and direct your funds.
There are many different types of AmeriCorps programs, so you can find one that fits your interests and schedule. For more details on what AmeriCorps offers, you can check out our /guides/americorps-benefits page.
Bottom line
The AmeriCorps Education Award is a valuable way to get financial help for your education while also giving back to your community. By completing a term of service, you can earn money to pay for college, trade school, or to help pay down your student loans. It's a rewarding experience that benefits both you and the communities you serve.