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April 19, 2024

Thriving on a living allowance: Navigating finances as a ����������׼��������� AmeriCorps member

In the realm of education and community service, there exists a group of dedicated individuals who commit their time, energy, and passion to making a tangible difference across their communities. Every year, ����������׼��������� welcomes over 350 AmeriCorps members into our ranks. These individuals, driven by a shared mission to enhance literacy and empower young minds, embark on a journey that extends far beyond the boundaries of a typical job. However, what sets these members apart is not just their altruistic spirit, but also their ability to navigate the financial landscape on a modest living allowance. Today, we delve into the strategies and insights that enable ����������׼��������� AmeriCorps members to not only survive but also flourish on their living allowance.

Across the diverse landscape of the United States, the living allowance for ����������׼��������� AmeriCorps members varies from region to region. From the bustling streets of New York City to the hilly landscape of Seattle, AmeriCorps members navigate a financial terrain shaped by local economies and housing markets. Now, let’s take a closer look at how these figures stack up across different regions:

• New York, San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley: $28,100.16*
• Seattle, Washington DC, Los Angeles: $25,800.06*
• Baltimore, Colorado, North Texas, Twin Cities: $23,850.42*
• South Carolina, Tulsa: $22,100.10*

*Please note, these living allowances are reflective of the total amount received by full-time members who serve from August/September 2023 to June/July 2024.

While the living allowance forms the backbone of AmeriCorps members’ financial resources, ����������׼��������� also extends additional benefits to support their well-being and alleviate financial burdens. These supplementary benefits, ranging from healthcare coverage to professional development opportunities, play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience and ensuring the welfare of members. Here are some of the key benefits that accompany the living allowance:

• $500.00 Mid-Year Bonus*
• $3,000.00 End-of-Year Bonus*
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage (at no monthly cost to the member)*
• Public Transportation Reimbursement at $127/month for 10-months*
• (available to qualified, active full-time members)*
• of $6,895.00*
  • Members serving in California may be eligible for the California for All award, which increases the total education award amount to $10,000*

*Please note, these benefits are only applicable to full-time members who serve from August/September 2023 to June/July 2024. 

So, how are AmeriCorps members budgeting their living allowance and benefits? Let’s look at 4 budgets created by AmeriCorps members serving full-time with ����������׼��������� during the 2023/24 school year (total living allowances for the 23/24 school year are less than living allowances for the 24/25 school year):��

, Created by Capricia Melgoza (she/her), program coordinator with ����������׼��������� Silicon Valley

Capricia Melgoza is a program coordinator with ����������׼��������� Silicon Valley. Here’s how she breaks down her $28,100.16 living allowance. Capricia is able to keep her “home” expenses low by living with her family during her term of service. 

, Created by Herchelle Wright (she/her), program coordinator with ����������׼��������� Washington DC

Herchelle Wright is a program coordinator with ����������׼��������� Washington DC. Here’s how she breaks down her $25,800.06 living allowance. Herchelle is able to keep her “home” expenses low by living with her family, and contributing towards rent, during her service term. 

, Created by Clint Wilson (they/them), program coordinator with ����������׼��������� Colorado

Clint Wilson is a program coordinator with ����������׼��������� Colorado. Here’s how they break down their $23,850.42 living allowance. 

, Created by Joy Faris (she/her), literacy lead with ����������׼��������� Tulsa

Joy Faris is a literacy lead with ����������׼��������� Tulsa. Here’s how she breaks down her $22.100.10 living allowance. Joy is able to supplement her living allowance through child support and SNAP/EBT benefits.

If you’re inspired by the dedication ����������׼��������� AmeriCorps members show, and eager to make a difference in your community, consider . Reach out to a recruitment manager to learn more about how you can embark on a journey of service and personal growth. Your opportunity to make a meaningful impact awaits.