The national service movement that engages thousands of men and women of all ages and backgrounds in a domestic Peace Corps, aimed at meeting the needs in the areas of ... Education, Public Safety, Environment, and Human Services.

AmeriCorps is much more than a service program.  It is a movement that unites Americans to improve our neighborhoods and our lives.  In communities large and small throughout America,  AmeriCorps Members are taking responsibility, learning valuable skills, and helping their friends and neighbors. AmeriCorps is part of a tradition of service, and it represents America at its best -- making a lasting difference while promoting the values of community, responsibility, and opportunity.

AmeriCorps Members help meet the nation's critical needs in the areas of public safety, education, human needs, and the environment.  In Pennsylvania, AmeriCorps State Programs are administered by PennSERVE, The Governor's Office of Citizen Service.

Currently accepting applications for Fall Term 2008-2009

Resources for Fall 2008-2009 Applicants

• 2008-2009 Application Packet
• Fingerprint registration form for FBI Clearance

Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps Members serve in many school districts and community organizations, separating the SMILES corps into two programs:

1. School Based (Members serve in school districts providing tutoring and mentoring in small group and/or one-on-one instruction.)

School districts include:

• Allegheny-Clarion County School District
• Commodore Perry School District
• DuBois Area School District
• Franklin Area School District
• George Junior
• Grove City School District
• Jamestown School District
• Keystone School District
• Laurel School District
• Midwestern IU4
• North Clarion School District
• Punxsutawney Area School District
• Reynolds School District
• Shaler Area School District
• Sharpsville Area School District
• Union Area School District
• West Middlesex School District

2. Community Based (Members serve in a variety of programs providing educational and social/behavioral support to children of all ages.)

Community Programs Include:

• Boys and Girls Clun Along the Allegheny
• Clarion University Federal Work Study Programs
• Cray Youth & Family Services
• Heart 2 Heart
• Keystone SMILES Alternative Education Program
• Keystone SMILES School Readiness Program
• Keystone SMILES Youth Mentoring Program
• Oil City Salvation Army
• Sharpsville Gardens Children's Learning Center
• Youth Alternatives
• Venango Area Community Foundation
• Venango County Court Supervision

AmeriCorps Members Must:

• Be 17 years of age or older

• Have a high school diploma or GED, or be willing to commit to obtaining one
• Be a United States citizen or legal resident alien
• Commit to a term of service
• Attend orientation and training sessions
• Participate in 4 public service days
• Submit enrollment and ongoing paperwork including Act 33 and Act 34 Clearances

2007-2008 SMILES AmeriCorps Members receive:

• The satisfaction of finding a way to put idealism into action
• Real-life education and work experience all in one
• Training in - teamwork, communication, responsibility, First Aid, CPR Disaster Preparedness, Service Learning (Online Course through Clarion University) and many other life skills.
• A living allowance:
  $11,500 - Full-time members
  $6,250 - Half-time members
  $2,900 - Quarter time/summer members
• An education award to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training
  $4,725 - Full-time members
  $2,363 - Half-time members
  $1,250 - Quarter time / Summer members
• Student loan forbearance during term of service; interest accrued during service term paid upon successful completion
• Full time members receive individual health insurance if not already covered by another policy.
• Full time members received child care assistance - if income eligible (follows minimum PA State requirements)

Necessary forms to begin the application process

• Complete Application Packet with References  and Clearance Applications Please Note: If members have current clearances they may be submitted instead of clearance applications.)
• FBI Clearance

How does the application process work

The program consists of two components. First, one must explore and understand the AmeriCorps program. This program is administered by Keystone SMILES, which is a nonprofit organization responsible for the implementation of the AmeriCorps federal grant program. All potential members must understand the AmeriCorps program requirements and design.

The initial application to be an AmeriCorps member is required to be submitted to Keystone SMILES through a paper application accessible at the top of this page. Upon receipt of your application, interviews will be scheduled by the host site you are interested in serving. Keystone SMILES is responsible for ensuring that applicants meet the AmeriCorps requirements for enrollment. The host site makes the final selection of members through personal interviews scheduled at their convenience.
 

The applicants will be notified via their host sites and/or Keystone SMILES through an acceptance packet. The acceptance packet must be completed in full and all required documentation submitted before the member is consider active in the program.