Join AmeriCorps

 
 
   

News


Ross McGinnis video
Click here

  

Memorial Service Award Endowment Fund

Service Award Applications are ongoing. Click here to download application.

Deadline for the 2009 application is November 9th.

To view official PFC Ross McGinnis Medal of Honor Site, Click here

 


On May 13, 2008, Keystone SMILES proudly established the Michael Andrew Renfrew Memorial Preschool Scholarship. 
 Michael was the 4-year old son of Randall and Lisa Renfrew, a Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps Alumni. Michael was killed in a tragic accident on the family farm on April 1, 2001. The fund will be used to annually award scholarships to preschool students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a preschool program. Click here for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

AmeriCorps is...

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.

 

  • Resources for Full Year Applicants

    Click here to go the the My AmeriCorps Keystone SMILES online application.
  • Full Year Application Packet (Full Time, Part Time, Quarter Time or Minimum Time)
  • Click here for Summer 2010 Application Packet
  • Fingerprint registration form for FBI Clearance (included in application packet)
  • Recruitment Presentation
  •  

    Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps Members serve in many school districts and community organizations:

     

    School districts include:

    Commodore Perry School District, New Castle, PA

    Conneaut School District, Linesville, PA

    Cray Youth and Family Services, New Castle, PA

    DuBois Area School District, DuBois, PA

     Erie School District, Erie, PA

     General McLane School District, Edinboro, PA

    George Junior, Grove City, PA

    Grove City School District, Grove City, PA

    Jamestown School District, Jamestown, PA

    Keystone School District, Knox, PA

    Laurel School District, New Castle, PA

    Mercer County Housing Authority, Sharon, PA

    North Clarion School District, Tionesta, PA

    Punxsutawney Area School District, Punxsutawney, PA

    Reynolds School District, Reynolds, PA

    Shaler Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

    Sharpsville School District, Sharpsville, PA

    Union School District, New Castle, PA

    West Middlesex School District, West Middlesex, PA

     

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

    Community Programs Include:

    360 Mentor Center, Franklin, PA

    Boys and Girls Club Along the Allegheny, Emlenton, PA

    Bridge Builders Community Foundation, Oil City, PA

    Chapel on the Hill, Emlenton, PA

    Keystone SMILES Alternative Education, Knox, PA

    Keystone SMILES Community Projects , Knox, PA

    Keystone SMILES School Readiness, Knox, PA

    Oil City Salvation Army, Oil City, PA

    Oil City YMCA, Oil City, PA

    Sharpsville Gardens Community Learning Center, Sharpsville, PA

     - The Mill, Emlenton, PA

    Venango County Court Supervision, Oil City, PA

    Venango Training and Development Center, Seneca, PA

     

    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 public service days
  • Submit enrollment and ongoing paperwork including Act 33 and Act 34
        Clearances
  •  

    2009-2010 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:
    $11,700 - Full-time members
    $6,250 - Half-time members
    $3,150 - 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 (If selected, clearance application will be submitted and paid for by Keystone SMILES AmeiCorps. Please Note: If members have CURRENT clearances (received at the time of submitting application) 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.

     
       
  •  

  •