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 herefor 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.
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.)
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.
