Giving back to the community is a time-honored tradition. Whether it means tutoring children, building homes or helping to clear trails and streams, community service automatically yields rewards because you can see the tangible results of your work. Knowing you've made a difference is priceless. But community service can do much more.
By participating in programs sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, students can earn awards that can help them with their educational expenses at qualified institutions of higher education—such as, educational training or repaying qualified student loans. Two of the most popular programs are AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, who allow participating grandparents to use their awards for the grandchildren's college needs.
Earlier this year, President Obama's stimulus plan supported the expansion of national service programs administered by the Corporation for National Community Service. Some of the many new benefits include:
- Increasing of the existing AmeriCorps educational stipend offered to volunteers to $5,350—the same amount as the maximum Pell College grant.
- Authorizing a $500 summer of service education awards for rising 6-12th graders based on 100 hours of service ($750 for economically disadvantaged students).
- Authorizing of $1,000 Silver Scholar education awards, for individuals age 55 and older who perform 350 hours of service.
- Permitting individuals 55 or older to transfer education awards earned in Subtitle C position or as a Silver Scholar to their child or grandchild (if the recipient meets the citizenship eligibility requirements for AmeriCorps and attains a high school degree before using the award).
Making a difference in a community is a great reason to volunteer. And it's not just a way to get the tremendous satisfaction that comes from helping others! It can also help pave the way for higher education. Get more information on volunteering and how it can help pay for college expenses at www.nationalservice.gov or visit the specific programs sites at www.nationalservice.gov/about/programs/americorps.asp or www.nationalservice.gov/about/programs/seniorcorps.asp.