Join Literacy*Americorps Central Texas

What do Literacy*AmeriCorps Central Texas members do?

Literacy AmeriCorps members are placed at various locations throughout Central Texas, called service sites, where they tutor individuals, teach in groups, recruit volunteers and build capacity of local literacy programs. Members may be assigned to adult literacy programs, programs focused on family literacy, library programs, and a variety of organizations in the area that focus on education and literacy. The program offers a diverse selection of service opportunities our members can experience.

Do I need a lot of experience?

We start the program year off with a just over a week of pre-service training and orientation. During this time members participate in the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education training, as well as become more familiar with the Central Texas programming.  Members will learn about literacy resources and materials, the Central Texas community, and receive orientation to the Literacy AmeriCorps program requirements. This training continues throughout the service year on a variety of topics the second and fourth Friday of each month. In addition, members receive site specific training at the literacy program to which they are assigned.

What is a typical schedule like for AmeriCorps members in the program?

This is a difficult question to answer because each Literacy*AmeriCorps Central Texas service site offers an exclusive assignment.   Member should expect to serve 40 hours per week. Some programs operate during afternoon and evening hours and some programs operate on a traditional 9:00 to 5:00 schedule.

Twice a month on Friday members attend team meeting and training days. The Friday Training days will provide members with continued professional development, teaching strategies, community service activity planning, and opportunities to assume leadership roles in a variety of areas. Additionally Literacy*AmeriCorps members participate in community service projects, literacy training events and conferences, and grassroots outreach a minimum of 1 Saturday or Sunday per month, depending on the AmeriCorps calendar.

How do you decide if I am a good fit? And for what site?

The placement process is based on the selection interview, your background, interests, skill-set, and experience. Your preferences, along with the specific needs of each of service site will be considered when making the final decisions on who is assigned to what sites.  The interview process is finalized with a site interview.

What is the policy concerning vacations and holidays?

Members have the opportunity to take scheduled breaks around the holidays and may submit requests for holiday or special occasion absences, however, AmeriCorps members do not officially have “vacation time” or “PTO” so you must be mindful of your time off and make a plan with your supervisor to make up the hours.  Policies concerning attendance and scheduled breaks are reviewed in detail during the pre-service orientation and training. If you are joining our AmeriCorps program from out of state you will be able to schedule a time period around the holidays to return home for a family visit.

How much is the stipend (living allowance) and how will it be paid to me?

The AmeriCorps stipend is $12,100 and is paid in equal installments twice monthly, for 11 months. It is taxed and you can expect your check each pay period to be approximately $500.00. This isn't a lot to live on but our experience has shown that our members are able to live in our area on the stipend, especially if they choose to room with other AmeriCorps members in the area. We do allow members to take part time jobs to earn a little extra money as long as the job doesn't conflict with service priorities. Some members find they are able to live modestly on the stipend without the need to find outside employment.

What are the other benefits of service?

Education Award

Members will receive $5,500 upon completion of the AmeriCorps service year.  If a member leaves the program before completing the minimum 1700 hours of service the education award is completely forfeited. The award is paid by the National Service Trust and is provided to you upon completion of 1700 hours of service. You can then use this award to pay school expenses or pay off qualified student loans.

Deferment of Qualified Student Loans

The federal government will pay the interest on qualified loans while you in service with AmeriCorps.

Health Insurance

In depth health insurance information is provided to members during pre-service orientation. The coverage will begin on the first day of pre-service training.

Food Stamps

AmeriCorps members are eligible for food stamp benefits. All the information you need to apply for these benefits will be provided during the pre-service training.