National Service Programs

AmeriCorps is the only federal agency dedicated to volunteerism and national service. Through its programs, it addresses critical community needs across the United States in areas such as education, healthly futures, and economic development. AmeriCorps members strengthen communities while developing leadership skills. Participants commit to a term of service, during which they receive a living stipend, professional development, and an education award to support further education or pay off student loans.

The North Mississippi VISTA Project (NMVP) is a signature initiative of the Grisham-McLean Institute and is an AmeriCorps VISTA Program. Volunteers in Service to America (VISTAs) serve indirectly, building capacity in non-profits, Title I Schools, and government entities through a one-year, full-time placement. The NMVP, with its twenty-seven AmeriCorps members, fights poverty in a twenty-eight county service area.

The Grisham-McLean Institute has been awarded a planning grant from Volunteer Mississippi to conceptualize and develop a new direct service program. This program will allow AmeriCorps members to connect with longtime partners of the institute to directly serve their communities.

Contact Erin Parker for more information.

Indirect service is conducted by our AmeriCorps members in the North Mississippi VISTA Project. They build capacity in their organizations by developing programming, events, processes, curriculum, infrastructure, and by writing grants or managing social media. Through indirect service, these members are building sustainable solutions that will outlast their term of service.

If you are interested in building these solutions, join the North Mississippi VISTA Project!

Direct service is often what one thinks about when they think of volunteering. Direct service volunteers engage with members of their community through tutoring, mentoring, or another means of active interaction.

Currently, the institute is in a planning phase for a direct service program. In the meantime, you can volunteer through GivePulse or join one of our sister national service programs: Jumpstart or Mission Acceleration.

As a part of the AmeriCorps VISTA Program and the North Mississippi VISTA Project, prospective members can expect to connect with passionate changemakers and gain valuable professional skills. Opportunities to join us are available year-round, with start dates at partner sites in throughout North Mississippi.

• Living Allowance: Members receive a living allowance of approximately $1,900 per month before taxes. This allowance is not considered a salary or wages.
• Health Benefits: Members have access to health benefits, either through the healthcare allowance, which covers all out-of-pocket expenses except for the monthly premium for those with or obtaining health insurance, or through a basic health plan. Both options include basic vision and dental coverage. Members may also enroll in a subsidized health insurance plan via the health insurance marketplace within 60 days of starting their service.
• Childcare: Members with children under the age of 13 can utilize AmeriCorps’ Childcare plan if they meet certain income criteria.
• Paid Leave: Members receive 10 days of paid personal leave per year, in addition to federal holidays recognized by their service site and 10 days of paid sick leave. Unused leave rolls over if members serve additional years.
• End-of-Service Benefit: Upon successfully completing a term of service, members may receive a cash stipend of $1,800 or the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (equal to $7,395). The education award can be used for future educational expenses or to pay down qualified federal student loans. Members over 55 at the start of their service can transfer the award to an immediate family member. Members can receive a maximum of two education awards in their lifetime.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Members can enhance their skills through professional development, experiential learning, national service days, and resources provided by both the NMVP and AmeriCorps.
• Student Loan Options: Members who select the education award can place their federally qualified loans in forbearance during their service. Upon successful completion of service, AmeriCorps can cover the interest accrued during the term. Additionally, service in AmeriCorps VISTA counts towards the 10-year requirement for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), though payments must continue to be made to qualify. AmeriCorps service can also count towards an income-driven repayment plan (IDR). Only debt accrued before starting service is eligible.
• Furthering Education: Schools of National Service offer additional benefits to AmeriCorps members and alumni, with some institutions matching the education award. If you choose the education award, it can be applied to many forms of education for up to seven years after you end your service.
• Future Federal Employment: After completing a term of service, members receive a year of non-competitive eligibility for federal employment, making it easier to secure a position in the federal civil service. This designation can be extended for up to two additional years if members pursue military service or higher education. Time spent in the VISTA Program counts towards a federal pension if members later enter federal civil service and contribute to the system for those years.

Please note that federal taxes are withheld from the living allowance and the end-of-service cash stipend. State and local taxes, if applicable, will need to be paid when filing your taxes. Additionally, any portion of the education award used will be subject to federal and state taxes in the year it is used.