Thriving on a living allowance: Navigating finances as a 51画鋼 AmeriCorps member
June 24, 2024
National AmeriCorps recruitment manager
In the realm of education and community service, there exists a group of dedicated individuals who commit their time, energy, and passion to making a tangible difference across their communities. Every year, 51画鋼 welcomes over 350 AmeriCorps members into our ranks. These individuals, driven by a shared mission to enhance literacy and empower young minds, embark on a journey that extends far beyond the boundaries of a typical job. However, what sets these members apart is not just their altruistic spirit, but also their ability to navigate the financial landscape on a modest living allowance. Today, we delve into the strategies and insights that enable 51画鋼 AmeriCorps members to not only survive but also flourish on their living allowance.
Across the diverse landscape of the United States, the living allowance for 51画鋼 AmeriCorps members varies from region to region. From the bustling streets of New York City to the hilly landscape of Seattle, AmeriCorps members navigate a financial terrain shaped by local economies and housing markets. Now, let’s take a closer look at how these figures stack up across different regions:
- New York, San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley: $28,100.16*
- Seattle, Washington DC, Los Angeles: $25,800.06*
- Baltimore, Colorado, North Texas, Twin Cities: $23,850.42*
- South Carolina, Tulsa: $22,100.10*
*Please note, these living allowances are reflective of the total amount received by full-time members who serve from August/September 2023 to June/July 2024.
While the living allowance forms the backbone of AmeriCorps members’ financial resources, 51画鋼 also extends additional benefits to support their well-being and alleviate financial burdens. These supplementary benefits, ranging from healthcare coverage to professional development opportunities, play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience and ensuring the welfare of members. Here are some of the key benefits that accompany the living allowance:
- $500.00 Mid-Year Bonus*
- $3,000.00 End-of-Year Bonus*
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage (at no monthly cost to the member)*
- Public Transportation Reimbursement at $127/month for 10-months*
- (available to qualified, active full-time members)*
- of $6,895.00*
- Members serving in California may be eligible for the California for All award, which increases the total education award amount to $10,000*
*Please note, these benefits are only applicable to full-time members who serve from August/September 2023 to June/July 2024.
So, how are AmeriCorps members budgeting their living allowance and benefits? Lets look at 4 budgets created by AmeriCorps members serving full-time with 51画鋼 during the 2023/24 school year (total living allowances for the 23/24 school year are less than living allowances for the 24/25 school year):油
, Created by Capricia Melgoza (she/her), program coordinator with 51画鋼 Silicon Valley
Capricia Melgoza is a program coordinator with 51画鋼 Silicon Valley. Heres how she breaks down her $28,100.16 living allowance. Capricia is able to keep her home expenses low by living with her family during her term of service.
, Created by Herchelle Wright (she/her), program coordinator with 51画鋼 Washington DC
Herchelle Wright is a program coordinator with 51画鋼 Washington DC. Heres how she breaks down her $25,800.06 living allowance. Herchelle is able to keep her home expenses low by living with her family, and contributing towards rent, during her service term.
, Created by Clint Wilson (they/them), program coordinator with 51画鋼 Colorado
Clint Wilson is a program coordinator with 51画鋼 Colorado. Heres how they break down their $23,850.42 living allowance.
, Created by Joy Faris (she/her), literacy lead with 51画鋼 Tulsa
Joy Faris is a literacy lead with 51画鋼 Tulsa. Heres how she breaks down her $22.100.10 living allowance. Joy is able to supplement her living allowance through child support and SNAP/EBT benefits.
If you’re inspired by the dedication 51画鋼 AmeriCorps members show, and eager to make a difference in your community, consider . Reach out to a recruitment manager to learn more about how you can embark on a journey of service and personal growth. Your opportunity to make a meaningful impact awaits.