Coordinating AmeriCorps recruitment efforts with local colleges
Abstract
AmeriCorps programs that coordinate recruiting efforts with local college admissions offices increase their applicant pools without increased effort. Colleges can also be encouraged to offer AmeriCorps-based scholarships when they are understood as a way to increase the number and diversity of applicants to their schools. This effective practice is based on the experience of Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.
Issue
AmeriCorps program managers often have difficulty recruiting out-of-state members. Many admissions counselors at smaller state and community colleges seek ways to increase enrollment applications in general, and specifically want to create more diversity among their student population.
Action
AmeriCorps programs and college admissions offices can team together to double their recruitment efforts without additional effort. College admissions counselors can refer potential students to local AmeriCorps programs as a way to pay for college expenses. In return, AmeriCorps program directors agree to recommend those colleges when they discuss post-service opportunities with their members.
College admissions counselors may be able to suggest a term of service with AmeriCorps as a possible means for out-of-state college applicants to gain state residency. (Due to the specific residency requirements of individual states, this issue is best left for colleges to pursue but it would make sense for AmeriCorps managers to inquire about its applicability.)
A term of service with AmeriCorps will help students reduce their college expenses in the following ways:
- They will have the education award at their disposal
- The 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act ensured that both the education award and the living allowance should be considered as excludable income. In terms of eligibility for need-based financial aid, serving in AmeriCorps is analogous to having no income
- It may allow them to pay less expensive in-state tuition
Schools that offer scholarships specifically for former AmeriCorps members will generate additional interest from potential applicants. Offering tuition waivers is an additional option, since the funding for waivers usually comes from a different source than scholarship funds.
AmeriCorps programs can encourage colleges to offer scholarships and tuition waivers by agreeing to support their former members should they choose to form student organizations on campus. These organizations would have the mission of promoting national and community service, as well as having the additional goal of promoting the college at off-site locations. Such promotion could include presentations at high schools and information booths at community events. This agreement should be considered a cooperative understanding, and not an explicit contract, between AmeriCorps programs and colleges. If colleges make requirements of work or service as a condition of receiving scholarships, those scholarships may not be exempt from taxation under IRS regulations.
Context
During the 2002-2003 academic year, Evergreen State College awarded five $1800 tuition awards to former AmeriCorps members.
Evergreen State College is located in Olympia, Washington. In 2002 it had a student population of 4,300.
Outcome
Colleges that offer scholarships or tuition waivers based on AmeriCorps service will be recognized by, and recommended to, AmeriCorps members throughout the country. Evergreen State College saw a dramatic increase in the number of out-of-state AmeriCorps members apply to their campus as a result of joining recruitment efforts with local AmeriCorps programs and by offering AmeriCorps-based scholarships.
Posted On
February 26, 2002For More Information
Related Practices
Related sites
Evergreen State College Undergraduate Scholarships and Tuition Awards
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