Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

Invest in your future after completing your term. Upon successfully finishing your service, you earn a post-service education benefit designed to pay current or future educational expenses at eligible institutions and training programs, or to repay qualified student loans.

• How You Earn It: Complete your required service hours, serve through your end date, submit all required paperwork, and enroll in the National Service Trust.

• Award Amount: The full-time award matches the maximum value of the Federal Pell Grant for the year you serve (as determined in your grant’s Notice of Funding Opportunity). Part-time and other service slots receive a prorated amount.

• Schools of National Service: Many colleges, universities, and trade programs offer matching funds, scholarships, or application fee waivers to AmeriCorps alumni who use their award at their institution.

• Lifetime Limit: You can earn up to the value equivalent of two full-time Segal Education Awards over your lifetime.

• Flexible Spending: Funds are managed through the MyAmeriCorps Portal and paid directly to qualified educational institutions, training programs, or student loan servicers on your behalf.

• 7-Year Timeline: You have up to 7 years from the date you complete your service to use your award. Extensions are available for compelling circumstances (such as military or Peace Corps service, or enrolling in additional service terms).

• Tax Note: The award amount used is considered taxable income in the calendar year it is disbursed and will be reported on a Form 1099-MISC.

Pause your student loan payments while you serve—and let AmeriCorps cover the interest. If you have qualified, federally guaranteed student loans, you can temporarily postpone your loan repayments during your term of service.

• Loan Forbearance: Active members can request to temporarily postpone payments on eligible federal student loans for the duration of their service term.

• 100% Interest Payment: Upon successfully completing your term, the National Service Trust may pay up to 100% of the interest that accrued on your qualified loans while you were serving.

• An Added Perk: This interest payment benefit is provided in addition to your Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, giving you extra financial relief as you transition out of service.

AmeriCorps members receive a strong safety net and professional support package during their service term to ensure they can focus on making an impact.

• Health Insurance: Full-time members receive access to program-provided health insurance coverage, helping you stay covered and healthy throughout your service term.

• Child Care Assistance: Eligible, active full-time members can receive child care subsidies through the AmeriCorps Child Care Program, helping cover child care costs so you can focus on serving your community.

• Living & Travel Support: Beyond health and child care benefits, members may receive living allowances, housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and guidance on accessing local food assistance programs.

• Professional Growth: Gain hands-on professional development, specialized training, and access to an extensive alumni network to kickstart your career.

AmeriCorps alumni are top-tier candidates for future employment opportunities. Employers of National Service connect alumni with employers from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. You may also receive special consideration for employment with the federal government.

AmeriCorps alumni gain ongoing access to a wide range of benefits and resources. After service, you can tap into the nationwide network of more than 1.3 million AmeriCorps alumni and learn how to make the most of the Segal Education Award and other key opportunities.