AmeriCorps looks to hire 80 for Flint programs

FLINT, Michigan—More than 80 paid AmeriCorps jobs are available in Flint starting this fall. 

There is a major push under way now to recruit people to fill the jobs in multiple Flint programs. Each position includes a $12,000 (or more) stipend, a $5,800 educational credit that can be used to pay off current loans or future education costs, health care coverage, and childcare assistance. 

Every AmeriCorps position is about making a difference in the community and offer a variety of experiences—from working at Flint Community Schools helping children learn to read to working with the University of Michigan-Flint’s Urban Safety Corps.

Jennifer McArdle, coordinates the Flint communities unique coordinated AmeriCorps effort through the United Way of Genesee County. Her title is civic engagement manager—a position for which her own personal AmeriCorps service helped prepare her.
 
“Serving as an AmeriCorps member was a great opportunity for me to help my community, gain professional skills, and learn more about what I wanted to do in my own career. The relationships that I forged in AmeriCorps – both with fellow members and with the community – stick with me today,” McArdle said. “It was a great experience to know that I was making a difference in the lives of others. Plus, AmeriCorps launched me on my current career path.” 

Individuals must have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old to apply. For AmeriCorps members 55 years old or older, their educational credit can be passed on to their grandchildren for current or future educational costs.

Some AmeriCorps members are transitioning through various careers and have graduated from high school and college and by joining an AmeriCorps program, they are able to see if the position they are fulfilling is a good fit for them. Let’s say a person wants to become a teacher and would like to explore joining the Flint Community School Corps to see if working in a school environment is a good fit. There are also members who have retired from their career and have joined AmeriCorps to give back to the community. 
 

There are many positions that people of the community can fulfill based on their interest, such as:

• Flint Community Schools Corps – 30 full-time positions 
• Flint Recovery Corps – 6 full-time and 10 half-time positions 
• Reading Corps – 15 full-time positions  
• Flint Urban Safety Corps – 10 full-time positions

For the remaining AmeriCorps groups there are about 10 other full-time positions at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, UM-Flint, and others.
 
AmeriCorps members also receive professional development, on-the-job training, and networking opportunities. 
 
To apply, visit www.unitedwaygenesee.org/serve-now/.
 
For questions and additional information, contact McArdle at jmcardle@unitedwaygenesee.org or 810-762-5825.