The Pony Express is not responsible for the content of external websites
Copyright Stillwater Area High School MMX
April 27, 2012
While most seniors are opting to attend college next year, Hannah Lawrence and Camille McMillian have made the decision to put off their education for a year and volunteer full-time through Americorps.
Americorps is an organization that provides assistance to communities in need throughout the United States. This federally funded program is run by volunteers who spend ten months to a year living in a community and helping out within their specific program.
"I was looking for different options because I didn't want to go to college yet," said Lawrence. "I looked into the Peace Corps, but you have to be 21 to join that, so then I found Americorps."
Volunteers between ages 18 to 24 may opt to be in the National Civilian Community Corps branch, which offers full-time, team based project options in the exclusive programs areas of: disaster relief, infrastructure improvement, environmental conservation, energy conservation, and urban and rural development in communities.
"NCCC is specific for one region, and the program that I want to do in it is all about helping youth in music," said Lawrence. "I don't know if I'll get into it yet, though."
During Americorps, volunteers will get a modest living allowance and, depending on the location, they may receive dormitory style housing.
"I'm most nervous about going to a whole new place and not knowing anyone there," said McMillian. "I'm excited to meet new people and travel all around the state. I think it'll help me grow as a person. It'll really be a positive change that will help me work with people better and realize things that I haven't been able to see because I'm sort of sheltered here."
After applying on-line, Americorps does a criminal background check and then has program leaders review the applications. After a phone interview, the applicants receive a letter telling them if they've been accepted into the program and also informing them what state they'll be stationed in.
"You don't get to choose where you go, but I really want to go to Washington state," said Lawrence. "I have family out there, so if I couldn't make it home for the holidays or something, then I wouldn't be alone."
After serving a full term in Americorps, volunteers receive a $5,550 Americorps Education Award, which they may use to pay off qualified student loans or apply towards a higher education.
"It's definitely setting me aside by going into Americorps. It'll be odd going to college and being one year older than everyone else," said McMillian. "But I know that I'm making the right decision."
Both Lawrence and McMillian plan on attending college after they finish their terms with Americorps and are currently planning on careers working with people to help improve others' lives. Lawrence plans on majoring in sociology, and McMillian wants to obtain her masters degree in social work with a focus on children and is also considering a degree is special education.
"I'm excited for the opportunity and the chance to help," said Lawrence. "I love people and I want to help make a difference in someone's life."
Photographer