Becoming an Environmental Corps Member
Rockland County AmeriCorps’ (RCA) Environmental Corps
provides people with an interest in environmental issues
exciting opportunities to serve on an outdoor project during the
summer.
Environmental Corps members agree to serve
for 300 hours usually during June, July and August. For your
service you will receive a living stipend and an educational
award.
Individuals who apply and are accepted
into RCA’s Environmental Corps will attend an orientation in
early June and begin training in the last week of June.
Environmental Corps members are then placed at a Rockland based
municipal or not-for profit agency to accomplish a specific
environmental task as a service assignment during the summer.
What can I expect from RCA’s Environmental Corps Program?
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To be challenged
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To be working outside in all
types of weather
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To provide solutions to
problems
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To cooperate with a diverse
team
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To successfully complete your
service assignment
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To give your best
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To
demonstrate respect and consideration for yourself, your peers
and your supervisors.
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To have an experience in which
you will learn and grow.
What are service assignments like?
Since 2000, Environmental Corps members have participated in a
wide variety of service assignments. They have included:
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Trail installation,
improvement and marking
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Stream patrol
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Community revitalization
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Gardening
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Educating the community about
environmental issues
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Agriculture and horticulture
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Environmental surveys
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GIS/GPS applications
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Land use planning
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Facilitating neighborhood
clean ups
and beautification efforts.
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Implementing Adopt-A-Road
campaigns
Some of our past host sites have included:
Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, Rockland
County Drainage Agency, Clarkstown Highway Department,
Orangetown Highway Department, the Fellowship Community, the
Villages of Sloatsburg and Hillburn, Clarkstown Parks Board and
Recreation Commission, Suffern Civic Association, Cornell
Cooperative Extension, Camps Bullowa and Addisone Boyce and
Rockland County Department of Planning.
There will be many more opportunities in addition to these that
appeal to all types of interest levels and talents!
Benefits
As an AmeriCorps member you will receive a wealth of benefits,
starting with the satisfaction of getting things done for and
with people who need you. Other benefits include:
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Living Stipend
As an Environmental Corps member, you will receive a total
of $1959.00 taxable living stipend. This is delivered in
bi-weekly paychecks.
Educational Award
Environmental Corps members are eligible for a taxable
education reward of $1,000.00 at the end of your 300-hour
term of service. All service hours must be completed to
receive the educational award.
There are three ways to utilize the educational award:
1)
Money for College
The educational award is awarded in voucher form, and can
be forwarded to any college or university that accepts
financial aid. The education award can be applied to
tuition only and may not be utilized for room and board,
textbooks or other supplies. You have up to seven years
to utilize your award.
2)
Help with Student Loans
If you already have student loans, you can use your
education award to pay them off. While you are an
AmeriCorps member, you may be eligible for deferment on
your student loans.
3)
Vocational Education
Most institutions of higher education that accept
financial aid, including vocational institutions, are
eligible to utilize the educational award to offset
tuition costs.
Training
All Rockland County AmeriCorps members receive valuable
training prior to placement at their service
assignment. Training is Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Rockland County, which is located in Stony Point, NY.
Environmental Corps members typically
receive training in the areas of: exploring local
environmental issues, trail building, first aid,
orienteering, GPS/GIS, horticulture, public speaking,
working with groups/personality types, environmental
education for children and learning about county
resources.
Many different types of additional training opportunities
are provided.
In addition to training prior to
placement, there are also similar opportunities for
in-service training. Environmental Corps members also
participate in cooperative volunteer events, a final
project presentation and are expected to document the
outcomes of their service experience. |
Eligibility Requirements
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You must be a U.S. citizen or
U.S. national or a lawful permanent resident alien of the
United States
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You must be at least 17 years
old to join the Environmental Corps.
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You must have a high school
diploma or GED or agree to obtain one before utilizing your
education award.
While experience in environmental issues is not required, a
desire to actively participate and learn about environmental
issues is paramount. Nearly all service projects are outdoors,
and assignments take place in all types of weather. |
