AmeriCorps members can now serve longer to earn their education awards
What happened
AmeriCorps has changed the rules for how long members can serve and still receive benefits. Members can now serve for as long as it takes to earn two full-time education awards, or four terms, whichever is longer.
Why it matters
This change means people can stay in AmeriCorps longer, especially if they are serving part-time or in roles that pay less. It makes the program more accessible for those who need more time to earn the full value of their education benefits. This could help AmeriCorps attract and retain more participants, particularly in areas where the cost of living is high or where full-time service is not always feasible.
The signal
Watch for an increase in the average length of service for AmeriCorps members, and whether this leads to higher retention rates in the program.