Prospective Members

If you are interested in serving as an AmeriCorps member, either in Rhode Island or out of the state, there are basic requirements all candidates must meet. We have outlined three basic steps to help you get the process started:

Step 1 - Ensure you are eligible

AmeriCorps members must:

• Be at least 17 years of age
• Be a United States citizen, United States national or lawful permanent resident
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (or be willing to work toward one)
• Be able to commit to at least your term of service (typically 10-12 months)

If you are accepted, you will need to provide the program with a birth certificate or other information documenting your age and citizenship.  Additionally, all AmeriCorps members must be able to pass a National Service Criminal History check.  The program that you are accepted by will provide detailed instructions about obtaining the appropriate criminal history checks. 

Step 2 - Identify and apply to programs

To join AmeriCorps, you must apply directly to your program of interest. There are usually two ways to apply to your program(s) of choice – either through the online AmeriCorps Recruitment system or by applying directly to the program and using its application process. AmeriCorps members serve in full-time, half-time, and minimum-time capacity. The kind of slot available will vary from program to program. View Rhode Island Americorps programs.

You can also view the current Americorps State programs in Rhode Island, or you can visit the AmeriCorps website to get contact information for other AmeriCorps programs throughout the country. If you are still unsure about what program is right for you, you can use the AmeriCorps selector tool to assist you in making that decision.

We recommend that you make contact with any prospective programs so they can explain their application process and time-line. Also, programs may have additional requirements, so be sure to ask about their qualifications for AmeriCorps members. Many nonprofits use the RI Community Jobs listing to post AmeriCorps positions, so we recommend checking there as well.

Step 3 - Need more information

If you still have further questions, the Serve Rhode Island staff will be happy to assist you. Contact Serve Rhode Island at (401) 331-2298 and ask to speak to an AmeriCorps staff person.