Completing Your AmeriCorps Application
A step-by-step visual guide for navigating the MyAmeriCorps
application portal
If you need assistance completing your application, please contact 1-800-942-2677.
Purpose
When submitting an AmeriCorps application, completeness and insightful answers are the
key to success. For those who wish to begin the application process, this four-part guide
will guide you through detailed steps. We'll provide you with information you should
include (and omit) to successfully complete and submit your AmeriCorps application.
2 | Table of Contents
1
Find Your Fit
Page
Use the "Search Listings" function to explore AmeriCorps
service opportunities.
3
2
Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal
Page
Before you apply for AmeriCorps opportunities, you'll need to
create a prole in our system.
7
3
Create Your Application
Page
Next, complete an application by providing information
about your skills and experience.
13
Submit Your Application
4
Page
Once you've completed your application within the
MyAmeriCorps Portal, you'll be able to submit your
26
application to one or more AmeriCorps opportunities.
Not Quite Ready to Apply?
If you're still deciding whether AmeriCorps is right for you, head to americorps.gov/serve
to learn more.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you require assistance at any point throughout this process, please call our dedicated
AmeriCorps Hotline Monday-Friday* between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. ET at 1-800-942-2677 or send
a message to the AmeriCorps Hotline by going to: questions.americorps.gov/app/ask
*Please note, the hotline is closed on Fridays during the months of Feb., March, April, Oct., Nov., and Dec.
Part 1: Find Your Fit | 3
PART 1: Find Your Fit
Search Listings
Before you start the application process, explore opportunities in the MyAmeriCorps
portal. Head to the homepage at my.americorps.gov, and click the "Search Listings"
button (circled in yellow below).
A note on browser selection: It is best to use Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge
when navigating through the application portal.
4 | Part 1: Find Your Fit
Filter Your Search
If you already know which program you're interested in, use the "Quick Search"
section to search by program type, state, or program name. Want to better
understand the dierences between AmeriCorps programs? Check out our t
nder at: americorps.gov/serve/t-nder
If you'd like to explore more available opportunities, use the "Advanced Search" section
to lter by a variety of service elements, including service term (full-time, part-time, or
summer), education level, metro area, service areas (such as Disaster Relief, Housing,
Public Health, etc.), languages, and skills.
Pro Tip:
Keep the search
elds broad at
rst, then narrow
down to ensure
you receive a
decent number
of results.
Part 1: Find Your Fit | 5
Explore Your Options
After you click the "Search" button, you'll see the open opportunities that correspond to
your interests. Click on each open listing name to view the details.
6 | Part 1: Find Your Fit
Select Your Best Fit
You can review the duties, benets, requirements, application deadlines, and more
within each AmeriCorps listing. It's a great idea to reach out to the point of contact
listed in any opportunity that catches your eye so you can express your interest
(circled in yellow below).
Note: Not all AmeriCorps programs require applicants to apply through the MyAmeriCorps
portal. Be sure to read the instructions in each listing thoroughly and proceed according
to that particular organization's requirements.
Pro Tip:
Once you've found your best-t AmeriCorps opportunity, bookmark
the listing in your browser so you can easily return to it later. After
you've registered (see section 2 of this guide), you'll be able to click
the "add to favorites" button (circled in blue above) to build your list
of favorite opportunities.
8 | Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal
Create Prole - Step 1 of 4
Start your prole by lling in your full name, social security number*, date of birth, and
your email address.
*Your social security number is required so we can check our records to determine if you have applied or served before and
direct you to the appropriate information. Additionally, if you stated in your application that you are a citizen or national of
the United States, we will use your SSN to verify your citizenship status with the Social Security Administration.
If the SSA cannot verify your statement in their records, you will be contacted to provide additional documentation.
Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal | 9
Create Prole - Step 2 of 4
Continue your prole by adding your citizenship/residency status; city, state, and
country of birth; and your availability information*.
*Your earliest availability
date is the earliest possible
time you would be
available to begin service
on an AmeriCorps project.
10 | Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal
Create Prole - Step 3 of 4
For the zip code eld in this section, you are required to include the last four digits
of your zip code. To nd the last four digits to your zip code, use the USPS zip code
lookup tool on USPS.com at tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm?byaddress.
Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal | 11
Create Prole - Step 4 of 4
Complete your prole with your educational and military background, skills*, and other
background information. Remember to click the "nish" button once you've completed
this section. You'll see a conrmation screen after you submit your prole with
additional information.
*Keep in mind, the skills you select on this page will show up later in the application process, where you'll be asked
to provide brief explanations as to how you acquired each skill.
12 | Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal
Complete Your Registration
Once you've submitted your prole, you'll receive a conrmation email from
recruitment@americorps.gov (remember to check your spam folder if you don't
nd an email in your inbox) with a link to nalize your registration.
Click the link in that email to navigate to the Complete Your Registration page (as seen
below) on the MyAmeriCorps Portal. Fill out this short form to complete the registration.
Once you have created your username and password, you must log into your account
within 72 hours to ensure access to the system. If you need help, call the AmeriCorps
Hotline at 1-800-942-2677.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 13
PART 3: Create Your Application
Now that you've registered in the system, you'll see your prole's homepage (below).
If you don't see this screen, login at my.americorps.gov. From this screen, you'll be
able to create a new application, add references, and search for AmeriCorps listings.
Click on the "Applications" link (circled in yellow below) to create your application.
Then, on the next screen, click the "Create Application" button.
Click here to create your application
If you require assistance at any point throughout this process, please call 1-800-942-2677 or
send a message to the AmeriCorps Hotline by going to: questions.americorps.gov/app/ask
14 | Part 3: Create Your Application
Application: Motivational Statement - Step 1 of 8
The rst step is writing your motivational statement*. The best motivational statements
tell us why you want to serve with AmeriCorps along with personal details and/or
examples from your life that show us you are ready to serve.
*It is recommended that you type your motivational statement in a separate document, then copy and paste it into the text
box shown here when you are ready. This will ensure your work is not lost.
Make sure to answer the
question: Why do you want to
serve with AmeriCorps? Your
response should show that
you have an understanding
of the opportunity you're
applying to and why it is a
good t for you.
Check out the requirements for the AmeriCorps opportunity you're planning on
applying to for more information on the minimum education, skills, and experience
needed. If you have questions about your eligibility, reach out to the point of
contact in your listing of choice, or head to americorps.gov/serve for more
information. Most AmeriCorps opportunities are entry level, so demonstrating
your genuine interest in strengthening communities through service will be key.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 15
Application: Skills and Experience - Step 2 of 8
When you rst created your prole, you selected the skills you had gained through your
past experience (see page 11 of this guide). In this section elaborate on those skills and
let us know how you gained them. If you selected a skill by accident during the creation
of your prole, you can go back to your applicant home page and click "edit my prole"
to adjust which skills appear in this section.
The explanation of how you
gained these skills does not
need to be very long, it just
needs to let us know how
you gained it.
Don't leave any of the
skills elds blank.
Ways to gain a skill:
• A class or training
• Work experience
• A group project
• Hobbies
• Volunteer activities
• School clubs or activities
16 | Part 3: Create Your Application
Application: Education - Step 3 of 8
In this section, list the highest level of education that you will have completed by the
time you start your service term with AmeriCorps. If you will have graduated high
school, your highest level will be "High School Diploma/GED." If you will have taken
some college classes but not yet graduated, you should select "Some College" and
ll out the information requested. The same goes with vocational and job training
programs like Job Corps or a technical college.
Select the
highest level
of education
that you
will have
completed.
Remember
that complete
information
is key.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 17
Application: Community Service - Step 4 of 8
In the community service section describe any volunteer service that you have
completed. We want to know where you served, why you served, and how it made
you feel. If you have no formal service experience, we still want to hear about how
you have been involved in your community and what you hope to gain by serving
with AmeriCorps.
The example screen below is an applicant who does not have volunteer/community
service experience:
If you don't have any formal
volunteering experience,
you must still complete this
section. Do not write "n/a"
or "not applicable."
If you have not volunteered
previously, explain:
• How you've been involved
in your community, and
• Why you're interested
in service.
18 | Part 3: Create Your Application
Example screen below is an applicant who has volunteer/community service experience:
Completion is key.
Make sure that you have
complete information.
Use an Internet search to
ll in phone numbers if you
can't remember.
Let us know what you did
while volunteering.
Explain how you have helped
in your community and give
full details. This is one of
the only sections where we
get to know you through
your response. You have
the chance to get personal
and give us more reasons to
invite you to serve.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 19
Application: Employment Info - Step 5 of 8
If you have not yet had a paid job, select "I do not have any previous employment
experience" and explain why you do not have any experience.
Be sure to explain here
if you don't have any
work experience.
Do not leave this blank.
If you have had at least one job, this is the section for that information. Please list all
j
obs and provide complete details.
Remember to ll out
completely. If you do not
know your employer's
email address you can type
"na@na.com" and use the
company's main business
phone number.
If you do not know the
phone number, try nding
it with an Internet search.
20 | Part 3: Create Your Application
Application: Criminal History - Step 6 of 8
Read all of the instructions and answer the questions honestly. Having a record does not
automatically prevent you from serving with AmeriCorps. Each applicant is considered
individually by program sta, and we will be better able to clear you through our
application process if you ll out this section completely and accurately.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 21
Application: Demographic Info - Step 7 of 8
Read all instructions and answer the questions appropriately. Select all answers
pertinent to you.
AmeriCorps is
committed to
recruiting and
retaining diverse
members who
reect the
communities in
which we serve.
This information is
condential, and is
not used to make
decisions about
eligibility.
22 | Part 3: Create Your Application
Application: References - Step 8 of 8
You'll need to add two (2) professional references to complete your application.
References are among the most important parts of the application. References
should NOT come from personal sources like family members, peers, classmates,
co-workers, or friends; instead, references should include work supervisors, teachers,
counselors, coaches, faith leaders, or others familiar with your motivation and
community involvement.
The email address
is what we use to
request the reference,
so double check that
is correct.
All information for the
reference must be lled
out completely. If you are
unsure of your reference's
street address, call them up.
This is also a good way
for you to let them know
that you're using them
as a reference.
Important Note:
Your references only have to be requested, not fully completed and
sent back, for you to submit your application to an AmeriCorps listing.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 23
"Who should I ask to be my reference?"
Yes
• Work Supervisor
• Pastor
• Coach
• Counselor
• Teacher/Professor
• Volunteer Supervisor
• Mentor
• Your direct supervisor in a
professional setting
No
• Parent
• Sibling
• Extended family member
• Roommate
• Friend/Best Friend
• Co-worker
• Romantic partner
• Anyone who knows you in a
personal setting
When the reference request is sent via email, the following message will be sent:
Dear Hillary Thomas:
AmeriCorps engages more than 70,000 Americans each year in results-driven service
opportunities sponsored by thousands of local and national non-prots, public agencies, and
faith-based community organizations. John Franklin is applying to be an AmeriCorps member.
The applicant indicated that you would be able to evaluate his or her qualications and provide
us with a candid recommendation.
The success of AmeriCorps largely depends upon an appropriate match between programs
and members. Considerable value is placed on personal references during the application
review and selection process. To complete a reference form for this applicant, please click
on the link provided below.
http://my.americorps.gov/...
Thank you for taking the time to ll out the AmeriCorps reference form. Your input is greatly
appreciated.
Please do not reply to this message. If you have any questions or need further assistance
please call 1-800-942-2677.
***PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE***
24 | Part 3: Create Your Application
Finishing Your Application
To nish your application, make sure to check the checkboxes to the right of the references
you've created and would like to attach to this application, and then select the "Finish Application"
button. You'll then be prompted by the system to submit your application to an open listing.
To conrm that your application is complete, navigate back to your applicant homepage and
click "Applications" on the left side of your screen. The application(s) you have created will
appear here as either "complete" or "incomplete." You must have a complete application in the
portal in order to apply to AmeriCorps opportunities.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 25
Important things to remember when lling out the application:
• Do your research so that you're already familiar the AmeriCorps opportunity of
your choice. Knowing the programs' basic structure will help you complete the
application and know what we're looking for.
• The "Why Do I Volunteer" and "Motivational Statement" sections are your chance
to show us who you are. These sections should be answered thoughtfully and to the
best of your abilities. We are looking for your motivation to serve and a clear picture
of you as an applicant. As a reminder, type your motivational statement in a separate
document, then copy and paste it into the corresponding text box when you are
ready. This will ensure your work is not lost.
• References are important and have a big inuence on being selected for service.
Ensure that both are from professional contacts and have been completed.
References must be completed within the past 2 years. And remember, your
references do not have to be completed for you to move forward in submitting your
application. It may take some time for your references to complete your request and
send them back. Don't wait to submit your application to a program listing.
• Fill out the entire application and add as much detail as possible. If you do not have
a phone number or address for a job or volunteer opportunity, make every eort to
obtain that information. The more detail, the better.
26 | Part 4: Submit Your Application
PART 4: Submit Your Application
The nal and most important step in applying is actually submitting your application to your
listing of choice. When you are done with the application you need to submit it to each
opportunity that you are interested in.
Follow these steps to submit your application:
1. Click "Search Listings" and navigate to your preferred program listing. Alternatively, you
can head to the "My Favorites" section of your prole or use the browser bookmark you
created in Part 1: Find Your Fit to locate any opportunities you had agged for yourself.
2. Click on the program name for your preferred AmeriCorps opportunity.
3. Review the program description and click "Apply Now" at the bottom of the page. If you do
not see the "Apply Now" option in the listing, it may be because you do not meet the age
requirements to serve with that program, or because you do not have a complete application
in the system. See page 24 of this guide for tips on how to tell if your application is complete.
• Verify the application that will be used – it is listed below "submit listing" at the top of
the certication screen
• Read the certication and select one of the option buttons
• Click "Submit"
Note: Some programs may require you to answer additional questions before you can
submit your application to their listings. If this is the case, you'll need to respond to those
questions in one sitting; you will not be able to save and return. It's a good idea to give
yourself plenty of time to complete this nal step.
4. You will receive an email conrmation that your application has been submitted.
Search listings
You can submit your application to up to 10 AmeriCorps opportunities at
once. The MyAmeriCorps portal uses a "common application" model, so
you can apply to multiple opportunities if you like.
If you require assistance at any point throughout this process, please call our dedicated
AmeriCorps Hotline Monday-Friday* between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. ET at 1-800-942-2677 or send
a message to the AmeriCorps Hotline by going to: questions.americorps.gov/app/ask
*Please note, the hotline is closed on Fridays during the months of Feb., March, April, Oct., Nov., and Dec.
