Are you looking for a way to change the world around you? Want to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity or some other charitable organization but not sure how? Really want to spend the year before college, grad school, or the "real world" doing something worthwhile that will look good on a resume or transcript but can't afford to take a traditional internship? How about getting involved with Americorp VISTA. Americorp is a government volunteer program that sends people like yourself into underprivileged neighborhoods, to help the residences help themselves. Habitat for Humanity works extensively with this program, and you can work with Habitat through Americorp in a number of ways. Of course, you could volunteer to be on a work crew, or if you aren't handy with a hammer, there are other assignments available.
The best part of getting involved with Americorp is that they will pay you a small living stipend during your year of full time service, and when your stint is up you are eligible to receive an education award of $4,725 or a $1,200 end of service stipend. Americorp also affords you the opportunity to see this great country because they will help you to relocate if you accept a position somewhere other than your home town or state. Americorp is sending many people to the Gulf Coast to help with the post-Katrina rebuilding, or you can volunteer closer to home. If you are not in a position to donate money, or to take a year off to volunteer, look into an Americorp VISTA assignment. You must be at least 18 years old, but many of the programs have no upper age limit, so nearly anyone can become involved.
