Using Community Service To Pay For College
Students who are graduating from high school are often urged to complete a certain number of hours of community service. This may be done as a requirement for admission to a specific school, to pay for college applications with additional experience, or to maintain membership in certain academic honors groups. Many of those who seek a volunteer position do not realize that their work does more than benefit the chosen organization and those it helps. Many community service organizations offer money for education expenses to the volunteers within their organization. Choosing to work with one of these groups allows you to obtain help, while you help others.
Americorps is a national program that matches volunteers with charitable organizations who have a specific need. These are usually full-time positions that allow students to receive valuable work experience, while giving back to the community. Many of their programs are residential, giving participants the opportunity to travel and realize new experiences. Those who complete their service can receive a Segal Americorps Education Award of $4,725. These funds can be used for college, graduate school, or student loan repayment. Programs that are eligible include Americorps VISTA, Americorps NCCC, and Americorps State and National.
The Learn and Serve America program offers a variety of funding opportunities to students and universities. Students can use this program to help fund college by participating in a work-study program with a volunteer organization. Many schools are adding these volunteer programs to their list of resources for students who require additional funding to pay for their education. Those who participate in high school level programs through Learn and Serve America may be eligible for scholarship programs and other benefits, because of their community service efforts.
Post-educational service with the Peace Corps can serve as a huge benefit to students with certain types of student loans. Those who have federal Perkins loans can receive a reduction in their repayment amount for each year they serve in the Peace Corps, up to a seventy-percent reduction for four full years of service. Also, other types of loans can be deferred during time served in the Peace Corps, allowing volunteers to receive valuable experience before returning home and settling into a job.
The Bonner Scholars Program is available for students who are enrolling in a select group of schools. These four-year scholarships are available to approximately 1,500 students each year. Participants are expected to perform ten hours of community service each week during the school year, and attend a service internship during the summer. The Bonner Program also offers other opportunities for those who are in financial need and who have a strong community service ethic.
Various local and state organizations offer smaller educational benefits to their volunteers. When searching for an organization to which you will offer your services, do not be afraid to ask about any scholarship programs that they may offer. Even if you choose to work with a community group that offers no direct benefits, there are various service-related scholarships for which you may be eligible. Here are just a few of the companies and organizations that offer awards and scholarships to students who show outstanding dedication to volunteer efforts:
· Comcast
· Prudential
· Kohl’s
· Discover
· VFW
· Tylenol
Financial, Tax and Legal Disclosures
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