With graduation for the Class of 2011 approaching, the right question to ask is what are they doing after college? Most would answer with three words: finding a job. But for some, they are choosing a more alternative path.
Sarah Elizabeth Rosenbaum chose AmeriCorps as her plan after college. This national service program, which includes 85,000 members, is dedicated to addressing various community needs around the world. Rosenbaum is specifically part of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Southwest region, which she joined after graduating from Quinnipiac University in 2010.
Applying to the program in October 2009, she wanted to volunteer abroad, or do anything that would allow her to travel and “make a difference,” she said. So Rosenbaum, who was a journalism major at Quinnipiac, heard about NCCC in her junior year while she was working on a story about graduating seniors, and a friend of hers happened to be joining AmeriCorps.
“It sort of stuck in the back of my head because it sounded like a great way to see the country, develop leadership skills, and, most importantly, give back,” Rosenbaum said.
When it came time to figuring out plans for after graduating, Rosenbaum chose this as her next step.
AmeriCorps, which was founded in 1994, includes three programs: AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps NCCC. Rosenbaum’s program is a full-time 10-month program, with members ranging from 18 to 24 years old. They work on teams of eight to 12 on projects that address the needs of whatever community they are in. The projects usually last six to eight weeks, and they support the environment, infrastructure improvement, energy conservation, urban and rural development and disaster response.
“The common and the most powerful motivator [to join] is a desire to help communities, to make our nation stronger, and an even better place to live,” Heather Dirck , a community relations specialist at AmeriCorps, said. “AmeriCorps members make a tremendous impact everyday across the nation by supporting non-profits and community organizations.”
Rosenbaum chose the program because she wanted to make that impact.
Rosenbaum’s Southwest region campus, located in Denver, is one of five regional hubs in the United States. The other campuses are located in Perry Point, Md., Vicksburg, Miss., Vinton, Iowa and Sacramento, Calif.
Rosenbaum is not only a member of her team, Fire Four, but also serves as the media representative and food point of contact. She is on a team with eight other Corps members, as well as their team leader. She travels to different areas in her region to do six to eight service projects. Rosenbaum spent a month doing training in Denver, where she, along with the other members, became certified in first aid, CPR, disaster relief and shelter operations. They also received leadership, team building and diversity training.
“We spent a month in Greensburg, Kan. working with the non-profit group Green Town to help sustainably rebuild the city after 95 percent of it was destroyed by a tornado in 2007,” Rosenbaum said.
The process of applying to AmeriCorps is a lot like applying for college. Rosenbaum had to write a few essays, fill out paperwork and collect recommendations. She also had a telephone interview. AmeriCorps is no easy feat; they accept only about 20 percent of applicants.
“Some programs have specific skill requests in certain areas, and others look for a bachelor’s degree, or a few years of related volunteer or job experience,” Dirck said. “For others, your motivation and commitment may be the primary requirement.”
Dirck said members receive a modest living allowance, but it varies by program. For those who complete a term of service, receive a $5,550 AmeriCorps Education Award, which can be used toward future higher education expenses or qualified student loans.
But like every program, there are disadvantages.
“It can be challenging living and working with nine of your peers,” Rosenbaum said. “It’s especially tough when the accommodations can be sleeping in a church basement, camping out in the woods, or having cots set up in one big room.”
While was nervous at first, being apprehensive before starting something entirely new is just part of the experience. Rosenbaum stands by her word that it was the best decision she has ever made.
“Now my team, on our second project, is stationed in Casa Grande, Ariz.,” Rosenbaum said. “We’re building trails on Casa Grande Mountain for non-motorized use, and so far we have completed more than 5,000 feet of trail.”
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