Organizations in Pocahontas County are seeking AmeriCorps volunteers.
High Rocks Educational Corporation and Pocahontas County Libraries and Visitor Information Centers are seeking volunteers for paid service opportunity.
The AmeriCorps service position at Pocahontas County Libraries and Visitor Information Centers begins in March, and High Rocks is offering AmeriCorps positions beginning in March, May and September.
The Pocahontas County Libraries and Visitor Information Centers serve the residents and visitors of Pocahontas County through the main library (the McClintic Library) in the county seat of Marlinton and four branches in the communities of Hillsboro, Durbin, Green Bank and Linwood. Pocahontas County is rural and mountainous with approximately 75% of its 940 square miles being either national forest or state park land. The libraries are strategically located throughout the county to ensure that the majority of residents can easily access their local library without traversing far.
High Rocks’ mission is to educate, empower and inspire young people in West Virginia. They provide opportunities for transformational learning, leadership, creativity and community engagement, and believe that all people are gifted and that by investing in young people, they create a strong, vibrant, participatory community for all.
AmeriCorps members at High Rocks have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally while making a positive impact on West Virginia communities and young people. Members spend three, six or 12 months of intensive service, receive leadership development training and have the opportunity to lead workshops, mentor students, plan trips, assist with summer camps and much more.
Anyone who will be 18 by the end of their service year and has or is earning a high school diploma or GED can apply to be an AmeriCorps volunteer.
AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance of $717.48 (pre-tax) twice monthly throughout their service term, the potential for a tuition waiver and a Segal Education Award up to $3,247.50 upon successful completion of their term (for members beginning service in March). This can be used to pay down existing student debt or on future educational expenses.
Segal Education Award recipients have seven years to use their award. Members also receive student loan deferment, professional development training and health care benefits and child care assistance, if eligible.
Beginning in fall 2022, any former, current or future AmeriCorps member serving in West Virginia may be eligible to receive tuition waivers for their completed service. To be eligible, members must successfully complete at least 600 hours of AmeriCorps service in West Virginia, be accepted into a West Virginia state institution of higher learning and complete the FAFSA.
The AmeriCorps tuition waiver is a “last dollar in” program. It kicks in after all federal and state student aid for which students qualify is applied (including Segal Education Awards, Pell grants, etc.). While members must accept federal and state aid offers, they do not have to accept loan offers or work-study to be eligible for this waiver.
Half-year members’ service will start March 7. Summer members will start May 16 (great for college students), and full-year members will start in September. Half-year members may be able to renew their service.
To apply, email your resume and a cover letter to AmeriCorps@highrocks.org. For more information about the program, visit highrocks.org, email AmeriCorps@highrocks.org or call 304-653-4891.
