1) Solid Ground program listing ID #s:
Copy down the Listing ID # for the Solid Ground National Service program(s) you are interested in applying for, or print a copy of this page.
- Martin Luther King VISTA Listing ID #: 4383
- Washington Reading Corps Seattle Listing ID #: 5006
2) Two recommendations required:
The final portion of the application requires you to fill in contact information for two references. If you include their email addresses, they will automatically be emailed the recommendation form. Or download and save our recommendation form. Print two copies to give to your references to fill out. Or email them a link of this page to download and fill out the form on their computer. The form may be typed in directly, printed and mailed to:
AmeriCorps Recommendation
Solid Ground
1501 North 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103-6708
3) Apply online:
Go to the National AmeriCorps website and fill out an online application. When the AmeriCorps site opens, click on "Apply to Serve?" and follow the instructions. Be sure to have the Listing ID # ready, because you will be leaving this website. Once submitted, the online application will be automatically forwarded to us if you include our Listing ID #.
For information about other opportunities in Seattle and Washington State, call the Corporation for National & Community Service at 1.800.942.2677 or visit them at the www.americorps.gov website.
Please note: MLK VISTA and WRC applicants must apply online. If you want to apply to WRC but require assistance completing an online application, contact readingcorps@solid-ground.org to schedule an appointment.
As an AmeriCorps or AmeriCorps/VISTA Member, you would commit to one year of full-time service. In exchange, you would receive:
- A living allowance of $977 – $1,058 (depending upon program) per month, medical benefits, monthly bus tickets, and childcare assistance (if income eligible).
- Education award or stipend. After successful completion of service, AmeriCorps Members receive an education award of $5,550. VISTAs receive an educational award of $5,550 OR a $1,200 cash stipend. Additionally, Members can defer their student loans during their service. Contact your lender for more specific information or to confirm your loan status during AmeriCorps or VISTA service.
- Training, including workshops on issues of interest to the community and leadership and skills development for the nonprofit sector.
- Experience! National Service Members gain great job skills and a strong network of contacts among schools and social service agencies in the area.
- AmeriCorps/VISTA Public Assistance Benefits Fact Sheet: This document describes how public assistance benefits are affected by a year of service.
It's best to apply in the middle to late spring. Our yearlong positions begin in August and September.
Is there an age limit? The minimum age requirement is 17 years old for AmeriCorps Members, and 18 years old for VISTAs. Some positions require applicants to be 21 or older. There is no upper age limit.
What skills do I need to have? For all positions, your motivation and commitment is the primary requirement. Some positions have specific skill requests in certain areas, or a few years of related volunteer/job experience. In addition, ongoing training is provided by the VISTA and AmeriCorps Program Coordinators and site sponsors.
Do I get paid? Members receive a modest living allowance of between $977 – $1,050 per month. AmeriCorps members who complete a term of service also receive an education award of $5,550 and non-private student loans qualify for forbearance during the service term.
Do I need to provide my own transportation? We provide bus tickets and mileage reimbursement for service-related travel.
Is housing provided? No. However, once accepted for a position, we provide a housing assistance packet put together by our 2nd-year members that outlines how to find housing in the Seattle area on a limited AmeriCorps budget. We also have a housing listserve that allows new Members to communicate with each other to find roommates, read available housing postings, and discuss housing needs.
How flexible are the hours? The positions are all full-time, 40 hours per week. Service hours vary depending on the needs of the site, but generally are Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. Occasionally there are evening, weekend and overnight requirements for retreats and service projects. Although the hours requirement is strictly adhered to in order to allow the Member to finish their service year in the allotted time, all Members are allowed approximately 2 weeks of personal days for vacation and sick leave.
Can I take classes or hold another job while serving? Due to the full-time nature of the positions, Members have found it to be very difficult to commit to a second job or take classes. However, with the permission of the Program Coordinator and Site Supervisor, AmeriCorps Members may hold another job or take classes outside of the pre-determined service hours and requirements. VISTA Members are, however, limited to 3 academic credits per quarter and are not permitted to hold another job.
Are there part-time positions available? All of our positions are designed as full-time. However, periodically there are a few openings for part-year positions that begin in January. It is best to check with us in November if you are interested in finding out about any available part-year opportunities.
How many years may I participate? You may serve up to 3 terms of service and receive up to 2 education awards. For those who have already served 1 term as an AmeriCorps, VISTA, or Peace Corps Member, you may apply for a Leader position. Contact us to receive a Leader position description and application details.
Phone: 206.694.6700
TTY: 7.1.1
Email: americorpsinfo@solid-ground.org
FAX: 206.694.6777
Mailing AmeriCorps Programs
Address: Solid Ground
1501 North 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103-6708