FAQs about the
AmeriCorps Program at Imagine Art
What is an AmeriCorps service year?
An AmeriCorps service year is a paid opportunity to develop real-world skills through hands-on service throughout the country. You can serve with a variety of service year programs that focus on a wide array of issue areas, including: education, the environment, disaster relief, healthcare, and many more. The AmeriCorps program at Imagine art focuses on art education, peer support services, culinary service, and long term care services.
What do AmeriCorps Members do at Imagine Art?
Artist-in-Residence: The AmeriCorps Members in our Art Program are identified as Artist-in-Residence and will provide direct educational and support services to artists with disabilities. AmeriCorps Members will provide art instruction and mentorship to support adult artists with disabilities.
Culinary Services: Members in the Culinary program will provide instruction and mentorship in customer service, food service operations, menu development, cooking skills, food safety and gardening.
Peer Support Services: Members in the Peer Support area will facilitate the training and certification program for peer support and help peers to coordinate after hours and social events for the Live+Make community.
Long-Term Care Services: Members in the Long Term Care area will provide job readiness activities to prepare and train participants with disabilities to perform activities related to in-home attendant care and companion care.
What are the benefits of doing a service year?
When you do a service year, you can transform your life, find your passion, get paid, earn money through an Education Award to pay for school or student loans, and make an impact in a local community. In addition, AmeriCorps members are supported throughout their service year in preparing for “life after AmeriCorps,” so members will be ready for the next phase of their professional life.
Health care and child care benefits available, if eligible.
Do I get paid?
Yes. You will receive a modest living allowance to help support your cost of living during your service year. You will receive pay twice a month during your service year.
$19,000 in return for 1,700 service hours (Full Time)
$9.500 in return for 900 service hours (Half Time)
$3,200 in return for 300 service hours (Summer)
What is the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award?
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is a benefit that service year corps members who serve in an AmeriCorps position receive upon successful completion of their term of service. The award can be used to pay for eligible student loans, tuition to colleges and institutions of higher learning, books and more. Also worth noting that many types of student loans are eligible to be ‘frozen’ or what’s called forbearance during your term.
$7,395 award in return for 1,700 service hours (Full Time)
$3,697.50 award in return for 900 service hours (Part Time)
$1,565.08 award in return for 300 service hours (Summer)
The aggregate (or total) value of two (2.0) full time education awards is the most an AmeriCorps member can receive. Learn more about the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.
Where can I live in Central Texas during my service year?
Central Texas Housing Guide helps current and potential AmeriCorps members serving in our area with updated and detailed information regarding housing options. The Facebook Group Austin AmeriCorps Housing and Networking is another resource to find a roommate. Considerations on budgeting, commuting, relocating, and lifestyle during your service year can be found in the Surviving your Service Year Resource.
Are there age requirements?
You must be at least 17 to apply, no maximum age requirement. No matter your age, a service year gives you the chance to transform your life, develop leadership and professional skills, make an impact on the lives of others, and become the active citizen and leader our nation needs.
What are the education requirements?
Minimum: High School graduate. Preferred: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA, Any of the previous degrees with a focus on Art Therapy); Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Social Work Education (CSWE); Bachelor’s in Public Health (BPH); Persons with a proven track record of a professional practicing artist or craftsman (non-degree); Arts Educator in a non-profit, public or private school setting; Extensive experience in photography, web development, social media, marketing and branding.
Do I need prior experience in a specific field?
AmeriCorps Artists-In-Residence must have a strong background in design, drawing, painting, ceramics, textiles, 3D/mixed media, curatorial and exhibition practices and skilled in the development of portfolios, social media, webpages. Knowledge in the use of electronic communication platforms is a plus. It is of utmost important that the Artist-in-Residence have the ability to transmit their knowledge to artists with disabilities.
Is a background check required to do a service year?
Since AmeriCorps Members work with a a vulnerable population (individuals with disabilities), a background check is required. Imagine Art will provide guidance on the background check process during the application process.
How long is the commitment?
The length of a service year can vary, but it’s called a service “year” for a reason — it typically lasts about a year! The service year at Imagine Art is an eleven-month term of service, beginning on or around September 1, and ending at the end of the following July.
Where is the Service Location?
Imagine Art operates the Live+Make facility at 1127 Tillery Street, Austin, TX 78702.
What are the Service Hours?
AmeriCorps Members are required to complete:
1,700 service hours (Full-Time Status)
900 service hours (Half-time Status)
300 service hours (Summer Status)
Service hours are flexible and occur in person, with limited remote options, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, at the Live+Make facility at 1127 Tillery Street, Austin, TX 78702.
How and When to Apply?
The application process opens annually in the spring.