Completing Your AmeriCorps Application

A step-by-step visual guide for navigating the MyAmeriCorps 

application portal

If you need assistance completing your application, please contact 1-800-942-2677.
Purpose

When submitting an AmeriCorps application, completeness and insightful answers are the 

key to success. For those who wish to begin the application process, this four-part guide 

will guide you through detailed steps. We'll provide you with information you should 

include (and omit) to successfully complete and submit your AmeriCorps application.

2 | Table of Contents

1 Find Your Fit Page 

Use the "Search Listings" function to explore AmeriCorps 

service opportunities. 3

2 Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal Page 

Before you apply for AmeriCorps opportunities, you'll need to 

create a profile in our system. 7

3 Create Your Application Page 

Next, complete an application by providing information 

about your skills and experience. 13

Submit Your Application

4 Page Once you've completed your application within the 

MyAmeriCorps Portal, you'll be able to submit your 26

application to one or more AmeriCorps opportunities.

Not Quite Ready to Apply?

If you're still deciding whether AmeriCorps is right for you, head to americorps.gov/serve

to learn more.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you require assistance at any point throughout this process, please call our dedicated 

AmeriCorps Hotline Monday-Friday* between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. ET at 1-800-942-2677 or send 

a message to the AmeriCorps Hotline by going to: questions.americorps.gov/app/ask

*Please note, the hotline is closed on Fridays during the months of Feb., March, April, Oct., Nov., and Dec.
Part 1: Find Your Fit | 3

PART 1: Find Your Fit

Search Listings

Before you start the application process, explore opportunities in the MyAmeriCorps 

portal. Head to the homepage at my.americorps.gov, and click the "Search Listings" 

button (circled in yellow below).

A note on browser selection: It is best to use Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge 

when navigating through the application portal.
4 | Part 1: Find Your Fit

Filter Your Search

If you already know which program you're interested in, use the "Quick Search" 

section to search by program type, state, or program name. Want to better 

understand the differences between AmeriCorps programs? Check out our fit 

finder at: americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder

If you'd like to explore more available opportunities, use the "Advanced Search" section 

to filter by a variety of service elements, including service term (full-time, part-time, or 

summer), education level, metro area, service areas (such as Disaster Relief, Housing, 

Public Health, etc.), languages, and skills.

Pro Tip:

Keep the search 

fields broad at 

first, then narrow 

down to ensure 

you receive a 

decent number 

of results.
Part 1: Find Your Fit | 5

Explore Your Options

After you click the "Search" button, you'll see the open opportunities that correspond to 

your interests. Click on each open listing name to view the details.
6 | Part 1: Find Your Fit

Select Your Best Fit

You can review the duties, benefits, requirements, application deadlines, and more 

within each AmeriCorps listing. It's a great idea to reach out to the point of contact 

listed in any opportunity that catches your eye so you can express your interest 

(circled in yellow below).

Note: Not all AmeriCorps programs require applicants to apply through the MyAmeriCorps 

portal. Be sure to read the instructions in each listing thoroughly and proceed according 

to that particular organization's requirements.

Pro Tip:

Once you've found your best-fit AmeriCorps opportunity, bookmark 

the listing in your browser so you can easily return to it later. After 

you've registered (see section 2 of this guide), you'll be able to click 

the "add to favorites" button (circled in blue above) to build your list 

of favorite opportunities.
Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal | 7

Apply to Serve

Get started by navigating to the MyAmeriCorps Portal login screen at my.americorps.gov

and then click the "Apply to Serve" link (circled in yellow below).

Click here to register

PART 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal
8 | Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal

Create Profile - Step 1 of 4

Start your profile by filling in your full name, social security number*, date of birth, and 

your email address.

*Your social security number is required so we can check our records to determine if you have applied or served before and

direct you to the appropriate information. Additionally, if you stated in your application that you are a citizen or national of

the United States, we will use your SSN to verify your citizenship status with the Social Security Administration.

If the SSA cannot verify your statement in their records, you will be contacted to provide additional documentation.
Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal | 9

Create Profile - Step 2 of 4

Continue your profile by adding your citizenship/residency status; city, state, and 

country of birth; and your availability information*.

*Your earliest availability

date is the earliest possible 

time you would be 

available to begin service 

on an AmeriCorps project.
10 | Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal

Create Profile - Step 3 of 4

For the zip code field in this section, you are required to include the last four digits 

of your zip code. To find the last four digits to your zip code, use the USPS zip code 

lookup tool on USPS.com at tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm?byaddress.
Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal | 11

Create Profile - Step 4 of 4

Complete your profile with your educational and military background, skills*, and other 

background information. Remember to click the "finish" button once you've completed 

this section. You'll see a confirmation screen after you submit your profile with 

additional information.

*Keep in mind, the skills you select on this page will show up later in the application process, where you'll be asked

to provide brief explanations as to how you acquired each skill.
12 | Part 2: Register on the MyAmeriCorps Portal

Complete Your Registration

Once you've submitted your profile, you'll receive a confirmation email from 

recruitment@americorps.gov (remember to check your spam folder if you don't 

find an email in your inbox) with a link to finalize your registration.

Click the link in that email to navigate to the Complete Your Registration page (as seen 

below) on the MyAmeriCorps Portal. Fill out this short form to complete the registration. 

Once you have created your username and password, you must log into your account 

within 72 hours to ensure access to the system. If you need help, call the AmeriCorps 

Hotline at 1-800-942-2677.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 13

PART 3: Create Your Application

Now that you've registered in the system, you'll see your profile's homepage (below). 

If you don't see this screen, login at my.americorps.gov. From this screen, you'll be 

able to create a new application, add references, and search for AmeriCorps listings.

Click on the "Applications" link (circled in yellow below) to create your application. 

Then, on the next screen, click the "Create Application" button.

Click here to create your application

If you require assistance at any point throughout this process, please call 1-800-942-2677 or 

send a message to the AmeriCorps Hotline by going to: questions.americorps.gov/app/ask
14 | Part 3: Create Your Application

Application: Motivational Statement - Step 1 of 8

The first step is writing your motivational statement*. The best motivational statements 

tell us why you want to serve with AmeriCorps along with personal details and/or 

examples from your life that show us you are ready to serve.

*It is recommended that you type your motivational statement in a separate document, then copy and paste it into the text

box shown here when you are ready. This will ensure your work is not lost.

Make sure to answer the 

question: Why do you want to 

serve with AmeriCorps? Your 

response should show that 

you have an understanding 

of the opportunity you're 

applying to and why it is a 

good fit for you.

Check out the requirements for the AmeriCorps opportunity you're planning on 

applying to for more information on the minimum education, skills, and experience 

needed. If you have questions about your eligibility, reach out to the point of 

contact in your listing of choice, or head to americorps.gov/serve for more 

information. Most AmeriCorps opportunities are entry level, so demonstrating 

your genuine interest in strengthening communities through service will be key.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 15

Application: Skills and Experience - Step 2 of 8

When you first created your profile, you selected the skills you had gained through your 

past experience (see page 11 of this guide). In this section elaborate on those skills and 

let us know how you gained them. If you selected a skill by accident during the creation 

of your profile, you can go back to your applicant home page and click "edit my profile" 

to adjust which skills appear in this section.

The explanation of how you 

gained these skills does not 

need to be very long, it just 

needs to let us know how 

you gained it.

Don't leave any of the 

skills fields blank.

Ways to gain a skill:

• A class or training

• Work experience

• A group project

• Hobbies

• Volunteer activities

• School clubs or activities
16 | Part 3: Create Your Application

Application: Education - Step 3 of 8

In this section, list the highest level of education that you will have completed by the 

time you start your service term with AmeriCorps. If you will have graduated high 

school, your highest level will be "High School Diploma/GED." If you will have taken 

some college classes but not yet graduated, you should select "Some College" and 

fill out the information requested. The same goes with vocational and job training 

programs like Job Corps or a technical college.

Select the 

highest level 

of education 

that you 

will have 

completed.

Remember 

that complete 

information 

is key.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 17

Application: Community Service - Step 4 of 8

In the community service section describe any volunteer service that you have 

completed. We want to know where you served, why you served, and how it made 

you feel. If you have no formal service experience, we still want to hear about how 

you have been involved in your community and what you hope to gain by serving 

with AmeriCorps. 

The example screen below is an applicant who does not have volunteer/community 

service experience:

If you don't have any formal 

volunteering experience, 

you must still complete this 

section. Do not write "n/a" 

or "not applicable." 

If you have not volunteered 

previously, explain:

• How you've been involved

in your community, and

• Why you're interested

in service.
18 | Part 3: Create Your Application

Example screen below is an applicant who has volunteer/community service experience:

Completion is key. 

Make sure that you have 

complete information. 

Use an Internet search to 

fill in phone numbers if you 

can't remember.

Let us know what you did 

while volunteering.

Explain how you have helped 

in your community and give 

full details. This is one of 

the only sections where we 

get to know you through 

your response. You have 

the chance to get personal 

and give us more reasons to 

invite you to serve.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 19

Application: Employment Info - Step 5 of 8

If you have not yet had a paid job, select "I do not have any previous employment 

experience" and explain why you do not have any experience.

Be sure to explain here 

if you don't have any 

work experience. 

Do not leave this blank.

If you have had at least one job, this is the section for that information. Please list all 

jobs and provide complete details.

Remember to fill out 

completely. If you do not 

know your employer's 

email address you can type 

"na@na.com" and use the 

company's main business 

phone number. 

If you do not know the 

phone number, try finding 

it with an Internet search.
20 | Part 3: Create Your Application

Application: Criminal History - Step 6 of 8

Read all of the instructions and answer the questions honestly. Having a record does not 

automatically prevent you from serving with AmeriCorps. Each applicant is considered 

individually by program staff, and we will be better able to clear you through our 

application process if you fill out this section completely and accurately.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 21

Application: Demographic Info - Step 7 of 8

Read all instructions and answer the questions appropriately. Select all answers 

pertinent to you.

AmeriCorps is 

committed to 

recruiting and 

retaining diverse 

members who 

reflect the 

communities in 

which we serve. 

This information is 

confidential, and is 

not used to make 

decisions about 

eligibility.
22 | Part 3: Create Your Application

Application: References - Step 8 of 8

You'll need to add two (2) professional references to complete your application. 

References are among the most important parts of the application. References 

should NOT come from personal sources like family members, peers, classmates, 

co-workers, or friends; instead, references should include work supervisors, teachers, 

counselors, coaches, faith leaders, or others familiar with your motivation and 

community involvement.

The email address 

is what we use to 

request the reference, 

so double check that 

is correct.

All information for the 

reference must be filled 

out completely. If you are 

unsure of your reference's 

street address, call them up. 

This is also a good way 

for you to let them know 

that you're using them 

as a reference.

Important Note:

Your references only have to be requested, not fully completed and 

sent back, for you to submit your application to an AmeriCorps listing.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 23

"Who should I ask to be my reference?"

Yes

• Work Supervisor

• Pastor

• Coach

• Counselor

• Teacher/Professor

• Volunteer Supervisor

• Mentor

• Your direct supervisor in a

professional setting

No

• Parent

• Sibling

• Extended family member

• Roommate

• Friend/Best Friend

• Co-worker

• Romantic partner

• Anyone who knows you in a

personal setting

When the reference request is sent via email, the following message will be sent:

Dear Hillary Thomas:

AmeriCorps engages more than 70,000 Americans each year in results-driven service 

opportunities sponsored by thousands of local and national non-profits, public agencies, and 

faith-based community organizations. John Franklin is applying to be an AmeriCorps member. 

The applicant indicated that you would be able to evaluate his or her qualifications and provide 

us with a candid recommendation.

The success of AmeriCorps largely depends upon an appropriate match between programs 

and members. Considerable value is placed on personal references during the application 

review and selection process. To complete a reference form for this applicant, please click 

on the link provided below.

http://my.americorps.gov/...

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the AmeriCorps reference form. Your input is greatly 

appreciated.

Please do not reply to this message. If you have any questions or need further assistance 

please call 1-800-942-2677.

***PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE***
24 | Part 3: Create Your Application

Finishing Your Application

To finish your application, make sure to check the checkboxes to the right of the references 

you've created and would like to attach to this application, and then select the "Finish Application" 

button. You'll then be prompted by the system to submit your application to an open listing.

To confirm that your application is complete, navigate back to your applicant homepage and 

click "Applications" on the left side of your screen. The application(s) you have created will 

appear here as either "complete" or "incomplete." You must have a complete application in the 

portal in order to apply to AmeriCorps opportunities.
Part 3: Create Your Application | 25

Important things to remember when filling out the application:

• Do your research so that you're already familiar the AmeriCorps opportunity of

your choice. Knowing the programs' basic structure will help you complete the

application and know what we're looking for.

• The "Why Do I Volunteer" and "Motivational Statement" sections are your chance

to show us who you are. These sections should be answered thoughtfully and to the

best of your abilities. We are looking for your motivation to serve and a clear picture

of you as an applicant. As a reminder, type your motivational statement in a separate

document, then copy and paste it into the corresponding text box when you are

ready. This will ensure your work is not lost.

• References are important and have a big influence on being selected for service.

Ensure that both are from professional contacts and have been completed.

References must be completed within the past 2 years. And remember, your

references do not have to be completed for you to move forward in submitting your

application. It may take some time for your references to complete your request and

send them back. Don't wait to submit your application to a program listing.

• Fill out the entire application and add as much detail as possible. If you do not have

a phone number or address for a job or volunteer opportunity, make every effort to

obtain that information. The more detail, the better.
26 | Part 4: Submit Your Application

PART 4: Submit Your Application

The final and most important step in applying is actually submitting your application to your 

listing of choice. When you are done with the application you need to submit it to each 

opportunity that you are interested in.

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Click "Search Listings" and navigate to your preferred program listing. Alternatively, you

can head to the "My Favorites" section of your profile or use the browser bookmark you

created in Part 1: Find Your Fit to locate any opportunities you had flagged for yourself.

2. Click on the program name for your preferred AmeriCorps opportunity.

3. Review the program description and click "Apply Now" at the bottom of the page. If you do

not see the "Apply Now" option in the listing, it may be because you do not meet the age

requirements to serve with that program, or because you do not have a complete application

in the system. See page 24 of this guide for tips on how to tell if your application is complete.

• Verify the application that will be used – it is listed below "submit listing" at the top of

the certification screen

• Read the certification and select one of the option buttons

• Click "Submit"

Note: Some programs may require you to answer additional questions before you can 

submit your application to their listings. If this is the case, you'll need to respond to those 

questions in one sitting; you will not be able to save and return. It's a good idea to give 

yourself plenty of time to complete this final step.

4. You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been submitted.

Search listings

You can submit your application to up to 10 AmeriCorps opportunities at 

once. The MyAmeriCorps portal uses a "common application" model, so 

you can apply to multiple opportunities if you like.

If you require assistance at any point throughout this process, please call our dedicated 

AmeriCorps Hotline Monday-Friday* between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. ET at 1-800-942-2677 or send 

a message to the AmeriCorps Hotline by going to: questions.americorps.gov/app/ask

*Please note, the hotline is closed on Fridays during the months of Feb., March, April, Oct., Nov., and Dec.