AmeriCorps Alumni Outcomes 

Summary Report 

October 2015
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AmeriCorps Alumni Outcomes 

Summary Report

October 2015 

Authors 

Gina Cardazone 

Adam Farrar 

Rebecca Frazier 

Susan Gabbard 

Trish Hernandez 

Stacey Houston 

Jaslean La Taillade 

Peter Lovegrove 

Donald Pratt 

Nicole Vicinanza 

Joseph Willey 

JBS International, Inc. 

Aguirre Division 

555 Airport Blvd, Suite 400 

Burlingame, CA 94010-2002 

Prepared For 

Diana Epstein, Ph.D 

Office of Research and Evaluation 

Corporation for National and Community Service 

Acknowledgements 

The authors would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Diana Epstein for sharing her knowledge and for providing 

comments and suggestions that improved this paper. In addition, the authors thank all the alumni who participated in 

the survey. 
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Executive Summary and Key Findings ...................................................................................................................1

Research Methods...................................................................................................................................................1

Research Question One: Influence of National Service on Key Outcomes .....................................................2

Research Question Two: Variation in Key Outcomes by Focus Areas, Programs, and Experience............4

Research Question Three: Variation in Key Outcomes by Life Stage..............................................................4

Conclusions and Recommendations ....................................................................................................................5

Chapter 1: Introduction..............................................................................................................................................6

Attainment of Career-oriented Soft Skills ...........................................................................................................6

Career Pathways .....................................................................................................................................................7

Sense of Community ..............................................................................................................................................7

Civic Engagement...................................................................................................................................................7

Chapter 2: Research Methods ...................................................................................................................................8

Questionnaire Development .................................................................................................................................8

Sampling ..................................................................................................................................................................8

Survey Administration...........................................................................................................................................9

Quality of Contact Information...........................................................................................................................10

Quality of the Data ...............................................................................................................................................12

Partial Completion of Surveys and Item Response Analysis .....................................................................12

Nonresponse Bias Analysis .............................................................................................................................13

Weights ..............................................................................................................................................................13

Data Analysis ........................................................................................................................................................14

Treatment of Missing Data ..............................................................................................................................14

Descriptive Statistics – Means and Proportions ...........................................................................................14

Scales and Scale Construction.........................................................................................................................14

Regression Analysis..........................................................................................................................................14

Study Limitations .................................................................................................................................................15

Lack of Counterfactual.....................................................................................................................................15

Chapter 3: Alumni Demographics, Life Stages, and Service Experiences ........................................................16

Gender................................................................................................................................................................16

Race/Ethnicity....................................................................................................................................................16

Education...........................................................................................................................................................16

Marital Status ....................................................................................................................................................17

Military Service .................................................................................................................................................18

Pre-service Welfare or Public Assistance Usage...........................................................................................18

Age......................................................................................................................................................................19
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Parenting............................................................................................................................................................20

Activities Prior to Service ................................................................................................................................21

AmeriCorps Service Experience Highlights .................................................................................................21

Year Starting AmeriCorps Service..................................................................................................................22

Full-time, Part-time, and Other Service Terms .............................................................................................22

Service Programs ..............................................................................................................................................22

Strength of Association with AmeriCorps, Programs, Organizations, and Sites ....................................23

Focus Areas........................................................................................................................................................23

Quality of Service Experience .........................................................................................................................24

Chapter 4: Alumni Outcomes .................................................................................................................................29

Outcomes for Career-oriented Soft Skills ..........................................................................................................31

Cultural Competency.......................................................................................................................................31

Self-efficacy........................................................................................................................................................32

Career-specific Skills ........................................................................................................................................33

AmeriCorps Helpfulness in Building Skills..................................................................................................35

Outcomes for Career Pathways ..........................................................................................................................36

AmeriCorps as a Worthwhile and Defining Experience for Furthering Career-related Goals..............37

Fit with Career Pathway ..................................................................................................................................39

Staying in the Community ..............................................................................................................................40

Education Award Use ......................................................................................................................................41

Alumni Post-service Career Pathways ..........................................................................................................42

Outcomes for Sense of Community ...................................................................................................................45

Trust in Neighbors............................................................................................................................................45

Confidence in Corporations, Media, and Public Schools ............................................................................46

Attachment to Community .............................................................................................................................48

Outcomes for Civic Engagement........................................................................................................................49

Frequency of Civic Engagement.....................................................................................................................49

AmeriCorps Influence on Civic Engagement ...............................................................................................50

Frequency of Engagement in Political Discourse .........................................................................................51

Boycotting..........................................................................................................................................................52

Voting.................................................................................................................................................................53

Civic Self-efficacy..............................................................................................................................................55

Chapter 5: Answers to Research Questions ..........................................................................................................57

Research Question One: Influence of Service Participation on Outcomes....................................................57

Developing Career-Oriented Soft Skills ........................................................................................................57
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Service Participation and Alumni Career Pathways....................................................................................58

Developing and Maintaining a Sense of Community..................................................................................58

Developing and Maintaining Civic Engagement.........................................................................................58

Research Question Two: Influence of Serve America Act Focus Areas and Service Programs on 

Outcomes. ..............................................................................................................................................................59

Focus Area Differences ....................................................................................................................................59

Service Program Differences ...........................................................................................................................60

Program Experience Differences ....................................................................................................................61

Research Question Three: Influence of Life Stage on Outcomes....................................................................63

Alumni Demographics.....................................................................................................................................63

Life stage ............................................................................................................................................................64

Pre-service Skill Levels.....................................................................................................................................64

Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations...................................................................................................66

Survey and Survey Administration ...................................................................................................................66

Recommendations and Next Steps.....................................................................................................................66

Appendix A: The Survey .........................................................................................................................................68

Appendix B: Raw Frequencies ................................................................................................................................84

Appendix C: Weighted Frequencies ....................................................................................................................123

Appendix D: Regression Results ..........................................................................................................................162

Table of Tables and Figures

Table 1: Key Outcome Definitions and Measures ..................................................................................................2

Table 2: Sampling Universe for AmeriCorps Alumni Assessment......................................................................9

Figure 1: Survey Administration Process ..............................................................................................................11

Table 3: Response Rates by Year, Program, and Cohort. ....................................................................................12

Figure 2: Gender .......................................................................................................................................................16

Figure 3: Education...................................................................................................................................................17

Figure 4: Current Marital Status .............................................................................................................................18

Figure 5: Public Assistance Usage ..........................................................................................................................19

Figure 6: Age during the First Term of Service ....................................................................................................20

Figure 7: Parent or Caregiver During the First Term of Service and at the Time of the Survey....................21

Figure 8: Focus Areas ...............................................................................................................................................24

Figure 9: Percent of Alumni Satisfied or Very Satisfied with Service Experience ...........................................25

Figure 10: Would Recommend AmeriCorps to a Friend or Family Member Interested in Joining ..............26

Figure 11: Average Percent Agreeing or Strongly Agreeing with Positive Service Experiences...................28

Figure 12: Average Percent Agreeing or Strongly Agreeing with Negative Service Experiences.................28
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Figure 13: Alumni Cultural Competency ..............................................................................................................32

Figure 14: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Agreement with Self-efficacy Items .................................33

Figure 15: Career-specific Skills: Interacting with Others ...................................................................................34

Figure 16: Career-specific Skills: Self-Management.............................................................................................35

Figure 17: AmeriCorps Helped Build Career-specific Skills...............................................................................36

Figure 18: Average Percent Agreeing or Strongly Agreeing with AmeriCorps as a Worthwhile Experience 

in Furthering Goals and Endeavors .......................................................................................................................37

Figure 19: Average Percent Agreeing or Strongly Agreeing with AmeriCorps as a Defining Personal and 

Professional Experience ...........................................................................................................................................39

Figure 20: Career Path..............................................................................................................................................40

Figure 21: Staying in the Community ....................................................................................................................41

Figure 22: Alumni Career Pathways over Time ...................................................................................................42

Table 4: Factors Predicting Alumni Careers..........................................................................................................43

Figure 24: People Alumni Trust in Their Neighborhoods ..................................................................................46

Figure 25: Confidence in Institutions .....................................................................................................................47

Figure 26: Average Percent Agreeing or Strongly Agreeing with Attachment to Community.....................49

Figure 27: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Civic Engagement in the Last 12 Months ........................50

Figure 28: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Change in Likelihood of Civic Engagement ...................51

Figure 29: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Engaging in Political Discourse in the Last 12 Months .52

Figure 30: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Boycotting a Product or Service in the Last 12 Months.53

Figure 31: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Registering and Voting in the Last Presidential Election

.....................................................................................................................................................................................54

Figure 32: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Voting in the Last 12 Months ............................................55

Figure 33: Average Percent Reporting Ability to Address a Community Problem ........................................56
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Executive Summary and Key Findings

Do national service experiences encourage AmeriCorps members to stay civically engaged and pursue 

service-oriented careers? This question is central to this report, which examines survey results for former 

members of the AmeriCorps State and National (ASN) program, the AmeriCorps National Civilian 

Community Corps (NCCC) program, and the AmeriCorps VISTA program.

The purpose of this study was to understand and document long-term outcomes for AmeriCorps alumni, 

particularly in four outcome areas: development of career-oriented soft skills, career pathways, sense of 

community, and civic engagement. By comparing results for cohorts of AmeriCorps alumni who 

completed their service in 2012, 2009, and 2004 (two, five, and 10 years before the survey project began), 

the study also identified outcomes at different life stages.

The study addressed the following three research questions:

 In what ways does participating in a national service program influence members’ a) 

development of career-oriented soft skills, b) career pathways, c) sense of community, and d) 

civic engagement?

 In what ways, if any, do member outcomes vary by the six Serve America Act focus areas 

(disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, 

and veterans and military families), and by the particular type of service programs (ASN, NCCC, 

VISTA) and program experiences?

 In what ways, if any, do member outcomes vary by life stage?

Research Methods

An online survey was fielded using the Dillman (2000) approach,1 which involved sending alumni a presurvey announcement, an email invitation, and a series of phased reminders delivered by email, phone, 

and mail. Alumni who did not respond online were offered the option to complete the survey by 

telephone or mail back a paper survey. The survey drew largely on the exit survey AmeriCorps 

administers to all members at the completion of their service, and was modified and pilot tested prior to 

widespread administration. The questionnaire items asked about demographics, life stage information, 

AmeriCorps service experience, development of career-oriented soft skills, career pathways, sense of 

community, civic engagement, AmeriCorps branding, service focus area, and willingness to participate in 

a follow-up survey.

The sampling frame consisted of all eligible alumni in the AmeriCorps Data Warehouse, an 

administrative data system that contains records of all members who enrolled for a term of service.

Eligible alumni were full-time, half-time, and reduced half-time former AmeriCorps members from ASN, 

NCCC, and VISTA, whose most recent service experience ended in 2012, 2009, or 2004. Analysis of the 

data showed that there were 85,777 alumni who met the survey’s eligibility criteria. JBS drew separate 

equal probability samples from each sampling stratum. Ultimately, 7,199 sample members were 

contacted, from which 1,468 alumni provided usable survey results, for an overall response rate of 20 

percent. Response rates varied by sampling stratum, program, and alumni year.

Nonresponse bias analysis was conducted to determine if nonresponse was random or biased due to 

 

1 Dillman, D. A. (2000). Mail and Internet surveys: The tailored design method (2nd ed.). New York, NY: John 

Wiley and Sons.
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systematic differences in characteristics between respondents and non-respondents.

2 Among the variables 

examined, the relative bias was as low as three percent of the sample mean for age and 2009 alumni but 

was 23 percent for VISTA alumni and 2012 alumni, 24 percent for alumni who used their education 

award and 27 percent for ASN alumni. Two steps were taken to adjust for nonresponse: 1) nonresponse

weights were applied to each sampling cohort to correct for nonresponse bias across programs and years, 

2) regression analyses were used for assessing outcomes, which held constant the effect of demographic 

and service characteristics.

Research Question One: Influence of National Service on Key Outcomes

Research Question 1 asks, “In what ways does participating in a national service program influence members’ a) 

development of career-oriented soft skills, b) career pathways, c) sense of community, and d) civic engagement?”

Table 1: Key Outcome Definitions and Measures

Outcome Measures

Career-oriented Soft Skills: The wide 

range of skills and abilities needed to 

succeed in the workplace. Essential 

personal attributes needed for success in 

almost every job.

 Cultural Competency scale (α= .85 pre and .83 post)

 Self-efficacy scale. (α=.90)

 Career-specific Skills (self) scale (α=.89)3

 Career-relevant Skills (others) scale (α=.96)

Career Pathways: The extent to which 

AmeriCorps members maintain a service 

orientation in their choice of careers, and 

whether serving with AmeriCorps helped to 

define and shape an individual’s 

professional goals.

 Career Pathways scale (α=.90)

 Item asking how service fit into the alumnus’ career pathway

 Two items asking what the alumnus had done in the six months immediately 

following AmeriCorps, and whether the alumnus obtained a job directly related 

to AmeriCorps service in the six months after his/her service ended

 Item asking about the alumnus’ current career activities

Sense of Community: The formation and 

maintenance of strong bonds with 

communities and investment in the 

community’s welfare.

 Item related to trust in community members.

 Three items asking about confidence in corporations, the media, and public 

schools

 Sense of Community scale (α=.80)

Civic Engagement: Attitudes, beliefs, and 

behaviors consistent with active 

involvement in civic and community life, 

such as participating in community 

organizations or voting in national and 

local elections. 

 Civic Participation in the last 12-months scale (α=.68)

 Political and Community Engagement in the last 12 months scale (α=.71)

 AmeriCorps Effect on Civic Participation scale (α=.90)

 Civic Self-efficacy scale (α=.91)

 Voting Behavior index with items on registration and voting

 Item measuring boycotting behavior

Career-oriented Soft Skills: AmeriCorps alumni report having high levels of career-oriented soft skills 

including cultural competency, self-efficacy, and career-specific skills for interacting with others and for 

self-management. In each skill area, alumni reported that their skills had increased from before 

AmeriCorps service or that AmeriCorps service had helped build these skills.

 Nine out of ten alumni agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoyed exploring differences with 

others and interacting with different people, respected others’ values, and were confident 

 

2 Researchers used a relative nonresponse bias measure that is derived by dividing a measure of the effect 

of the response rate on the difference in respondent and non-respondent means by the mean of the entire 

sample. Assessing Nonresponse Bias in the Consumer Expenditure Interview Survey King SL, B 

Chopova, J Edgar, J M Gonzalez, DE McGrath, and L Tan. Paper Presented at the Joint Statistical 

Meetings 2009 accessed at http://www.bls.gov/osmr/pdf/st090220.pdf

3 The career-specific skills scale consists of two factors, one pertaining to managing self and another 

pertaining to interacting with others.
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interacting with diverse people. Alumni showed gains in all these areas compared to before 

service, with the largest gains in confidence interacting with diverse people.

 Nine out of ten alumni agreed or strongly agreed that they could solve difficult problems, persist 

when opposed, accomplish goals, handle unexpected events and unforeseen situations, remain 

calm, cope with difficulties, and identify multiple solutions. Alumni rated their current skills as 

higher than at pre-service, with the greatest gains being in their abilities to deal with unexpected 

events and unforeseen situations.

 Most alumni rated themselves as having good or excellent career-specific skills, including written 

and oral communication, teamwork, collaboration with diverse individuals, professional 

conduct, independence, planning, time management, prioritization, conflict management, 

adaptability, persistence, and goal orientation. On average, 85 percent of alumni reported good or 

excellent skills in interacting with others and 95 percent reported good or excellent skills in selfmanagement. On average, alumni said that AmeriCorps helped somewhat or a great deal in 

building their skills in interacting with others (85 percent) and in self-management (95 percent).

Career Pathways: While there was some diversity in career pathways, most alumni were students prior 

to AmeriCorps (63 percent), and of those who were engaged in education six months prior to 

AmeriCorps, analysis shows that 44 percent were working in the government or nonprofit sector six 

months after AmeriCorps and 56 percent are working in the government or nonprofit sector now.

Other alumni attended school after AmeriCorps, furthering their education goals. At the time of the 

survey, more than half of alumni reported working in the nonprofit (33 percent) or government sector (25 

percent). Following service, approximately one quarter of participants (27 percent) obtained a job directly 

connected to the organization or agency in which they served. Fifteen percent are currently in a position 

related to their service. A majority of alumni (80 percent) indicated their service experience was 

worthwhile in furthering their careers. Most alumni responded that AmeriCorps service either aligned 

with their existing career path or directed them towards a service-related field, with 34 percent indicating 

that their career path turned in the direction of service-related work following AmeriCorps. After service, 

43 percent of alumni stayed in their community of service.

Sense of Community: Overall, alumni reported having a strong sense of community, with an average of 

82 percent of alumni agreeing that they felt a strong personal attachment to their community, were aware 

of community needs, felt an obligation to contribute to their community, planned or were actively 

involved in community issues, and voted in elections. Alumni reported a stronger sense of community at 

the time of the survey compared to before service, with an average of 22 percent more alumni having 

agreed or strongly agreed they were involved in the community. The strongest gains were in alumni who 

agreed or strongly agreed that they are aware of the important needs in their community and that they 

have a personal attachment to their community. Two thirds of alumni reported that they can trust most 

or all of the people in their neighborhood. At the same time, less than half of alumni reported some or a 

great deal of confidence in corporations (40 percent), or the media (42 percent), while a large majority (83 

percent) reported some or a great deal of confidence in public schools.

Civic Engagement: AmeriCorps alumni reported high levels of civic engagement and civic self-efficacy 

and indicated that their AmeriCorps experience influenced their civic engagement. Almost 80 percent of 

alumni indicated that they definitely or probably had civic self-efficacy, defined as the ability to deal with 

community problems by taking a range of actions that include creating a plan to address an issue, getting 

others involved, organizing and running a meeting, identifying individuals or groups who could help, or 

contacting an elected official. More than half of alumni noted that their service experience had made them 

more likely to engage in civic activities such as volunteering for or donating money to a cause they cared 
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about. Almost all alumni (94 percent) are registered to vote and 89 percent reported voting in the last 

presidential election.

Research Question Two: Variation in Key Outcomes by Focus Areas, Programs, and Experience

Research Question 2 asks, “In what ways, if any, do member outcomes vary by the six Serve America Act focus 

areas (disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans 

and military families), and by the particular type of service programs (ASN, NCCC, VISTA) and program 

experiences?”

Overall, there were no strong patterns between outcomes and service area focus or service program. 

Generally, in each outcome area, small numbers of service focus areas or program cohorts were 

significantly associated with a few outcomes. Similarly, no set of focus areas or service program cohorts 

was significantly related to all of the outcome areas or to all of the outcomes within an outcome area.

Service experience variables were more often significantly related to outcomes. To measure the effect of 

program experience on outcomes, the survey asked alumni about several aspects of their service 

experience: how many terms they had served, in which programs they served, whether their final service 

term was full-time, whether they had completed it, and whether they had used their education award. 

Alumni also responded to questions about satisfaction with their AmeriCorps experience, as well as 

questions asking them to rate several aspects of their service experience, which were used to derive a 

positive service experience scale and a negative service experience scale. The most consistent association 

was between a positive service experience and more positive outcomes in all outcome areas. Other 

measures of service experience were significantly related to several outcomes, but there were no 

consistent patterns across outcome areas or measures within an outcome area.

Career-oriented soft skills were strongly related to having a positive service experience. Alumni that 

reported having a more positive service experience had significantly higher levels of each of the careeroriented soft skills, including cultural competency, post-AmeriCorps self-efficacy, and career-specific 

skills, both for managing self and for interacting with others. A positive service experience also increased 

alumni’s likelihood of attributing the gains in their career-specific skills to AmeriCorps, as did alumni’s 

greater satisfaction with their service experience.

A positive service experience and greater overall satisfaction with AmeriCorps were also significantly 

related to higher career pathways scale scores. Additional variables influencing career pathways included 

having multiple terms of service, having a job with an organization related to service both six months 

after service and at the time of the survey, and completing the last term of service, which was associated 

with greater frequency of alumni listing AmeriCorps on their resume and with currently having a job 

with an organization associated with the alumni’s service.

As with career-oriented soft skills and career pathways, the most consistent predictor of sense of 

community and civic participation outcomes was having a positive service experience. A more positive 

service experience was significantly related to increased sense of community post-AmeriCorps, trust in 

neighbors, trust in corporations, trust in the media, attributing changes in civic engagement to 

AmeriCorps service, increased discussion and thinking on civic issues, and increased likelihood of 

boycotting a service or product.

Research Question Three: Variation in Key Outcomes by Life Stage

Research Question 3 asks, “In what ways, if any, do member outcomes vary by life stage?” The answer to this 

research question focuses on alumni’s personal characteristics obtained from survey questions about 
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demographics, life stages, and the skills and abilities that alumni brought to their AmeriCorps service.

In general, demographics, life stage, and pre-service skills had little effect on most alumni outcomes. 

Demographics had little effect on career-oriented soft skills, sense of community, and civic engagement. 

Alumni with less than a four-year degree were more likely to encourage civic engagement among others.

With regard to career pathways, alumni who had less than a four-year degree at the time of the survey 

were more likely to be currently unemployed and less likely to be currently working at a public service 

job. They were also less likely to be serving in a position at or directly connected to the agency that 

sponsored the AmeriCorps program in which they served. Alumni’s life stage did have an effect on selfefficacy, with those who were unemployed, working in the public sector, at a nonprofit, or at a 

government agency, prior to service reporting higher post-service self-efficacy. Alumni’s ratings of their 

self-efficacy also decreased with age. Alumni employed in the private sector prior to service were more 

likely to be employed in the private sector post-service. Alumni who were older, in school before 

AmeriCorps, or parents or caregivers at the time of service were more likely to be currently engaged in 

service. Alumni’s post-service sense of community and civic engagement was largely independent of 

alumni’s life stage. As expected, alumni’s pre-service skills were significantly associated with their 

corresponding post-service levels. Career pathways outcomes were independent of pre-service skills. 

Higher pre-service sense of community predicted higher civic engagement, and higher pre-service 

cultural competency and self-efficacy predicted higher career-specific skills.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Overall, respondents indicated that there were substantial benefits to participation in AmeriCorps 

programs, including AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps NCCC, and AmeriCorps VISTA. 

Across all alumni, a vast majority stated that they felt they made a contribution to the community (92 

percent), gained an understanding of the community they served (93 percent), and were exposed to new 

ideas and ways of seeing the world (87 percent). Due to participation in AmeriCorps, a majority of 

respondents stated that they were more likely to volunteer and to participate in community 

organizations. In terms of the impact of service on alumni’s careers, respondents reported that 

participation in AmeriCorps helped them figure out the next steps of their career and increased their 

ability to work with others and to respond to unexpected challenges. In open-ended responses, 

AmeriCorps participants stated that their experience helped them to define their values, made them more 

likely to pursue a career in service, and had a positive impact on their life even after their term of service 

ended. Positive outcomes, on the whole, were largely consistent across AmeriCorps participants and 

independent of their service programs, focus areas, or personal characteristics. The key consistent driver 

of successful outcomes in developing career-oriented soft skills, having a career pathway that led to work 

in the government or nonprofit sector, and maintaining a sense of community and civic engagement after 

AmeriCorps was a positive service experience. There were also some differences in outcomes related to 

other service experience factors, but no strong patterns.

The association between satisfaction and positive service experience with successful later outcomes 

provides support for the usefulness of measures of satisfaction and service experience quality in postservice surveys. Support for an association between satisfaction immediately following service and later 

satisfaction and positive outcomes would be strengthened by a longitudinal study following a cohort of 

AmeriCorps members. Support for survey findings may also be substantially strengthened by an impact 

evaluation using a benchmarking or comparison group that matched alumni on key characteristics.
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Chapter 1: Introduction

Do national service experiences encourage AmeriCorps members to stay civically engaged and pursue 

service-oriented careers? This question is central to this report, which looks at survey results for former 

members of the AmeriCorps State and National program, the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community 

Corps program, and the AmeriCorps VISTA program.

Founded by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in 1994, the AmeriCorps 

initiative consists of three distinct programs:

1. The AmeriCorps State and National program (ASN) provides grants to local and national 

organizations and agencies to support recruitment, training, and placement of full-time and parttime AmeriCorps members who engage in direct service activities, such as after-school tutoring 

or homebuilding, and capacity-building activities, such as volunteer recruitment.

2. The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps program (NCCC) organizes full-time 

members aged 18–24 years into residential teams based at five campuses located throughout the 

United States to conduct service projects focusing mainly on environmental restoration, disaster 

services, and education.

3. The AmeriCorps VISTA program (VISTA) provides full-time members to community 

organizations to expand local capacity by creating and expanding programs that are intended to 

bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

The purpose of this study was to understand and document long-term outcomes for AmeriCorps alumni. 

The study sought to understand the extent to which the experience of participating in AmeriCorps 

encouraged alumni to maintain a continuing commitment in thought and action to civic engagement, and 

whether AmeriCorps service has influenced former members’ career choices, for example, by leading to 

careers in public service. The study examined four outcome areas: development of career-oriented soft 

skills, career pathways, sense of community, and civic engagement. By comparing results for cohorts of 

AmeriCorps alumni who completed their service in 2012, 2009, and 2004 (two, five, and 10 years before 

the survey), the study also identified outcomes at different life stages.

The study addressed the following three research questions:

 In what ways does participating in a national service program influence members’ a) 

development of career-oriented soft skills, b) career pathways, c) sense of community, and d)

civic engagement?

 In what ways, if any, do member outcomes vary by the six Serve America Act focus areas 

(disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, 

and veterans and military families), and by the particular type of service programs (ASN, NCCC, 

VISTA) and program experiences?

 In what ways, if any, do member outcomes vary by life stage?

The key outcome areas addressed by these research questions are described below.

Attainment of Career-oriented Soft Skills

Attainment of career-oriented soft skills covers the wide range of skills and abilities needed to succeed in 

the workplace, including written and oral communication, teamwork, collaboration with diverse 

individuals, professional conduct, independence, planning, time management, prioritization, conflict 

management, adaptability, persistence, and goal orientation.
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Soft skills are differentiated from skill sets required for specific jobs (also known as hard skills) in that soft 

skills are essential personal attributes needed for success in almost every job. AmeriCorps members gain 

soft and hard skills through training and service experiences that provide direct experience utilizing new 

skills in working with supervisors, teammates, and people in the community.

Career Pathways

The career pathways outcome encapsulates the idea that former AmeriCorps members maintain a service 

orientation in their choice of careers. This study investigated whether serving with AmeriCorps helped to 

define and shape an individual’s professional goals, either by confirming existing goals or by helping to 

set new goals, and whether AmeriCorps participation was helpful in advancing those goals. Of particular 

interest would be evidence that service opens up new career possibilities for individuals, thus leading 

them to pursue a different career path than they might have chosen otherwise, particularly if AmeriCorps 

service redirected individuals into a service-related field or profession. The career pathways outcome 

recognizes that this effect may occur in the short-term (e.g., by finding a service-oriented job shortly after 

completing service) or in the medium and longer term (e.g., by taking a path into non-service work, but 

then returning to service work). The career pathways outcome also acknowledges the wide range of 

service-oriented careers, including work in the nonprofit, public, and government sectors, and military 

service. AmeriCorps helps members to shape their own career path by giving them "real world" service 

experiences.

Sense of Community

Sense of community posits that individuals with AmeriCorps service experience will tend to form and 

maintain stronger bonds with their communities and will have a greater stake in the community’s 

welfare. Individuals with a strong sense of community will be more familiar with their neighbors, 

demonstrate greater trust in their neighbors, and be more willing to extend a helping hand to others in 

need. AmeriCorps seeks to promote a sense of community in members by placing them in organizations 

that serve the needs of the community, and by working directly with those in need.

Civic Engagement

Civic engagement encompasses attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors consistent with active involvement in 

civic and community life. This includes participating in community organizations; voting in national and 

local elections; keeping informed about news and public issues; actively promoting safe and clean 

neighborhoods; and volunteering for, or donating money or goods to, causes and issues that one cares 

about. Civically engaged individuals will tend to keep abreast of social and political issues, and will 

express their opinions about these issues in various forums (discussions with friends and family, social 

media posts, etc.). In addition to receiving training in effective citizenship4, the AmeriCorps service 

experience is intended to promote an ethic of service directly through service roles and assignments.

The service experiences of former AmeriCorps members were intended to influence them to be more 

aware of problems in their communities and enable them to respond more effectively to these problems 

by, for example, developing a plan to address a problem, getting others to care about the problem, 

engaging in public speaking, and identifying and contacting potential allies to get help in solving the 

problem.

The introduction of this report is followed by chapters that include a summary of methods used to collect 

and analyze the data, a description of the survey respondents and their AmeriCorps service experiences,

 

4 http://www.nationalservice.gov/resources/member-and-volunteer-development/americorps-guideeffective-citizenship-through-americorps
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the findings on alumni outcomes, a summary of the results focusing on the study’s research questions,

and the study’s conclusions.

Chapter 2: Research Methods

CNCS contracted with JBS International to administer the AmeriCorps Alumni Outcomes Survey. JBS 

fielded the online survey using the Dillman (2000) approach, which involved sending alumni a presurvey mail and email announcement, an email invitation and a series of phased reminders delivered by 

email, phone, and the United States Postal Service (USPS).

5 Alumni who did not respond online were 

offered the option to complete the survey by telephone or mail back a paper survey. The remainder of 

this chapter summarizes the sampling, survey administration, response rates, nonresponse analysis, and 

calculation of analysis weights. A fuller discussion of the survey’s methods is available in a companion 

document.

Questionnaire Development

The draft survey drew largely on the exit survey AmeriCorps administers to all members at the

completion of their service. JBS and CNCS modified the survey and pilot tested it. The result was a 

survey instrument comparable in length to the original survey, deployable by email, phone, and postal 

mail, and able to be better understood by different program types and years of AmeriCorps involvement. 

Wording changes were kept to a minimum to allow for future comparison with data from AmeriCorps’s

existing exit survey.

The questionnaire items asked about demographics, life stage information, AmeriCorps service 

experience, development of career-oriented soft skills, career pathways, sense of community, civic 

engagement, AmeriCorps branding, service focus area, and willingness to participate in a follow-up 

survey. The survey questions were mostly close-ended multiple choice and forced choice response 

options using nominal (e.g., yes/no) or ordinal (e.g., strongly agree/agree/neither agree nor 

disagree/disagree/strongly disagree) scaling. Some items included a field for short open-ended responses

(See Appendix A for a copy of the survey).

Sampling

For this study, the sampling unit was the former AmeriCorps member (alumnus). The sampling universe

included full-time, half-time, and reduced half-time former AmeriCorps members from ASN, NCCC and 

VISTA, whose most recent service experience ended in 2012, 2009, or 2004. These time frames represented

alumni who completed their service two, five, and 10 years prior to the beginning of the study. Alumni of

Education Award only programs were included if one of the alumni’s terms, at some point, was a fulltime, half-time, or reduced half-time term. VISTA alumni who served only a summer term and 

individuals who, in the sampled year, had a term with no hours served were excluded.

The sampling design had nine strata, a three-by-three design consisting of three programs and three time 

periods: ASN, NCCC, and VISTA alumni completing their last service year in 2012, 2009, and 2004.

The sampling frame consisted of all eligible alumni in the AmeriCorps Data Warehouse, an 

administrative data system that contains records of all members who enrolled for a term of service.

Analysis of the data showed that there were 85,777 alumni who met the survey’s eligibility criteria.

 

5 Dillman, D. A. (2000). Mail and Internet surveys: The tailored design method (2nd ed.). New York, NY: John 

Wiley and Sons.
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Table 2: Sampling Universe for AmeriCorps Alumni Assessment

Cohort AmeriCorps NCCC VISTA Total

Service ended 2 years prior (2012) 30,452 994 4,504 35,950

Service ended 5 years prior (2009) 23,949 620 4,639 29,208

Service ended 10 years prior (2004) 14,957 996 4,666 20,619

Total 69,358 2,610 13,809 85,777

JBS drew separate equal probability samples from each sampling stratum. The desired sample size for 

each stratum was 385, which corresponded to the number of responses needed to achieve a 95 percent 

confidence interval of plus or minus five percentage points for an event occurring 50 percent of the time 

in an equal probability sample.

6 This confidence interval was chosen to allow hypothesis tests to be done,

not only with the full sample, but also within each of the nine sampling strata. This desired sample size 

per cohort would yield a total sample of 3,465 responses for the survey.

The sampling and recruitment procedures for the survey were developed to minimize cost and burden,

while maximizing response rates in a short period of time. The study employed stratified random 

sampling with equal probability of selection within each stratum. Since not all invited respondents were 

likely to respond, the sampling method oversampled alumni to increase the probability of getting the 

desired sample size. In order to minimize the actual number of individuals sampled and contacted, the 

study randomly sorted the alumni within each stratum and worked down the list with the goal of 

achieving the desired sample size in each cell. This sampling process was designed to achieve power, 

minimized the number of individuals contacted, allowed for anticipation of uneven response rates across 

strata, and avoided complicated sampling probabilities that could occur if response rates were low 

enough to require a second sample. The final sample size consisted of 7,199 individuals invited to 

participate in the survey.

Survey Administration

The survey launched on Monday, April 27, 2015, and closed on Monday, June 8, 2015. Alumni could 

complete the survey using any of the three methods: an online form, a phone survey, or a mailed paper 

form. SurveyMonkey hosted the online survey. As mentioned above, JBS used the Dillman approach to 

notify and invite sample members to participate in the survey and included a series of phased

reminders.7 A flowchart showing the survey administration sequence, including completions after 

different stages of reminders appears in Figure 1.

CNCS provided initial alumni contact information that was presumed to be valid as of the end of their

term of service, or contact information that had been updated at the time alumni utilized their education 

award or at another time, if updated information was available. To find missing information and update

existing information, JBS searched the LexisNexis database utilizing alumni social security numbers 

provided securely by CNCS. Throughout the survey administration, JBS updated alumni contact 

information based on data provided by alumni, family members of alumni, or the United States Postal 

Service (USPS). Updated contact information was used for additional survey invitations.

The series of steps used to notify, invite, and remind alumni to participate in the survey included the 

following:

 

6 Calculated using the Survey System Sample Size Calculator, accessed at 

http://www.surveysystem.com/sscalc.htm

7 Dillman, D. A. (2000). Mail and Internet surveys: The tailored design method (2nd ed.). New York, NY: John 

Wiley and Sons.
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1. To increase response and obtain more current contact information, JBS mailed a letter (signed by 

three AmeriCorps directors) to alumni announcing the survey, inviting them to participate, and 

requesting verification of their email address and phone number. The letter included a link to the 

AmeriCorps Alumni Survey webpage to further legitimize the survey.

2. CNCS also sent an email via GovDelivery to raise awareness of the survey.

3. Sample members received email invitations that included a personalized survey link (also used 

for reminders), incorporated the CNCS logo, and referenced the AmeriCorps Alumni Survey

webpage.

4. Email reminders were sent four, eight, and 12 days following the invitation email. Alumni, who 

began the survey but did not complete it, received customized reminders encouraging their 

participation. All alumni who had not yet completed the survey received a final email reminder 

one day before the survey closed.

5. Alumni who did not complete their survey online within the 14-day reminder period, did not 

have a valid email address, or had no known email address, were transferred from the list of 

online contacts to those contacted by phone. JBS staff utilized a scripted introduction for the calls 

and for voicemail messages left. Calls provided alumni the opportunity to take the survey using 

the method of their choosing, to ask questions about the survey, and to provide additional 

information.

6. Alumni were moved to a mail contact list if they could not be reached online or by phone, or if 

they specifically requested a paper survey.

7. As the end of the survey approached, JBS utilized an automated phone system to twice remind 

alumni to participate in the survey. PrecisionPolling, a subsidiary of SurveyMonkey, made 

automated phone calls encouraging alumni to complete the survey, either online or by calling a 

toll-free number to provide an email address.

Quality of Contact Information

The quality of contact information was key to the survey’s ability to obtain survey responses from 

alumni. At each step of the process outlined above, JBS recorded information on the outcomes of contact 

attempts. The ability to deliver survey information varied by type of contact attempt. Of the 13,256 email 

addresses used to contact sample members, the email host returned a message saying that 4,581 (35 

percent) were invalid. Survey staff and the automated calling system made 13,024 calls to 6,121 phone 

numbers belonging to 5,088 non-responding alumni and 64 alumni who had no email address. Of the 

numbers called, 450 (seven percent) were wrong numbers and 4,261 (70 percent) did not answer and had 

no voicemail or answering machine.

In the end, JBS was able to find at least one form of working contact information for all but 26 

individuals. For these individuals, no working email address, phone number, or postal address could be 

found. At the same time, while JBS was able to deliver survey information to almost all sample members, 

it was not possible to determine if these contact attempts reached the intended target or whether they 

were read or heard.
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Figure 1: Survey Administration Process

Surveys Received

1,468 Alumni

No Response

5,678 Alumni

Survey

7,199 Alumni

Pre Survey

7,199 Alumni

AND Sent Email Announcement

6,455 Alumni with email addresses

Mailed Announcement

4,339 Alumni with mailing addresses

Online

(Email Reminders)

598 Alumni

Online

(No Reminders)

358 Alumni

Phone Survey

10 Alumni

Online (Alternate 

Letter Link)

12 Alumni

Mail Survey

37 Alumni

Online (Multimodal Reminders)

453 Alumni

Mailed Survey or 

Alternate Letter

1,425 Alumni

Provided New

Email Address

175 Alumni

Provided New 

Mailing Address

11 Alumni

Sent up to Eight 

Email Reminders

5,686 Alumni

Sent Email 

Invitations

6,044 Alumni

Placed Staff/ 

Automated Calls

5,152 Alumni
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Out of the total 7,199 sample members, 1,468 alumni provided usable survey results. This included 1,127 

completed surveys and 341 partially completed surveys. In terms of nonresponse, less than one percent of 

the sample (26 alumni) had no valid contact information, and less than one percent (27 alumni) directly

refused, while most of the sample (5,678 alumni) did not respond to survey requests. Of the 1,468 

responses, almost 96 percent completed the survey online, only ten individuals completed the survey 

with an interviewer on the phone, and another 49 alumni completed mail surveys, or completed the 

survey through a link received by mail (four percent of respondents, total, for these modes combined).

Quality of the Data

JBS assessed the quality of the data in several ways, including calculating response rates, analyzing the 

effect of questionnaire item nonresponse and survey nonresponse as well as the effect of having multiple 

survey response modes.

The response rate for the survey was calculated as the ratio of the number of respondents with completed 

or partially completed surveys to the number of eligible respondents sampled.8 Dividing the 1,468 alumni 

with usable results by the total sample size of 7,199 resulted in an overall response rate of 20 percent. The 

number of eligible respondents was calculated by subtracting from the 7,247 initial sample members the 

48 respondents that were identified as deceased through LexisNexis searches.

Response rates varied by sampling stratum, program, and alumni year. See Table 3 below for further 

delineation. The overall response rate of 20 percent was lower than desired, however the sample size was 

sufficiently large that reporting frequencies with a 95 percent confidence level of plus or minus five 

percent for an event occurring 50 percent of the time was possible for the sample as a whole. The 

individual cohort sizes were too small to achieve the desired level of precision. However, for most of the 

survey items, the alumni year and service program samples were large enough to achieve the desired 

precision.

Table 3: Response Rates by Year, Program, and Cohort.

Cohort Total 

Sampled Completed Partially Completed Refused Not Reachable

No 

Response

Total 

Useable 

Responses

Response

Rate

ASN 2,964 308 134 6 12 2,504 442 15%

NCCC 1,978 394 104 8 7 1,465 498 25%

VISTA 2,257 425 103 13 7 1,709 528 23%

2 year 

alumni 2,092 420 106 12 4 1,550 526 25%

5 year 

alumni 2,291 332 124 6 7 1,822 456 20%

10 year 

alumni 2,816 375 111 9 15 2,306 486 17%

TOTAL 7,199 1,127 341 27 26 5,678 1,468 20%

Partial Completion of Surveys and Item Response Analysis

Approximately 23 percent of survey responses were partial, with respondents breaking-off partway 

through the survey. Any response that included at least one answer at or beyond Item 7 (Education) was 

deemed to be sufficiently complete to include in the final analysis. Since the online survey required 

 

8 This method of calculating the response rate is consistent with the OMB recommended formula and the 

AAPOR and CASRO endorsed methods.
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answers for all items, respondents (with the exception of those responding by phone or mail) could not 

skip any items without being forced to end the survey. The number of missing item responses increased

from one for the first item (skipped by a phone or mail respondent) to 338 for the final required item on 

the survey. There were larger jumps in survey breakoff at the beginning of new pages, likely indicating 

that respondents either stopped at the end of the prior page, or skipped one or more items on the prior 

page and were prevented from moving to the next page due to the requirement that all items on a page 

be completed before proceeding to the next page.

JBS tested for possible item-level response bias associated with taking the survey after receiving 

reminders and completing the survey in different modalities (online, telephone, or paper). The results of 

regression analysis showed that respondents who received reminders, whether they were online or 

multimodal reminders, and respondents who took the survey by mail or phone differed little in their 

responses from those who took the online survey without reminders.

Nonresponse Bias Analysis

JBS also conducted a nonresponse bias analysis to determine if the nonresponse was random, or if it was

biased due to systematic differences in characteristics between respondents and non-respondents. To 

examine nonresponse bias across variables, JBS used a relative nonresponse bias measure that is derived 

by dividing a measure of the effect of the response rate on the difference in respondent and nonrespondent means by the mean of the entire sample. Among the variables examined, the relative bias was 

as low as three percent of the sample mean for age and 2009 alumni. At the high end, relative bias ranged 

from 23 percent to 27 percent for VISTA and ASN members, 2012 alumni, and those using an education 

award. Several variables fell in the middle, with relative biases of nine to 15 percent including gender, 

NCCC alumni, 2014 alumni, alumni completing their terms of service, and alumni with updated email 

addresses.

A logistic regression examined the effects of each variable on response when all other variables tested 

were held constant. While age and number of terms of service were not significant, the rest of the 

variables examined were. The reasons for nonresponse appeared to be that groups with more out-of-date 

contact information, such as those with more years since serving or those who had not used their 

education award, were less likely to respond. Education award use, in particular, offers an important 

point of contact with CNCS, and members are likely to update their contact information with CNCS 

when using their education award. On the other hand, groups that might have had a closer connection to 

CNCS, such as alumni from CNCS’ centrally administered programs (VISTA and NCCC), alumni who 

completed their terms of service, or served full-time, were more likely to respond.

JBS did two things to adjust for nonresponse bias in the analysis. First, JBS applied nonresponse weights 

to each sampling cohort to correct for nonresponse bias across programs and years. To adjust for 

nonresponse bias among the analysis variables (gender, alumni completing service, full-term members,

and education award use), JBS used regressions that held constant the effect of these variables when 

assessing the outcome variables. No adjustment was made for email updating since it was not an analysis 

variable. However, its effect would probably be similar to that for the education award.

Weights

For analysis purposes, the data were weighted using both sampling weights and nonresponse weights. 

The sampling weights were calculated as the inverse of the sampling ratios so that each cohort’s weighted 

size corresponded to its proportion of the alumni universe. For example, while there were roughly equal 

numbers of interviews collected in each program, ASN members received higher weights to reflect their 

higher proportion in the sampling universe. To adjust for differential nonresponse rates across cohorts, 
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nonresponse weights were calculated as the inverse of the response rate. The sampling weights and 

nonresponse weights were multiplied together and the weights were normalized so that the sum of the 

weights equaled the number of surveys. This means that the weighted frequencies correspond to a 

nationally representative sample of alumni across the sampled cohorts and programs. The raw and 

weighted frequencies for the survey items are presented in Appendices B and C.

Data Analysis

This section describes the data analysis used to present and summarize the study results. It covers 

treatment of missing values, descriptive analysis, regression analysis, and development of scales for 

summarizing outcome and service experience data. In conducting both the descriptive and the regression 

analysis, JBS used statistical techniques that account for the complex sample design and produce designcorrected standard errors.

Treatment of Missing Data

In the analysis, list-wise deletion was used to eliminate portions of surveys with missing data for specific 

analyses. Given the large size of the dataset and the significant number of analyses being conducted, it 

was not feasible to use multiple imputation or other missing data techniques. Thus, the univariate 

analysis of each variable includes only those respondents who answered the question. Respondents were 

dropped from the multivariate analysis for each outcome item if any of the analysis variables for that 

model were missing.

Descriptive Statistics – Means and Proportions

The descriptive statistics included the means and proportions of the survey items. The analysis looked at 

all the alumni surveys as a group and at the surveys by program (ASN alumni, NCCC alumni, and 

VISTA alumni) as well as by service cohorts (alumni two, five, and 10 years post-service).

One way to measure the accuracy of these survey statistics is to calculate their relative standard errors 

(RSE), which measures the ratio of the standard error to the mean. Lower RSEs mean that the estimates 

have greater precision, as they have smaller variances relative to their means. In this report, means and 

proportions with relative standard errors between 30 and 50 percent are reported with caution, and 

estimates that have RSEs greater than 50 are not reported. Appendices B and C show the raw and 

weighted percentages for the survey items and identifies those that should be interpreted with caution or 

were suppressed. Throughout the report, any results that need to be interpreted with caution are marked 

with a footnote.

Scales and Scale Construction

The 2015 AmeriCorps Alumni Survey was designed to measure outcomes associated with AmeriCorps 

participation in terms of alumni career-oriented soft skills, career pathways, sense of community and 

civic engagement. The survey included multiple items measuring each outcome. In addition, some 

outcome-related items asked the respondent to select more than one option, or rate items among a set of 

related responses. JBS developed scales and indices that identified and summarized different components 

of the outcome measures and that summarized alumni service experiences. To validate the scales, the 

internal reliability of each construct was measured by calculating the Cronbach’s Alpha (α) for each of the 

scales. All of the scales had high reliability estimates of α = 0.68 or higher (average α = 0.85). The 

individual scales are described in the discussion of outcomes in Chapter 4.

Regression Analysis

To better understand the outcomes and to answer the research questions, the analysis used regression 

techniques to examine the effects of demographic, life stage, and service-related characteristics on the 

outcome variables. The regression results make it possible to present the effect of each characteristic on 
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outcomes controlling for the effect of other factors. For example, regressions allow for assessment of the 

influence of alumni service experience on outcomes when demographics and life stage variables are held 

constant. The characteristics controlled for and/or used to predict the outcomes in the regression analysis 

included variables on alumni demographics, life stage, service descriptors, satisfaction with service, and 

pre-service self-perception ratings for outcome measures. Two variables in the model, gender and having 

updated contact information, were included as controls related to nonresponse bias. The regression 

models including the outcome, control, and predictor variables are further explained in Chapter 4.

Study Limitations

While every effort was made to ensure that the survey was as representative and valid as possible, there 

were some limitations to the study design and implementation. First off, response rates for the survey 

both overall and within cohorts were lower than anticipated. They were certainly below the target rate of 

80 percent. However, the rate of participation for an online survey was in the range that some might 

anticipate for a widely distributed call for participation by members (between 1 and 40 percent9). 

Additionally, not all participants who were surveyed provided complete data for the study. Although all 

alumni who participated in the study provided some information that was useful for this study, over onethird of survey takers did not fully complete the survey. It is possible that providing monetary incentives

would improve the response rates for future surveys. Additionally, efforts to keep in touch with alumni 

and maintain current contact information should improve future response rates. At times when data 

collection does not necessarily have to cover all aspects of the AmeriCorps logic model, constructs from 

the survey might be shortened or omitted to reduce the length of the survey instrument to prevent 

participant drop-out mid-survey. The list of demographic questions probably could be shortened in the 

future. Some of these items demonstrated limited variability for particular items, or for response 

categories. Attempts at following up with phone and mail surveys to reduce both non-participation and 

survey drop-out were valuable, but it remains questionable as to whether these efforts are cost-effective 

enough at boosting response rate.

Reducing the length of the survey, and perhaps providing incentives, may have the added benefit of 

reducing satisficing, where respondents give the fastest answer to complete the survey, perhaps by 

checking down the columns or picking the top answer listed across the board, or by picking responses 

that do not require further elaboration.10 From the survey item response frequencies , it is difficult to 

ascertain whether the strongly positive opinions reported in the survey were or were not a function of 

satisficing, and so future validation efforts of the AmeriCorps alumni study might investigate the role 

that satisficing may play in shaping response patterns across items.

Lack of Counterfactual

While the current study presents promising findings based on AmeriCorps alumni’s self-reported 

outcomes, the use of counterfactual or benchmarking groups is necessary to make a plausible assertion 

that, all else being equal, AmeriCorps alumni have significantly better outcomes than non-AmeriCorps

alumni. 

 

9 http://www.practicalsurveys.com/respondents/typicalresponserates.php

10 The original survey design called for the use of incentives. The use of incentives was denied by the 

Office of Management and Budget during the Paperwork Reduction Act review
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Chapter 3: Alumni Demographics, Life Stages, and Service Experiences

The responding alumni represented the breadth of AmeriCorps members, encompassing alumni with 

different demographics and life stages, and representing a variety of service experiences. Responding 

alumni lived in every state and the District of Columbia, as well as outside the United States. California 

had the highest proportion of respondents, with 11 percent of the total.

Gender

Women made up 77 percent of the alumni respondents and men accounted for 23 percent of respondents.

ASN and VISTA alumni mirrored this pattern, while NCCC had 29 percent male and 71 percent female 

respondents. The percentage of women among respondents rose with years post-service from 75 percent 

of the two-year alumni to 80 percent of the 10-year alumni (See Figure 2).

Figure 2: Gender

Race/Ethnicity

The survey allowed respondents to check all racial categories they felt applied to them. Most alumni 

respondents identified themselves as white (78 percent), with 13 percent of respondents identifying as 

Black or African American. Asians made up five percent of the respondents and other groups made up 14 

percent. NCCC alumni most often indicated that they were white (90 percent). For NCCC, Asians made 

up a similar proportion to alumni overall (four percent) while there were lower percentages of African 

Americans, and other groups (seven percent). Hispanics or Latinas/Latinos comprised nine percent of 

respondents overall, with no notable differences for ASN, VISTA, or service year cohorts. They comprised 

only four percent of NCCC alumni.

Education

Most alumni respondents were well-educated, with 84 percent having completed a four-year degree or 

attended or completed graduate or professional school (See Figure 3). Among all respondents, 31 percent 

said they had completed a bachelor’s degree and 43 percent had a graduate or professional degree.

Another 10 percent had completed some graduate school but not yet received a degree. Respondents in 

older cohorts more often had a graduate degree (52 percent for those responding from 10 years ago 

80%

77%

75%

76%

71%

77%

77%

20%

23%

25%

24%

29%

23%

23%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Female Male
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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versus 33 percent for those responding from two years ago). ASN and VISTA alumni were more likely to 

have completed graduate or professional degrees (43 and 42 percent respectively), compared to 29 

percent of NCCC alumni.

Figure 3: Education

Marital Status

The majority of the alumni respondents (52 percent) had never married (See Figure 4). Forty percent 

reported that they were either married (35 percent) or living in a common law marriage or domestic 

partnership (5 percent). The remaining eight percent were separated, divorced, or widowed. The 

proportion of never married respondents decreased with post-service years dropping from 75 percent 

never married for the two-year alumni cohort to 23 percent never married for the 10-year cohort.

19%

18%

13%

15%

21%

16%

16%

81%

82%

87%

85%

79%

84%

84%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Less than a 4-year college degree 4-year college degree or higher
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Figure 4: Current Marital Status

Military Service

Very few alumni had served on active duty in the military (5 percent). This figure was consistent across 

program and service year cohorts.

Pre-service Welfare or Public Assistance Usage

Approximately three-quarters of alumni said that neither they, nor anyone in their household, had 

received welfare payments or public assistance prior to their AmeriCorps service. About one-fifth of 

respondents (22 percent) indicated that they, or someone in their family, had received income assistance 

prior to AmeriCorps service and five percent of alumni were unsure (See Figure 5). By program, this 

figure is higher for ASN (23 percent) and VISTA (21 percent), and lower for NCCC (11 percent). By year, 

this figure is highest for the five-year cohort (25 percent), and lowest for the 10-year cohort (19 percent).

77%

55%

27%

55%

36%

47%

48%

23%

45%

73%

45%

64%

53%

52%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Married, common law marriage, domestic partnership, widowed, divorced, separated

Never married
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Figure 5: Public Assistance Usage

Age

In all, 73 percent of respondents were 25 or younger when they began service (See Figure 6). Most alumni 

respondents (64 percent) were 20-25 years old at the start of service. Nine percent of respondents were 

under age 20, another 16 percent were 26-35 years old, and 11 percent were over the age of 36. NCCC 

alumni were, on average, younger than ASN or VISTA alumni, having all been age 25 or younger when 

they began serving. VISTA had slightly more alumni who began serving when they were over the age of 

30 (21 percent) than ASN (14 percent).

For most alumni, their current age reflects the age when they began serving in AmeriCorps, the number 

of terms they served and their alumni cohort – two, five, and 10 years post-service. However, some 

alumni who served multiple terms may not have served them consecutively. Two years post-service, 

alumni were generally in their late 20s (67 percent are ages 26-39) based on their year of birth, five years 

post-service, alumni were in their late 20s and early 30s (77 percent are ages 26-35), and alumni 10 years 

post-service were in their 30s (75 percent are ages 31-40). Across service programs, alumni in NCCC were 

younger than alumni in ASN and VISTA, and VISTA had the greatest proportion of alumni over 35, 34 

percent compared to 21 percent for ASN and five percent for NCCC.

19%

25%

22%

21%

11%

23%

22%

78%

70%

72%

75%

84%

72%

73%

3%

5%

6%

4%

5%

5%

5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Yes No Not Sure
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Figure 6: Age during the First Term of Service

Parenting

During their first term of service, across programs and service cohorts, a large majority of alumni (87

percent overall) were not parents or primary caregivers, while 13 percent reported they were (See Figure

7). The proportion of parents was similar across programs and service year cohorts ranging from 12 to 15 

percent, except for NCCC, where less than one percent of alumni reported having been parents or 

primary caregivers.

At the time of the survey, 31 percent of alumni respondents reported being parents and 27 percent were 

living with their children. Not surprisingly, the proportion of alumni who are parents was higher for 

alumni with more years post-service. While 16 percent of alumni who were two years post-service are 

currently parents, this rose to 31 percent for the five-year alumni and 58 percent for the 10-year alumni. 

While 20 percent of NCCC alumni are currently parents, this figure rose to 31 percent for ASN and 33 

percent for VISTA (See Figure 8).

74%

68%

76%

67%

100%

73%

73%

14%

21%

14%

17%

17%

16%

12%

11%

10%

16%

10%

11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

25 or under 26 to 35 36 and over
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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Figure 7: Parent or Caregiver During the First Term of Service and at the Time of the Survey

Activities Prior to Service

In the six months before becoming AmeriCorps members, alumni were often in school, working, or 

combining work and school. Among all the alumni respondents, 62 percent were attending school, 37 

percent of alumni were employed, and 13 percent were both working and in school. Among alumni 

respondents overall, 53 percent attended college, five percent attended high school or vocational school, 

and five percent attended graduate school prior to AmeriCorps. Further, 19 percent of alumni were 

working in the private sector, 15 percent were working in the nonprofit sector, and seven percent were 

working in the public sector. Overall, nine percent of alumni respondents were unemployed in the six 

months before AmeriCorps service.

Across cohorts, NCCC alumni were the alumni who most often served directly from high school or 

vocational school (13 percent) and were employed in the six months before service (49 percent). More 

alumni from the 10-year cohort (13 percent) and from VISTA (12 percent) were unemployed prior to 

service. Of the 107 respondents that said “other” activities prior to service, 52 of them stated that they had 

been working. The remaining alumni reported traveling or taking time off, volunteering, engaging in 

caregiving, attending school or classes, or being involved in other types of activities.

AmeriCorps Service Experience Highlights

The survey included a series of items covering aspects of alumni’s service experiences. When asked about 

the extent of their AmeriCorps service, most alumni respondents reported they served one term with 

58%

15%

31%

13%

16%

12%

33%

14%

20%

31%

13%

31%

13%

42%

85%

69%

87%

84%

88%

67%

86%

80%

100%

69%

87%

69%

87%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004 (Survey)

2004 (During Service)

2009 (Survey)

2009 (During Service)

2012 (Survey)

2012 (During Service)

VISTA (Survey)

VISTA (During Service)

NCCC (Survey)

NCCC (During Service)

ASN (Survey)

ASN (During Service)

Overall (Survey)

Overall (During Service)

Yes No
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AmeriCorps (63 percent), while 33 percent had served two terms, and the remainder had served three or 

four terms. ASN alumni (34 percent) and VISTA alumni (32 percent) more often served multiple terms 

versus NCCC alumni, where only 23 percent served multiple terms. The number of terms of service was 

highest in the more recent alumni cohorts. Forty-five percent of the two-year post-service alumni served 

multiple terms, compared to 35 percent for the five-year cohort and 28 percent for the 10-year cohort.

Year Starting AmeriCorps Service

When reviewing the dates alumni began serving in AmeriCorps, most alumni reported service entry 

dates fairly near their exit dates, usually completing their service within a three-year window before they 

left service. This included alumni with multiple terms of service. For example, among alumni exiting 

service in 2012, 89 percent reported beginning service in 2010, 2011, or 2012. A similar pattern of exiting 

service, one, two, or three years after entering service was reported by 86 percent of 2010 alumni and 88 

percent of 2004 alumni. A smaller percentage, between eight and 11 percent, said that they first served 

four or more years before exiting AmeriCorps. A small number of alumni (3-4 percent) that were fiveyears and 10-years post-service said they served an additional term (e.g., a reduced part-time term) after 

their exit year.

Full-time, Part-time, and Other Service Terms

Across their multiple terms of service, 85 percent of alumni reported that they had served at least one 

term of full-time service. Another 17 percent reported that they served at least one part-time term, two 

percent reported they served a quarter-time term, and three percent reported they served minimum time. 

Among ASN alumni, 82 percent reported serving at least one full-time term versus 99 percent of NCCC 

alumni and 96 percent of VISTA alumni. Similarly, more ASN alumni served part-time (20 percent) than 

VISTA (6 percent) or NCCC (3 percent). ASN alumni more often served quarter-time or minimum time (5

percent). There were some differences across year cohorts, with alumni two years post-service more often 

serving full-time, (89 percent) versus 79 and 84 percent of five-year and 10-year post-service alumni. 

Alumni 10 years post-service less often served part-time (13 percent) compared to those two years and 

five years post-service (17 percent and 19 percent). Alumni who were five years post-service had the 

highest percentage serving minimum time or quarter time (7 percent).

Four-fifths of alumni respondents (79 percent) reported that they only served full-time, 12 percent served 

only part-time, a few reported serving only quarter-time or minimum time terms, and six percent 

reported serving multiple types of terms. This pattern was similar for ASN. VISTA and NCCC had more 

alumni who served only full-time, 92 percent and 97 percent respectively. Across the year cohorts, alumni 

that were two years and 10 years post-service reflected the overall pattern, while alumni five years postservice had 74 percent serving only full-time and 17 percent serving only part-time.

Service Programs

Across their multiple terms, 57 percent of alumni said they had served in ASN, 31 percent in VISTA, and 

16 percent in NCCC. Only a few respondents served in NCCC FEMA Corps, which is a newer program.

Alumni sometimes reported serving terms of service in other programs. Among ASN alumni, 18 percent 

reported serving in VISTA and 16 percent in NCCC. For NCCC alumni, seven percent reported serving in 

ASN and a few reported serving in VISTA or FEMA Corps. And among VISTA alumni, seven percent 

reported serving in ASN and a small number in NCCC or NCCC FEMA Corps.

When describing their history of AmeriCorps service, alumni were asked to report the program where 

they served. In looking at the three alumni groups, ASN, NCCC, and VISTA, NCCC and VISTA alumni

almost always reported that they had served in their respective programs, with 98 percent and 99 percent 

reporting that they had served at least one term in NCCC and VISTA respectively. ASN alumni, on the 
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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other hand, less often reported that they had served a term in ASN (69 percent).

Alumni who listed ASN for one or more terms of service were asked to identify the name of the program 

entity in which they served for each applicable term of service. Of the 423 individual responses, Teach for 

America was the single most common response (n=42), followed by City Year (n=30), affiliates of The 

Corps Network (n=25), and affiliates of Public Allies (n=11). A large number of responses were too vague 

to identify affiliation (n=97). The organizations listed by alumni represented a wide spectrum of service 

organizations with emphases in all CNCS focus areas. The names of individual grantees and subgrantees 

listed by alumni were also indicative of wide geographic representation at the time of service.

Strength of Association with AmeriCorps, Programs, Organizations, and Sites

Another survey question explored alumni’s identification with AmeriCorps, asking alumni how closely 

they associated their AmeriCorps service with AmeriCorps, with a particular service program, with the 

agency or nonprofit that ran their program, and with the organization or site where they served.

Overall, 63 percent of alumni said they closely or very closely associated their service with AmeriCorps.

This varied by service program, with 88 percent of NCCC alumni associating closely or very closely with 

AmeriCorps, followed by 70 percent of VISTA alumni and 61 percent of ASN alumni. This differed little 

by post-service year.

Association with the particular service program (ASN, NCCC, VISTA, or FEMA Corps) was lower 

overall, with 40 percent of alumni reporting they closely or very closely associated their service with a 

particular service program. This differed by program. Among NCCC alumni, 92 percent closely or very 

closely associated service with their program. This dropped to 66 percent for VISTA alumni and 31 

percent for ASN alumni. Association with a service program also varied across the alumni year cohorts, 

with the 10-year cohort most often saying they associated service closely or very closely with a service 

program (51 percent) and two-year and five-year cohorts reporting a lesser proportion (36 percent).

When asked about the agency or nonprofit that operated the program, 65 percent of alumni said they 

closely or very closely associated their service with an agency or nonprofit AmeriCorps grantee. This 

varied little by post-service year, but did differ by service program. ASN and VISTA alumni more often 

associated service closely or very closely with the program operator (66 percent and 64 percent), while 39 

percent of NCCC alumni did so.

Among alumni overall, 73 percent closely or very closely associated service with a specific organization 

or site where they served. There was little difference in terms of time post-service, however there were 

differences by program. ASN alumni and VISTA alumni had their strongest identification at this level, 

with 74 and 73 percent saying that they closely or very closely identified their service with the 

organization or site where they served, compared to 53 percent of NCCC alumni.

In addition to the response categories above, 52 alumni selected an "other" associational tie. Sixteen of 

these respondents provided a short description indicating that they associated their service with the team 

they served with (n=9) or with the community or communities where they served (n=7). The most 

frequent response (n=11) to this item was some variant of “I don’t understand this question.”

Focus Areas

The alumni respondents served in all of the Serve America Focus Areas. A large majority of alumni (71 

percent) reported education-focused service. The next most commonly reported focus areas were capacity 

building (18 percent), healthy futures (18 percent), environmental stewardship (17 percent), and economic 

opportunity (14 percent). Six percent of alumni said their focus area was disaster services and only a few 
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alumni reported veterans and military families as their focus area. Eight percent of alumni overall did not 

identify a focus area (See Figure 9). Some alumni served in more than one focus area.

The proportion of alumni reporting various focus areas varied by program. ASN alumni had the highest 

proportion of education-focused service (75 percent), while VISTA alumni had the lowest proportion (54 

percent). Capacity building (46 percent) and economic opportunity (29 percent) were prevalent focus 

areas for VISTA alumni, while environmental stewardship (81 percent) and disaster services (74 percent) 

were the dominant focus areas for NCCC alumni. Across service year cohorts, participation in educationfocused activities rose from 65 percent for the 10-year cohort to 76 percent for the two-year cohort. 

Similarly, participation in capacity building activities rose from 12 percent for the 10-year cohort to 21 

percent for the two-year cohort. Alumni serving in healthy futures activities decreased slightly over time. 

Among alumni that were 10 years post-service, 23 percent served in healthy futures activities, and this

number decreased to 17 percent in the two-year alumni group. The percent of alumni serving in areas 

they identified as economic opportunity, disaster services, veterans, and environmental stewardship 

changed very little across the service year cohorts.

Figure 8: Focus Areas

Quality of Service Experience

The survey asked alumni about their satisfaction with their service experience using a five-point scale,

providing response options of very satisfied, satisfied, neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, dissatisfied, and

very dissatisfied. Eighty-seven percent of alumni reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied 

overall with their service experience. NCCC alumni more often reported being satisfied or very satisfied 

(93 percent), followed by ASN (88 percent), and then VISTA alumni (81 percent). Alumni in the 10-year 

post-service cohort more often reported being satisfied (90 percent), compared to 85 percent of alumni in 

the five-year cohort and 86 percent of alumni in the two-year cohort (See Figure 10).

71%

18% 18% 17% 14% 8% 6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

All Alumni

Education

Healthy Futures

Capacity Building

Environmental Stewardship

Economic Opportunity

Not sure/Does not apply

Disaster Services
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Figure 9: Percent of Alumni Satisfied or Very Satisfied with Service Experience

In addition, alumni provided brief written comments explaining their responses. These 1,165 responses 

were coded and are presented here unweighted. Eighty percent of open-ended responses (n= 938) were 

associated with positive (very satisfied or satisfied) responses to the closed-ended item. The most 

common response (n=327) was that the AmeriCorps service experience had a positive impact on the 

alumnus’ life, even after the term of service ended. Many others responded that the service experience 

was rewarding or encouraging (n=175), that they enjoyed it (n=92), or that they had a positive 

professional experience and/or guidance toward a profession.

There were 120 open-ended response provided by alumni selecting the “Neither Agree nor Disagree” 

option. Among these responses were 36 alumni who felt their work had no impact or that they were 

underutilized (n=36), and 23 who felt that they had a lack of support from the program (n=23). The 

remaining 37 diverse responses were grouped together in an "other" category.

There were 107 written responses from alumni who reported dissatisfaction with their AmeriCorps 

experience. Within this group, 39 individuals felt their work had no impact or that they were 

underutilized. Twenty-four respondents reported a lack of support from the program, and 23 said they 

lost faith in the program.

When asked about recommending AmeriCorps to a good friend or family member, 89 percent of alumni 

said they would recommend or strongly recommend AmeriCorps (see Figure 11), with more than half (54 

percent) strongly recommending AmeriCorps. Alumni who were 10 years post-service had the highest 

percentage of alumni who would strongly recommend AmeriCorps, with 95 percent recommending or 

strongly recommending AmeriCorps compared to 87 percent for two-year and five-year alumni. NCCC 

and ASN alumni would most often recommend AmeriCorps, with 93 and 91 percent of alumni 

recommending AmeriCorps. Among NCCC alumni, 72 percent would strongly recommend AmeriCorps,

as would 56 percent of ASN alumni. Among VISTA alumni, 81 percent would recommend AmeriCorps, 

with 44 percent recommending it strongly.

60%

53%

48%

43%

69%

54%

52%

30%

33%

38%

38%

24%

34%

34%

10%

14%

14%

20%

7%

12%

13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Very Satisfied Satisfied Neither or Disagree
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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Figure 10: Would Recommend AmeriCorps to a Friend or Family Member Interested in Joining

Alumni responding to the survey were asked to agree or disagree with a series of statements about their 

service experience, covering the alumni’s service in communities, the effect of service on themselves, and 

an item on the extent to which they got along with their supervisor and teammates.

In terms of their service activities, the vast majority of alumni tended to agree or strongly agree with 

positive statements about their service, and disagree with negatively framed statements. For example, 92 

percent of alumni agreed or strongly agreed that they made a contribution to the community where they 

served and 90 percent agreed or strongly agreed that they made a difference in the life of at least one 

person. However, only 15 percent of alumni agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that the 

majority of their work did not make a difference in the community and 18 percent agreed or strongly 

agreed that they spent a lot of time doing meaningless “make work” tasks.

When reflecting on the communities where they served, alumni overwhelmingly agreed or strongly 

agreed (94 percent), that, through their AmeriCorps service, they gained an understanding of the 

community and 82 percent agreed or strongly agreed they felt part of the community where they served. 

In examining the challenges faced by communities, 84 percent agreed or strongly agreed they gained an 

understanding of the challenges faced by the communities where they served, while only 17 percent 

agreed or strongly agreed they felt overwhelmed by the scope of the problems they worked on.

Responding to statements about how AmeriCorps broadened their horizons, 87 percent of alumni agreed

or strongly agreed that AmeriCorps service exposed them to new ideas and ways of seeing the world. 

Alumni also largely agreed or strongly agreed that that they learned more about the “real” world or “the 

rest” of the world (78 percent), and re-examined their beliefs and attitudes about other people (66 

percent). Two-thirds of alumni (66 percent) agreed or strongly agreed that through AmeriCorps service, 

they did things they never thought they could do.

In terms of their personal development, 75 percent of alumni agreed or strongly agreed that they reexamined their beliefs and attitudes about themselves. Sixty-four percent of alumni indicated that 

61%

51%

53%

44%

72%

56%

54%

34%

36%

34%

37%

21%

35%

35%

5%

13%

13%

19%

7%

9%

11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Strongly recommend it

Recommend it

Have second thoughts about recommending it or Advise against it
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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AmeriCorps service helped them figure out their next steps in terms of their career/professional goals, 

and 56 percent of alumni indicated that service helped them figure out next steps in their educational 

goals. Most alumni disagreed or strongly disagreed that they had had issues getting along well with their 

supervisor and/or teammates, though 13 percent agreed or strongly agreed.

In general, the service program and alumni year cohorts mirrored the patterns above. Among the 

exceptions were that VISTA alumni less often agreed or strongly agreed to statements about the 

contribution of their service to the community, with 82 percent agreeing or strongly agreeing compared 

to 95 percent overall. NCCC alumni agreed or strongly agreed more often than other groups that service 

had broadened their horizons or caused them to examine their beliefs (74 percent versus 63 percent 

overall). They also less often agreed or strongly agreed that they felt that they were defeated by the scope 

of the problems they worked on or that the majority of their work did not make a difference (7 percent vs 

17 percent overall). ASN alumni more often said AmeriCorps helped them figure out their next steps in 

terms of education (57 percent versus 49 percent for NCCC and VISTA). They also less often agreed or 

strongly agreed that they spent a lot of time doing “make work” tasks compared to NCCC and VISTA 

alumni (16 percent for ASN versus 23 percent for NCCC and 24 percent for VISTA). There were few 

differences among the service year cohorts. Alumni 10 years post-service less often agreed or strongly 

agreed with negative statements about being defeated by problems (10 percent versus 17 percent overall),

doing “make work” (14 percent versus 18 percent overall), their work not making a difference (9 percent 

versus 15 percent overall), or not getting along with supervisors and teammates (8 percent versus 13 

percent overall).

The 16 individual items in this question were also analyzed as two scales. The Positive Service Experience 

scale included items related to the participants’ positive experiences or growth (e.g., “I examined my 

beliefs and attitudes about myself” or “I was exposed to new ideas and ways of seeing the world.”). The 

Negative Service Experience scale included items that were typically phrased negatively, related to 

negative experiences or interactions with others during service (e.g., “I did not get along well with my 

supervisor and/or my teammates” or “I felt defeated by the scope of the problems I worked on”). On 

average, 78 percent of alumni agreed or strongly agreed with the positive service statements, while only 

16 percent agreed or strongly agreed with the negative statements. Agreement with negative statements 

decreased over time from 18 percent for the alumni two years post-service to eight percent from alumni 

10 years post-service (See Figure 12).
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Figure 11: Average Percent Agreeing or Strongly Agreeing with Positive Service Experiences

Figure 12: Average Percent Agreeing or Strongly Agreeing with Negative Service Experiences

43%

37%

41%

33%

47%

42%

40%

36%

39%

37%

40%

35%

37%

38%

21%

24%

22%

27%

18%

21%

22%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral or Disagree

4%

7%

5%

8%

4%

5%

6%

6%

10%

13%

10%

9%

10%

10%

90%

83%

82%

82%

87%

85%

84%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral or Disagree
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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Chapter 4: Alumni Outcomes

One component of the AmeriCorps service experience is developing member skills through community 

service. Members gain skills and develop character in areas that will serve them on the job and in their 

personal lives. This chapter documents alumni outcomes in each of the four outcome areas, careeroriented soft skills, career pathways, sense of community, and civic engagement. For each outcome area,

alumni respondents provided answers to questions measuring different components of the outcome. The 

scales, indices, and individual items for each outcome area are listed below and described in further 

detail in the study results chapter. The exact wording of each item and the associated response options 

for the underlying variables can be found in the full raw and weighted frequency tables in Appendices B

and C.

Career-oriented soft skills:

 A Cultural Competency scale, with four items related to abilities and enjoyment of interacting 

with people different from themselves. (α= .85 pre and .83 post)

 A Self-efficacy scale, with 10 items related to abilities to solve problems and deal with challenges. 

(α=.90)

 Two factors addressing Career-specific skills scale. (α=.89) The first factor contains five items 

related to managing one’s own work, while the second factor contains eight items related to 

interacting with others to solve problems.

 A Career-relevant Skills scale, with 14 items addressing perceptions of the effect of AmeriCorps 

on their career-relevant soft skills. (α=.96)

Career pathways:

 A Career Pathways scale that contains five items related to the extent to which AmeriCorps was a 

personally and professionally defining experience. (α=.90)

 An item asking how AmeriCorps service fit into the alumnus’ career pathway.

 An item asking what the alumnus had done in the six months immediately following 

AmeriCorps.

 An item asking whether the alumnus obtained a job directly related to their AmeriCorps service 

in the six months after their service ended.

 An item asking about the alumnus’ current career activities.

Sense of community:

 An item related to trust in community members.

 Three items asking about confidence in corporations, the media, and public schools, respectively.

 A Sense of Community scale that contains four items asking about attachment to the community, 

awareness of needs, and importance of engagement in the community. (α=.80)

Civic engagement:

 A scale measuring Civic Participation in the last 12 months containing four items. (α=.68)

 A scale measuring Political and Community Engagement in the last 12 months containing four 

items. (α=.71)

 An AmeriCorps Effect on Civic Participation scale containing six items related to participation in 

community organizations, voting, volunteering, and charitable giving. (α=.90)

 A Civic Self-efficacy scale containing eight items related to the ability to address community 

problems and organize others to help address problems. (α=.91)

 A Voting Behavior index including items on voting registration and behavior.

 An individual item measuring boycotting behavior.
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Regression analysis examined the effects of alumni’s service experiences and their characteristics on the 

outcome measures listed above. Logistic regression was used for outcomes with dichotomous response 

variables (e.g., yes/no) and Ordinary Least Squares regression was used for ordinal responses (e.g.,

strongly agree to strongly disagree).

The models include all of the predictor variables associated with the survey’s research questions. The 

same set of predictor variables is used for each outcome to make comparisons easier. To compensate for 

having multiple comparisons, results are only reported if they were significant at the p<.01 level. To 

account for including all the predictor and control variables, we report the regression’s Adjusted Rsquared. The adjusted R-squared modifies R-squared (the usual measure of the variance explained by a 

regression) by accounting for the number of predictors in the model. Additional insignificant variables in 

the model do not boost the adjusted R-squared, but can boost R-squared. The full regression results are 

presented in Appendix C.

The characteristics controlled for and/or used to predict outcomes in the regression were described in 

Chapter 3. The exception was the pre-service self-perceptions of skills in the outcome areas, which are 

presented in this chapter. The alumni control and predictor variables are grouped as follows:

Demographic/service factors

 Gender

 Race

 Education

Life stage

 Alumnus age in 2015

 Activity prior to service – was the alumnus in school, working, engaged in another form of 

service, or engaged in some other activity prior to first term of service

 Caregiver status – was the alumnus a parent/caregiver during service, or did the alumnus 

become a parent/caregiver after service

Pre-service self-perception on outcome scales

 Score on pre-service cultural competency scale

 Score on pre-service self-efficacy scale

 Score on pre-service sense of community scale

Service descriptors

 Completion – had the alumnus completed their last term of service

 Term type – whether the alumnus served full-time, part-time, quarter-time or reduced time 

during the last term of service

 Award use – had the alumnus use the education award in any amount

 Email update – had the alumnus updated their email address at any point after service

 Sampling stratum – in what program and service year cohort did the alumnus serve (e.g., VISTA 

from 10 years ago)

 Dosage – had the alumnus served a single term or multiple terms with the same program, or 

multiple terms with different programs

 Service Focus – whether Education, Healthy Futures, Disaster Services, Veterans and Military 

Families, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Opportunity, Capacity Building was a main 

focus of the alumnus’ service, or whether their service focus was unclear or not applicable
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Service experience

 Score on an item related to overall satisfaction with service

 Score on a Positive Service Experience scale

 Score on a Negative Service Experience scale

Outcomes for Career-oriented Soft Skills

AmeriCorps members build their own skills while performing service. The survey asked alumni about 

their career-oriented soft skills, including skills related to cultural competency, self-efficacy, and basic 

career-specific workplace skills before and after AmeriCorps. The survey also asked alumni to reflect on 

the extent to which AmeriCorps helped them build these skills. Overall, alumni reported that they have 

strong career-oriented soft skills and that AmeriCorps helped build these skills.

Cultural Competency

The alumni survey included items asking respondents to assess their cultural competency in the areas of 

exploring differences with coworkers and/or friends from different cultures or backgrounds, interacting 

with people from different cultures and backgrounds, respecting the values of people from different 

cultures and backgrounds, and their confidence when interacting with people from different cultures and 

backgrounds. Alumni responded using a five-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. 

Alumni responded to each statement twice, once to identify their level of agreement before AmeriCorps 

and a second time to express their present rating. Figure 13 summarizes alumni responses to the survey 

items addressing cultural competency.

Overall, alumni reported that they enjoyed working and interacting with others who were different from 

themselves and that they were more comfortable now with diversity than they were prior to AmeriCorps 

service. Alumni assessed their current skills as higher in all four areas. The largest gain in cultural 

competence (a 19 percentage point increase) was in confidence interacting with people from different 

cultures and backgrounds. There were more modest gains on items related to enjoyment of exploring 

differences (up 11 percentage points), enjoyment of interacting with different people (up 9 percentage 

points), and respecting the values of different people (up 5 percentage points).

Among rating categories, the biggest change was the proportion saying they strongly agreed with a given 

statement. For three of the four statements, the proportion of respondents saying they strongly agreed 

increased substantially. The highest gain was in the proportion of alumni strongly agreeing that they 

were confident interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds, which nearly doubled, 

moving from 29 percent to 56 percent. Similarly, the proportion of alumni saying they strongly agreed 

with the statement about respecting others’ values increased from 52 percent to 73 percent. The exception 

was the statement about exploring differences with coworkers and/or friends, which showed a larger 

gain in those agreeing than in those strongly agreeing. Alumni perceptions of their cultural competency 

did not vary substantially by program or year.

The regression results showed significant relationships between the current cultural competency scale 

and the quality of alumni’s service experience. Independent of their initial cultural competency, a more 

positive AmeriCorps service experience predicted alumni’s greater current cultural competency now. In 

addition, alumni who reported greater pre-service cultural competency also reported increases in cultural 

competency. The regression analysis showed no significant relationships between the demographic and 

life stage variables and alumni’s current cultural competency ratings. There were no differences across 

the programs and years. The variables in the regression model explained 46 percent of the variance in 

cultural competency scores.
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Figure 13: Alumni Cultural Competency

Self-efficacy

The alumni survey contained items asking respondents to assess several components of self-efficacy. The 

item included ten statements about alumni’s confidence in their ability to manage difficulties, for 

example, by sticking to their aims, handling unforeseen situations, and remaining calm when facing 

difficulties. Alumni responded to each statement twice using a five-point scale from strongly disagree to 

strongly agree to identify the degree to which they agreed that each statement reflected their skill level 

before AmeriCorps as well as currently. Figure 14 summarizes alumni responses to the survey items

addressing self-efficacy.

Alumni reported that they were capable of solving problems and dealing with challenges, and that they 

felt more capable in these areas now than they did prior to their AmeriCorps service. Alumni averaged 73 

percent agreeing or strongly agreeing that they had these skills before serving with AmeriCorps, 

compared to 89 percent now, a gain of 16 percentage points. Improvement in self-efficacy did not vary by 

year, but did vary by program. Specifically, ASN and NCCC members indicated gains in self-efficacy. 

NCCC alumni showed the greatest increase (21 percentage points) with 68 percent, on average, agreeing 

or strongly agreeing with pre-service items and 89 percent agreeing or strongly agreeing on post-service

items. VISTA members had the smallest increase (12 percentage points) with 74 percent of VISTA alumni 

agreeing or strongly agreeing to self-efficacy items, on average, for pre-service and 86 percent agreeing to 

items post-service.

In terms of the individual statements, the biggest gains were in alumni agreeing or strongly agreeing that 

they had confidence dealing with unexpected events, which rose from 72 percent to 96 percent, and 

agreeing or strongly agreeing that they could handle unforeseen situations, which rose from 70 to 94

percent (an increase of 24 percentage points in both instances). Other notable gains occurred in remaining 

calm in the face of problems, which rose from 71 percent to 92 percent (an increase of 21 percentage 

56%

29%

73%

52%

67%

47%

60%

41%

37%

45%

26%

42%

30%

42%

36%

44%

7%

26%

1%

6%

3%

11%

4%

15%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

I am confident interacting with diversity (Now)

I am confident interacting with diversity (Before)

I respect others' values (Now)

I respect others' values (Before)

I enjoy interacting with different people (Now)

I enjoy interacting with different people (Before)

I enjoy exploring differences with others (Now)

I enjoy exploring differences with others (Before)

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral or Disagree
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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points), and in overcoming opposition from someone else, up 17 percentage points from 42 to 59 percent.

Regression analysis found that alumni’s current self-efficacy was significantly related to multiple 

demographic and service factors. Older alumni had slightly lower self-efficacy scores. One interpretation 

may be that younger alumni overestimate their skills and as they grower older and have the benefit of 

experience, alumni may rate themselves more realistically. Alumni who were parents or caregivers 

during service had higher self-efficacy scores than non-parents. Serving in the areas of education or 

capacity building also predicted higher scores. A positive AmeriCorps service experience predicted 

higher current self-efficacy. Alumni who had higher self-efficacy prior to service exhibited higher levels 

of current self-efficacy. Also, alumni who were unemployed prior to joining AmeriCorps experienced 

relatively greater gains in self-efficacy. The variables in the regression model explained 40 percent of the 

variance in current self-efficacy scores.

Figure 14: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Agreement with Self-efficacy Items

Career-specific Skills

The survey asked alumni to rate themselves on 14 career-specific soft skills. Eight of these skills 

addressed interacting with others, such as verbal communication, adapting to new situations, responding 

to unexpected challenges, interacting with people different from oneself, leading teams, facilitating 

groups, recruiting and managing volunteers, and managing events. Five skills related to managing one’s 

work including written communication, professional conduct, working independently, meeting 

deadlines, and prioritizing tasks. One skill, assessing problems and finding solutions, was dropped from 

41%

18%

40%

19%

42%

20%

38%

20%

45%

14%

42%

19%

41%

19%

49%

53%

48%

54%

47%

54%

48%

53%

44%

54%

48%

54%

48%

54%

10%

29%

11%

27%

10%

25%

14%

26%

11%

32%

10%

27%

11%

27%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004 (Now)

2004 (Before)

2009 (Now)

2009 (Before)

2012 (Now)

2012 (Before)

VISTA (Now)

VISTA (Before)

NCCC (Now)

NCCC (Before)

ASN (Now)

ASN (Before)

Overall (Now)

Overall (Before)

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral or Disagree
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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the self-management scale because it overlapped with the other skills. As a result, it is omitted from the 

discussion here. For each of the skills, alumni rated their current competencies as Excellent, Good, 

Average, and Poor. Figures 15 and 16 below show the average percent of alumni rating themselves good 

or excellent for the two major skill sets, overall and by program.

In terms of interacting with others, 85 percent of alumni rated their skills as good or excellent. Although 

alumni’s perceptions of their career skills were generally very high, one item, the ability to recruit and 

manage volunteers, was somewhat lower than the rest. An average of 62 percent of respondents rated

their skills in this area as good or excellent, compared to the average of 85 percent of respondents who 

rated their skills as good or excellent across all items. VISTA alumni rated themselves higher (71 percent) 

than ASN or NCCC alumni (60 and 64 percent, respectively) on managing volunteers. Average ratings for 

other skills were similar across both programs and years.

Alumni rated themselves highly on their self-management skills, with 96 percent of alumni overall rating

themselves as good or excellent on these five skills. The ratings were similar across all five items and 

average ratings were consistent across both programs and years. Alumni differed in the proportions 

saying that their skills were excellent. Higher proportions of alumni said they were excellent at being 

professional and working independently, 72 percent and 73 percent, respectively, compared to 65 percent 

who rated their written communication skills as excellent. Ratings were more modest for managing 

multiple tasks and meeting deadlines, with 59 percent and 56 percent, respectively, rating their mastery 

of these skills as excellent.

Regression analysis showed that respondents with more positive service experiences scored higher on 

current skills related to interacting with others and managing themselves. Individuals who rated 

themselves higher on pre-service cultural competency also scored higher on items related to selfmanagement and interacting with others. The regression models explained 30 percent of the variance in 

skills related to self-management, and 20 percent of the variance in skills related to interacting with 

others.

Figure 15: Career-specific Skills: Interacting with Others

52%

42%

44%

47%

49%

45%

45%

36%

43%

40%

40%

38%

40%

40%

12%

15%

16%

13%

13%

15%

15%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Excellent Good Average or Poor
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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Figure 16: Career-specific Skills: Self-Management

AmeriCorps Helpfulness in Building Skills

The survey asked alumni to indicate the degree to which their AmeriCorps experience helped to increase 

the career-orientated soft skills discussed in the section above. Alumni selected from four options: 

AmeriCorps helped A great deal, Somewhat, Very little, or Not at all.

Overall, alumni reported that AmeriCorps was helpful in building their career-relevant soft skills, 

including those related to interacting with others and managing their own work. Overall, 85 percent of 

alumni reported that their AmeriCorps service helped them improve either a great deal or somewhat on 

items related to skills interacting with others, such as leading teams and meetings, and recruiting and 

managing volunteers. Ninety-five percent of alumni reported that AmeriCorps service helped them 

improve a great deal or somewhat on skills related to managing their own work, such as working 

independently, meeting priorities, and setting deadlines. Figure 17 below shows the average percent 

agreeing for each major component of the scale, overall and by program. Average agreement for each 

skill set was very similar across cohort years and programs.

While the contribution of AmeriCorps to building career-relevant soft skills was still substantial, alumni 

rated the contribution to improving their skills in writing and in recruiting and managing volunteers 

lower than other skills. Three-fifths (62 percent) of alumni said AmeriCorps service was a great deal or 

somewhat helpful to them in communicating in writing, with 54 percent of NCCC and 61 percent of ASN 

alumni saying service was a great deal or somewhat helpful in building this skill. In terms of recruiting 

and managing volunteers, 63 percent of ASN alumni indicated service was a great deal or somewhat 

helpful, while 73 percent of VISTA and 75 percent of NCCC alumni found service a great deal or 

somewhat helpful in building this skill. Alumni also said AmeriCorps was a great deal or somewhat 

helpful in improving other skills, such as adapting to new situations (86 percent), interacting with people 

different from oneself (86 percent), responding to unexpected challenges (84 percent), communicating 

verbally (82 percent), assessing problems and finding solutions (79 percent), conducting oneself in a 

professional manner (77 percent), working independently (77 percent), setting priorities for multiple tasks 

(76 percent), facilitating groups (76 percent), meeting deadlines (71 percent), leading teams (71 percent), 

66%

67%

63%

66%

66%

65%

65%

30%

29%

31%

30%

29%

30%

30%

4%

4%

6%

4%

5%

5%

5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Excellent Good Average or Poor
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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and planning, coordinating, and managing events (70 percent).

Regression analysis showed that respondents with more positive service experience also found 

AmeriCorps more helpful in building career-specific skills to interact with others and manage themselves 

and their work. The regression models explained 55 percent of the variance in alumni responses.

Figure 17: AmeriCorps Helped Build Career-specific Skills

In summary, AmeriCorps alumni reported that they have high levels of career-oriented soft skills, and 

that AmeriCorps was helpful in building these skills. Further, when differences in all available 

demographic, life stage, service experience, and focus area characteristics are held constant, alumni who 

had more positive service experiences report having and gaining more career-oriented soft skills.

Outcomes for Career Pathways

AmeriCorps service can influence members’ educational, professional, and personal goals. To measure 

this, the survey directly asked alumni about AmeriCorps’ influence on their educational, professional, 

and personal goals. The survey also asked how AmeriCorps service fit with alumni’s subsequent career 

57%

66%

52%

51%

67%

42%

51%

63%

44%

54%

66%

47%

55%

66%

49%

52%

65%

45%

53%

65%

45%

34%

30%

36%

38%

29%

43%

38%

31%

40%

37%

30%

40%

35%

29%

38%

37%

30%

40%

37%

30%

40%

9%

4%

12%

11%

4%

15%

11%

6%

16%

9%

4%

13%

10%

5%

13%

11%

5%

15%

10%

5%

15%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004 All Items

2004 Managing Self and Work

2004 Interacting with Others

2009 All Items

2009 Managing Self and Work

2009 Interacting with Others

2012 All Items

2012 Managing Self and Work

2012 Interacting with Others

VISTA All Items

VISTA Managing Self and Work

VISTA Interacting with Others

NCCC All Items

NCCC Managing Self and Work

NCCC Interacting with Others

ASN All Items

ASN Managing Self and Work

ASN Interacting with Others

Overall All Items

Overall Managing Self and Work

Overall Interacting with Others

A great deal Somewhat Very little or not at all
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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path, whether they stayed in the community where they served after AmeriCorps, their use of the 

education award, and activities after AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps as a Worthwhile and Defining Experience for Furthering Career-related Goals

The alumni survey included three questions asking about the value of AmeriCorps in furthering careerrelated goals. The first question had three parts. It asked respondents to assess whether participating in 

AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in terms of furthering three types of goals and endeavors:

educational, professional, and personal. The second question asked respondents if participating in 

AmeriCorps was a defining personal experience. The third question asked if participating in AmeriCorps 

was a defining professional experience. Alumni responded to each question or sub-question using a fivepoint scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Figure 18 summarizes alumni responses to the 

question addressing AmeriCorps as a worthwhile experience for furthering educational, professional,

and personal goals and endeavors.

Figure 18: Average Percent Agreeing or Strongly Agreeing with AmeriCorps as a Worthwhile 

Experience in Furthering Goals and Endeavors

62%

56%

47%

53%

46%

39%

53%

51%

43%

48%

48%

34%

68%

51%

43%

57%

52%

45%

55%

51%

43%

31%

27%

29%

32%

28%

27%

33%

31%

27%

33%

28%

27%

26%

33%

30%

32%

29%

27%

32%

29%

27%

7%

17%

24%

15%

26%

34%

14%

18%

30%

19%

24%

39%

6%

16%

27%

11%

19%

28%

13%

20%

30%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004 Personal Goals

2004 Professional Goals

2004 Educational Goals

2009 Personal Goals

2009 Professional Goals

2009 Educational Goals

2012 Personal Goals

2012 Professional Goals

2012 Educational Goals

VISTA Personal Goals

VISTA Professional Goals

VISTA Educational Goals

NCCC Personal Goals

NCCC Professional Goals

NCCC Educational Goals

ASN Personal Goals

ASN Professional Goals

ASN Educational Goals

Overall Personal Goals

Overall Professional Goals

Overall Educational Goals

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral or Disagree
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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A large majority of alumni agreed or strongly agreed that AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in 

terms of furthering their personal goals (87 percent), professional goals (80 percent), and educational 

goals (70 percent). While a majority of VISTA alumni agreed or strongly agreed that AmeriCorps was a 

worthwhile experience in furthering their goals, relatively fewer VISTA alumni gave positive responses:

81 percent were in agreement that AmeriCorps furthered their personal goals, 76 percent agreed with 

regards to professional goals, and 61 percent agreed regarding educational goals.

A large majority of alumni (86 percent) agreed or strongly agreed that AmeriCorps was a defining 

personal experience, with more NCCC alumni (93 percent) in agreement and fewer VISTA alumni (79 

percent) in agreement. 

1,035 responded to a follow-up question asking them to explain why AmeriCorps was a defining 

personal experience (See Figure 19). Among alumni who agreed or strongly agreed that AmeriCorps was 

a defining personal experience (n=875), the most common response (n=128) was that AmeriCorps service 

made them want to help and/or connect with others. This was followed very closely by alumni stating 

that AmeriCorps helped to define their values (n=126). Other frequent responses included AmeriCorps 

changed members' views of the community, country, and/or world (n=122); AmeriCorps represented a 

big change in their lives (n=122); and AmeriCorps changed their views on life, experiences, and/or 

privileges (n=101). Many respondents (n=94) also noted that AmeriCorps helped to define their 

professional goals, suggesting that respondents did not always make a clear distinction between personal 

and professional goals.

80 alumni who neither agreed nor disagreed that AmeriCorps was a defining personal experience,

responded to the same open-ended question. The most common response in this group was that 

AmeriCorps did not represent a significant change for them (n=20). An additional 15 respondents said 

that they changed more from other experiences than from AmeriCorps.

Another 80 alumni who disagreed or strongly disagreed that AmeriCorps was a defining personal 

experience responded to the same open-ended question. Within this group, 24 individuals stated that 

AmeriCorps made them more negative or closed off. An additional 20 said that AmeriCorps did not 

represent a significant change for them.

A majority of all alumni (79 percent) agreed that AmeriCorps was a defining professional experience that 

either confirmed their professional goals or resulted in a change or shift in their professional goals. There 

was little variation across programs and year cohorts. Alumni were encouraged to provide an 

explanation and 1,053 did so. The most common response among the 895 alumni who agreed or strongly 

agreed, was that AmeriCorps service made them want to help and/or connect with others (n=129). This 

was followed very closely by alumni stating that AmeriCorps helped to define their values (n=127). Other 

common responses included that AmeriCorps represented a big change in members' lives (n=122); 

AmeriCorps changed their views of the community, country, and/or world (n=115); and AmeriCorps 

changed their views on life, experiences, and/or privileges (n=108).

83 alumni who neither agreed nor disagreed that AmeriCorps was a defining professional experience 

responded to the same open-ended question. The most common response in this group was that 

AmeriCorps did not represent a significant change for them (n=19). An additional 16 respondents said 

that they changed more from other experiences than from AmeriCorps.

75 alumni who disagreed or strongly disagreed that AmeriCorps was a defining professional experience 

responded to the same open-ended question. Within this group, 24 individuals stated that AmeriCorps 
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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made them more negative or closed off. An additional 23 said that AmeriCorps did not represent a 

significant change for them.

Figure 19: Average Percent Agreeing or Strongly Agreeing with AmeriCorps as a Defining Personal 

and Professional Experience

The three questions asking about the value of AmeriCorps in furthering career-related goals were 

combined into a single scale for regression analysis. When all other predictor variables are held constant, 

being a member of the ASN and VISTA alumni cohorts from five years ago predicted AmeriCorps being 

less influential in furthering career-related goals. A more positive AmeriCorps service experience 

predicted AmeriCorps being more influential in furthering alumni’s career-related goals. In addition, 

overall satisfaction with AmeriCorps predicted a stronger belief in the value of AmeriCorps in furthering 

career-related goals. The predictor variables used in the regression accounted for 65 percent of the 

variance.

Fit with Career Pathway

The survey included one question asking alumni how AmeriCorps service fit into their career path. 

Alumni could select one of four response options (See Figure 20). The first response option indicated that 

AmeriCorps service fit with the career path they were already pursuing. The other three response options 

indicated that alumni’s career path took a different direction, either into work in a service-related field, 

into non-service work, or into non-service work followed by a return to service work.

46%

54%

39%

50%

48%

58%

40%

40%

40%

70%

46%

57%

45%

54%

35%

35%

35%

33%

33%

28%

35%

39%

38%

23%

34%

30%

34%

32%

19%

11%

26%

17%

19%

14%

25%

21%

22%

7%

20%

13%

21%

14%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004 (Professional)

2004 (Personal)

2009 (Professional)

2009 (Personal)

2012 (Professional)

2012 (Personal)

VISTA (Professional)

VISTA (Personal)

NCCC (Professional)

NCCC (Personal)

ASN (Professional)

ASN (Personal)

Overall (Professional)

Overall (Personal)

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral or Disagree
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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The most common response was that AmeriCorps aligned with the career path alumni were already 

pursuing, which may have been either service-related or not related to service. Thirty-seven percent said 

they pursued careers in service, either initially (34 percent) or after pursuing a career path not related to 

service (3 percent). Only 20 percent of alumni reported that their career path took them into work not 

related to service. NCCC alumni least often pursued a career path related to service, with 29 percent 

reporting they went into non-service work.

When all other predictor variables are held constant, the regression results show that AmeriCorps service 

was more likely to align with the existing career pathways of ASN alumni from five years ago and 

alumni with higher overall satisfaction with their AmeriCorps service. AmeriCorps service was less likely 

to align with the existing career path of VISTA alumni from five years ago, and alumni who had a more 

positive service experience were slightly less likely to have said that service aligned with their career. The 

regression predicted about 19 percent of the variance in how AmeriCorps service fits into alumni career 

pathways.

Figure 20: Career Path

Staying in the Community

The survey asked alumni whether they stayed in the community in which they had served following 

their service (See Figure 21). Overall, 43 percent of alumni stayed in the community where they served 

after AmeriCorps. This was about evenly split between those who had come from a different community 

(23 percent) and those who were already from that community (20 percent). The remaining 57 percent did 

not stay in the community after completing service. Most of these (40 percent) moved to a new 

community, while the remainder (17 percent) returned to their previous community. NCCC alumni more 

often said they returned home (48 percent) or moved to a new community (42 percent).

When all other predictor variables are held constant, the regression results for this question show that 

alumni who were working in the public or nonprofit sector prior to serving with AmeriCorps were more 

36%

39%

49%

39%

28%

44%

43%

44%

39%

33%

39%

43%

37%

37%

20%

22%

18%

22%

29%

19%

20%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Aligned with career path Different service-related path Different non-service path
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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likely to stay in the communities in which they had served. The regression predicted about 20 percent of 

the variance in whether the alumni stayed in the community in which they served.

Figure 21: Staying in the Community

Education Award Use

The survey asked alumni how they had used their education award. Overall, alumni typically used their 

education award to repay student loans (48 percent) or attend graduate school (25 percent). NCCC 

members more often used their award to attend college (34 percent versus 14 percent for ASN and 10 

percent for VISTA). VISTA alumni more often opted for a post-service stipend in lieu of an education 

award (15 percent versus less than 5 percent for ASN and NCCC). More recent alumni used their awards 

less often (14 percent versus 7 percent overall). More recent alumni more frequently used their award to 

repay student loans (55 percent for two-year alumni versus 39 percent for five-year alumni and 46 

percent for 10-year alumni).

When all other predictors, including CNCS records of whether the education award was used, were held 

constant, regression analysis showed that alumni who did not have a four-year degree prior to service 

were more likely to use their award to pay for school. Alumni were also more likely to use their 

education award to pay for school if they reported having had a more positive service experience. 

Alumni who reported an unclear or unknown focus area for their AmeriCorps service or who were part 

of the ASN two-year cohort were less likely to use their education award to pay for school. Regression 

analysis predicted about 40 percent of the variance in using one’s education award to pay for school.

Regression analysis also showed that alumni with less than a four-year degree prior to service and 

members of the ASN two-year cohort were less likely to use their education award to pay off loans or 

transfer the award to another family member. Regression analysis predicted about 39 percent of the 

variance in using one’s education award to pay off loans or transfer to another family member.

Alumni with higher overall satisfaction with AmeriCorps, who reported a positive service experience, or 

24%

23%

22%

24%

9%

23%

23%

18%

25%

18%

25%

1%

20%

20%

17%

13%

21%

13%

48%

17%

17%

41%

39%

39%

38%

42%

40%

40%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Yes (not originally from community) Yes (originally from community)

No (moved to previous community) No (moved to new community)
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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who served in the education focus area were more likely to have used their education award. Regression 

analysis predicted about 62 percent of the variance in reported award use.

Alumni Post-service Career Pathways

Alumni were asked what they did in the six months after their AmeriCorps service and what they are 

doing currently.

For the question asking about what they did in the six months after service, alumni could select one or 

more responses from 13 non-mutually exclusive choices. The most common response was that alumni 

found work in the nonprofit or social service sector (31 percent), followed by working in the private 

sector (21 percent), attending graduate school (19 percent), and working in the public or government 

sector (14 percent). Nine percent were unemployed during the first six months after their service. NCCC 

alumni more often got jobs in the private sector (30 percent versus 20 percent for ASN and 22 percent for 

VISTA). VISTA alumni more frequently found work in the nonprofit or social service sector (43 percent 

versus 29 percent for ASN and 27 percent for NCCC). NCCC alumni more often went to college (29 

percent versus 12 percent for ASN and 8 percent for VISTA). Respondents who chose other (n=143) more 

frequently reported that they worked (n=82), in most cases without specifying the type of industry and 

whether it was full-time work.

When asked what they were currently doing, the most common response was that they were working in 

the nonprofit sector (33 percent), followed by working in the public or government sector (25 percent), 

working in the private sector (22 percent), and attending college or graduate school (14 percent). Eleven 

percent said they were looking for work. VISTA alumni more often worked in the nonprofit sector (39 

percent versus 32 percent for ASN and 27 percent for NCCC). Alumni who served two years ago were 

most likely to be working in the nonprofit sector (40 percent versus 27 percent for five-year alumni and 28 

percent for 10-year alumni). Respondents who chose other (n=101) more often reported that they worked 

(n=57), in most cases without specifying the type of industry and whether it was full-time work.

Figure 22: Alumni Career Pathways over Time

6%

5%

18%

8%

6%

56%

7%

5%

15%

22%

6%

46%

4%

6%

12%

57%

1%

21%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Did not select one of these categories

Unemployed

Working in Private Sector

Continuing Education

Engaged in Service Experience

Working in Public/Nonprofit Sector

Before Service Six Months After Service Now
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

nationalservice.gov 43

Regression was used to determine what members were doing in the six months prior to AmeriCorps, 

what members were doing in the six months after AmeriCorps, and what they are doing now. Table 4

below provides a comparison of the significant predictors of the likelihood of alumni reporting specific 

careers for six months after AmeriCorps, and what they were doing at the time of the survey. The amount 

of variance explained is provided for each regression separately.

The comparison of what members were doing before service, immediately after service, and now 

indicates that alumni career pathways move them, primarily, from completing their education to careers 

in the public or nonprofit sector. Those who have less than a four-year degree at the time of service are 

more likely to continue their education after service. Those who were engaged in service prior to joining 

AmeriCorps and those who served multiple terms of service in different AmeriCorps programs (e.g., a 

term in ASN and a term in VISTA) were much more likely to report currently working in the public or 

nonprofit sector than those who did not.

Although a very small proportion of alumni reported being engaged in a service opportunity in the six 

months following their AmeriCorps service, those with an environmental or economic opportunity focus 

to their service were more likely to do so. NCCC alumni from the two-year and five-year cohorts were 

more likely to be engaged in service currently, while those who were caregivers or parents during service 

were less likely to be serving now.

Alumni who reported working in the private sector six months before service were three times more 

likely than those not working in the private sector six months before service to be doing so now. Those 

who were unemployed in the six months prior to service, or who came to service with less than a fouryear degree, were more likely to be unemployed in the six months following service.

Table 4: Factors Predicting Alumni Careers

The likelihood of 

alumni reporting: In the six months after service: Now:

Working in the public or 

nonprofit sector

Percent of alumni 

reporting:

Before service= 21%

6 months after= 46%

Now= 56%

Increased for those who:

 Were full time members in their last 

term of service.

17 percent of variance explained

Increased for those who:

 Engaged in a service experience before 

joining AmeriCorps.

 Served multiple terms in different AmeriCorps 

programs.

Decreased for those who:

 Had less than a four-year degree at the time 

of service.

18 percent of variance explained

Being engaged in a 

service opportunity

Percent of alumni 

reporting:

Before service <5%

6 months after= 6%

Now= 6%

Increased for those who:

 Had an environmental service focus.

 Had economic opportunity focus.

37 percent of variance explained

Increased for those who:

 Were NCCC members from 5 years ago.

 Were NCCC alumni from 2 years ago.

 Were in school immediately prior to serving.

 Were older.

Decreased for those who:

 Were parents or caregivers at the time of 

service.

22 percent of variance explained
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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The likelihood of 

alumni reporting: In the six months after service: Now:

Currently continuing

their education

Percent of alumni 

reporting:

Before service= 57%

6 months after= 22%

Now= 8% 

Increased for those who:

 Had less than a four-year degree at the 

time of service.

Decreased for those who:

 Were in service prior to AmeriCorps.

23 percent of variance explained

Increased for those who:

 Were NCCC alumni two years ago.

 Had less than a four-year degree at the time 

of service.

Decreased for those who:

 Were in service experiences prior to 

AmeriCorps.

 Had a disaster services focus as part of their 

service experience.

17 percent of variance explained

Working in the private 

sector

Percent of alumni 

reporting:

Before service= 12%

6 months after= 15%

Now= 18%

Increased for those who:

 Worked in the private sector before 

service.

Decreased for those who:

 Were ASN members from two years 

ago.

20 percent of variance explained.

Increased for those who:

 Worked in the private sector before service.

 Had a healthy futures focus in their service.

Decreased for those who:

 Were parents or caregivers before service.

18 percent of variance explained.

Being unemployed

Percent of alumni 

reporting:

Before service= 6%

6 months after= 5%

Now= 5%

Increased for those who:

 Were unemployed prior to service.

19 percent of variance explained.

Increased for those who:

 Had less than a four-year degree prior to 

service.

 Were ASN members from 10 years ago.

Decreased for those who:

 Had an education service focus.

23 percent of variance explained.

Alumni were asked whether they obtained a job directly related to their AmeriCorps service in the six 

months after their service ended and if they were currently in a job directly related to their service.

27 percent of alumni who got jobs were hired into positions directly connected to the organization or 

agency in which they had served. However, only eight percent of NCCC members did so. Of the alumni 

who responded affirmatively, 125 provided a short explanation. The most frequent response was that the 

alumni went to work at an organization connected with their AmeriCorps service, including in the same 

organization, and sometimes in the same position (n=55). An additional 46 alumni said they went to work 

in a field related to their AmeriCorps service.

When asked about their current job, 15 percent of alumni were working with organizations or 

AmeriCorps programs they worked with during their service. This proportion varied little across 

programs or year cohorts.

Among those with a service-related job, 148 described how their current job involved organizations from 

their service experience. Further, 45 noted that they were working with the same organization or sites 

they served with as AmeriCorps members. Another 30 said their organization had AmeriCorps members 

serving in their organization. A further 29 were working in the same field that pertained to their 

AmeriCorps service, while 25 said the organization they currently work with works with other 
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

nationalservice.gov 45

AmeriCorps programs. The other 20 gave varied responses.

For the six months after service, when all other predictor variables are held constant, the regression 

results show that men were more likely than women to get a job directly related to their service position. 

Alumni who served multiple terms with the same organization were more likely to get a job directly 

related to their service, as were alumni who reported a more positive service experience. Alumni with a 

four-year degree or higher were more likely to get a job with their service organization.

Those whose focus area was education were less likely to become employed in a position directly related 

to their service. Alumni were more likely to be currently employed in a job related to their service if they 

completed their last term of service. The regression explained 28 percent of the variance in whether or not 

alumni obtained a job directly related to their AmeriCorps service in the six months after service.

Outcomes for Sense of Community

AmeriCorps provides members with opportunities to gain awareness and understanding about their 

community, and to develop relationships in communities. The survey asked alumni about their trust in

neighbors, pre-service and post-service attachment to a particular community, sense of obligation 

towards their community, and confidence in institutions (corporations, media, and public schools). 

Overall, alumni reported they had a strong sense of community bolstered by their time in AmeriCorps.

Trust in Neighbors

Alumni were asked about whether they could trust all, most, some, or none of the people in their 

neighborhood, with most alumni responding they could trust “most of the people” (61 percent). Ratings 

on this item were generally consistent across programs. Ratings varied across years, with older alumni 

reporting greater trust in most or all of the people in their neighborhood (74 percent), as compared to 

younger cohorts (66 percent for the two- and five-year cohorts).

Regression analysis found that trust in one’s neighbors was significantly related to multiple demographic 

and service factors. Alumni who identified as white/non-minority reported more trust in their neighbors 

than those who identified as a racial or ethnic minority. Serving in the area of veterans and military 

families predicted greater trust in one’s neighbors. A positive AmeriCorps service experience was also 

predictive of greater trust. The variables in the regression model explained 12 percent of the variance in 

alumni’s trust in their neighbors, indicating that factors beyond one’s AmeriCorps service experience 

may contribute to one’s sense of trust.
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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Figure 24: People Alumni Trust in Their Neighborhoods

Confidence in Corporations, Media, and Public Schools

Alumni were asked how much confidence they had in corporations, the media, and public schools to do 

what is right. In all, 83 percent of respondents indicated that they had some or a great deal of confidence 

in public schools, while about half as many had confidence in the media or corporations (42 and 40

percent, respectively). Confidence in institutions did not vary by program, but did vary by year. Younger 

cohorts reported the lowest confidence ratings, on average, in corporations (39 percent), the media (38 

percent), and public schools (79 percent) as compared to other cohorts. Average ratings on confidence in 

public schools was generally consistent across programs. NCCC alumni reported less confidence in the 

media (35 percent), compared to ASN and VISTA members (43 percent and 42 percent, respectively).

Regression analysis found that confidence in institutions was significantly related to multiple 

demographic, program, and service factors. However, the regressions had very low predictive power. 

Being an NCCC member was predictive of greater trust in corporations, with older NCCC members 

reporting the greatest trust in corporations. Serving in the area of veterans and military families predicted 

greater trust in corporations. In addition, serving multiple terms with multiple programs was predictive 

of greater trust in corporations. A positive AmeriCorps service experience was predictive of greater 

confidence in the media. The variables in the regression model only explained 10 percent of the variance 

in alumni’s confidence in corporations and the media, respectively, and only 16 percent of the variance in 

their confidence in public schools, indicating that factors beyond AmeriCorps service experience may 

contribute to alumni’s overall trust and confidence in institutions.

6%

5%

9%

6%

9%

7%

7%

68%

61%

57%

64%

64%

60%

61%

26%

34%

34%

30%

27%

33%

32%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

All of the people Most of the people Some or none of the people
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

nationalservice.gov 47

Figure 25: Confidence in Institutions11

 

11 Estimates with RSEs greater than 30 percent but no more than 50 percent are published but should be 

used with caution (marked with an ”a”).

19%

2%a

2%a

14%

2%

4%a

17%

2%

16%

2%a

1%a

17%

2%a

3%

17%

1%a

3%a

17%

1%a

2%

65%

45%

40%

73%

43%

38%

62%

37%

37%

69%

40%

37%

65%

33%

40%

66%

42%

38%

66%

41%

38%

16%

53%

58%

13%

55%

58%

21%

63%

61%

15%

58%

62%

18%

65%

57%

17%

57%

59%

17%

58%

60%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004 Public Schools

2004 The Media

2004 Corporations

2009 Public Schools

2009 The Media

2009 Corporations

2012 Public Schools

2012 The Media

2012 Corporations

VISTA Public Schools

VISTA The Media

VISTA Corporations

NCCC Public Schools

NCCC The Media

NCCC Corporations

ASN Public Schools

ASN The Media

ASN Corporations

Overall Public Schools

Overall The Media

Overall Corporations

A great deal of confidence Some confidence Hardly any or no confidence
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

nationalservice.gov 48

Attachment to Community

Overall, alumni reported that they tended to form and maintain strong bonds with their communities. At 

the time of the survey, alumni reported having a greater stake in the community’s welfare than they did 

prior to their AmeriCorps service. Sixty percent agreed or strongly agreed that they had a strong 

attachment to their communities prior to service, compared to 82 percent now, a gain of 22 percentage 

points. Increased attachment to one’s communities did not vary by year, but did vary by program. 

Specifically, NCCC and ASN alumni indicated the greatest gains in attachment to their communities now 

compared to before service. NCCC alumni showed the greatest increase (28 percentage points), with 53 

percent agreeing or strongly agreeing with sense of community items pre-service, and 81 percent 

agreeing or strongly agreeing on post-service sense of community items. VISTA members had smaller 

gains (17 percentage points), with 66 percent of VISTA alumni agreeing or strongly agreeing with sense 

of community items, on average, for pre-service, and 83 percent agreeing or strongly agreeing to sense of 

community items post-service.

In terms of the individual statements, the biggest gains were in alumni agreeing or strongly agreeing that 

they are aware of the important needs in their community, which increased 32 percentage points from 51 

percent to 83 percent, and agreeing or strongly agreeing in having a strong and personal attachment to a 

particular community, which rose from 47 percent to 76 percent (an increase of 29 percentage points). 

Other notable gains occurred in being or planning to become actively involved in issues that positively 

affect the community, which rose from 58 percent to 78 percent, and in feeling a personal obligation to 

contribute in some way to the community (an increase of 20 percentage points in both instances).

Regression analysis found that having a strong attachment to one’s community was significantly related 

to service factors. Having a positive AmeriCorps service experience was predictive of greater attachment 

to one’s community. However, using one’s education award was predictive of a lower sense of 

community. The variables in the regression model explained 45 percent of the variance in alumni’s 

current sense of community scores, indicating that having a positive service experience promoted 

alumni’s current strong bonds and attachment with their community.
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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Figure 26: Average Percent Agreeing or Strongly Agreeing with Attachment to Community

Outcomes for Civic Engagement

AmeriCorps provides members with opportunities to address community problems through service. In 

this way, service can build and strengthen members’ civic engagement and develop their skills for 

working with others to solve community problems. The survey’s questions on civic engagement 

measured a wide range of skills and behaviors. Alumni responded to questions about how often they 

participated in several types of civic activities, and the extent to which their AmeriCorps experience had 

made them more likely to do so. Alumni also responded to questions about engaging in civic discourse, 

participating in boycotts, and helping their neighbors. Finally, alumni were asked about civic selfefficacy, defined as the ability to take action on community problems.

Frequency of Civic Engagement

To measure the frequency of civic engagement, alumni were asked how often in the last 12 months they 

had engaged in five civic activities: participating in community organizations, keeping informed about 

news and public issues, helping keep their community safe and clean, volunteering, and donating money.

Looking at all five activities together, on average, 39 percent of all alumni reported engaging with their 

community on at least a weekly basis. A further 21 percent reported engaging with their community a 

few times a month and 40 percent once a month or less. While VISTA and ASN alumni showed similar 

patterns in the frequency of their civic engagement, with 38 percent reporting at least weekly 

engagement, NCCC alumni report a slightly lower rate (34 percent) of weekly civic engagement. The 

44%

18%

39%

22%

35%

18%

42%

23%

36%

14%

37%

18%

38%

19%

40%

44%

44%

40%

45%

40%

41%

43%

45%

39%

44%

41%

44%

41%

16%

38%

17%

38%

20%

42%

17%

34%

19%

47%

19%

41%

18%

40%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004 (Now)

2004 (Before)

2009 (Now)

2009 (Before)

2012 (Now)

2012 (Before)

VISTA (Now)

VISTA (Before)

NCCC (Now)

NCCC (Before)

ASN (Now)

ASN (Before)

Overall (Now)

Overall (Before)

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral or Disagree
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

nationalservice.gov 50

oldest cohort of alumni showed a higher percentage, reporting at least weekly civic engagement (41 

percent), than the more recent cohorts (both at 38 percent).

In terms of the individual activities, very few alumni reported that they had not engaged in these 

activities in the last year. Almost all alumni (99 percent) had kept informed about news and public issues 

in the last year, with more than half (57 percent) saying they did so basically every day and another 23 

percent a few times a week. Almost nine out of 10 alumni had, in the last year, participated in a 

community organization (91 percent), volunteered for a cause or issue they cared about (86 percent), 

helped to keep the community safe and clean (88 percent), and/or donated money or goods to a cause or 

issue they cared about (92 percent). About four in 10 alumni reported that, at least weekly, they 

participated in a community organization (41 percent) and helped to keep the community safe and clean

(38 percent). The majority of members donated money at least monthly to a cause or issue they cared 

about (63 percent). A little less than half volunteered at least monthly for a cause or issue they cared 

about.

Regression analysis showed that alumni whose main focus in their AmeriCorps service was education 

engaged with their community more frequently than others. The two-year NCCC alumni cohort engaged 

in these civic activities more frequently than other AmeriCorps cohorts. The predictor variables used in 

the regression accounted for 15 percent of the variability in the alumni responses.

Figure 27: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Civic Engagement in the Last 12 Months

AmeriCorps Influence on Civic Engagement

Alumni were asked about the effect of their AmeriCorps experience on the likelihood that they engaged 

in the five civic activities discussed above as well as their likelihood of voting. Looking across all five 

activities, an average of 54 percent of alumni responded that their experience had made it much or 

somewhat more likely that they would engage in these activities. NCCC alumni reported the highest 

influence of their experience on an increased likelihood of civic engagement, with 63 percent reporting 

that their experience had made it much or somewhat more likely that they would engage in these 

activities as compared to 55 percent of ASN alumni and 49 percent of VISTA alumni. The effect of the 

24%

22%

22%

23%

18%

22%

23%

17%

16%

16%

15%

16%

16%

16%

19%

21%

22%

19%

18%

22%

21%

40%

41%

40%

43%

48%

40%

40%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Basically every day A few times a week A few times a month Once a month or less
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

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AmeriCorps experience grew with the age of the cohort. Of the 2012 cohort, 51 percent of alumni 

reported being much or somewhat more likely to engage in these activities, compared to 56 percent of the 

2009 cohort and 58 percent of the 2012 cohort.

In terms of the individual items, at least half of alumni said that AmeriCorps had made them somewhat 

more likely or much more likely to participate in community organizations (62 percent), keep informed 

about news and public issues (50 percent), help keep the community safe and clean (57 percent), 

volunteer for a cause or issue that they cared about (67 percent), and/or donate money or goods to an 

issue they cared about (54 percent). Alumni less often said that AmeriCorps made them much more likely 

or somewhat more likely to vote in elections (37 percent).

Regression analysis shows that those reporting more positive experiences during their time in 

AmeriCorps were more likely to attribute their civic activity to AmeriCorps than those reporting a less 

positive experience. Alumni who used any of their education award were less likely to say that 

AmeriCorps had made them more likely to engage in civic activities than those who did not use their 

education award at all. The predictor variables used in the regression accounted for 32 percent of the 

variability in the alumni responses.

Figure 28: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Change in Likelihood of Civic Engagement

Frequency of Engagement in Political Discourse

Alumni were asked five items about the frequency of engagement with others around political issues. 

Almost half (46 percent) of all alumni reported engaging with others at least a few times a week. NCCC 

alumni less frequently reported engaging with others in their community on such a frequent basis (38

percent) than ASN (46 percent) or VISTA (46 percent) alumni.

More than 90 percent of alumni reported that in the last 12 months they had discussed politics with 

friends and family (95 percent), discussed or thought about how political social local or national issues 

affected the community (96 percent), or encouraged others to participate in the community (93 percent). 

23%

21%

22%

20%

29%

22%

22%

35%

35%

29%

29%

34%

33%

32%

42%

44%

49%

51%

37%

45%

46%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Much more likely Somewhat more likely Less likely or no effect
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nationalservice.gov 52

Three-fourths of alumni (77 percent) said they had done favors for their neighbors in the last 12 months. 

About two-thirds of alumni (67 percent) had used the internet in the last year to express opinions about 

political or community issues. Alumni frequently discussed or thought about how issues affected the 

community, with 67 percent saying they did so every day or a few times a week. More than half of 

alumni said they discussed politics with family and friends basically every day or a few times a week. 

More than half of alumni encouraged others to participate in the community monthly (60 percent), and 

slightly less than half (47 percent) said that they did favors for neighbors at least monthly. Twenty

percent said they used the internet to express their opinions on political or community issues at least 

weekly and another 16 percent said they did so monthly.

Regression analysis of a scale combining the five items showed that the most recent AmeriCorps alumni 

engaged in political discourse more frequently than the older cohorts. Previous military or service 

experience showed a positive influence on the frequency of engaging in political discourse. Other positive 

influencers on the frequency of political discourse were previously held positive sense of community and

positive service experience. Being a part of NCCC and having veterans and military families as the focus 

of one’s AmeriCorps experience negatively affected the frequency of political discourse. The predictor 

variables used in the regression accounted for 12 percent of the variability in the alumni responses.

A regression model focused specifically on the frequency with which alumni encouraged others to 

participate in the community shows that the one significant factor is having less than a bachelor’s degree. 

Those without a degree score higher than those holding a four-year degree on the frequency of 

encouraging others to participate in the community.

Figure 29: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Engaging in Political Discourse in the Last 12 Months

Boycotting

Alumni were asked if, in the last 12 months, they had boycotted a product or service because of the social 

or political values of the company that provides it. More than half (56 percent) said they had. The 

19%

18%

19%

20%

15%

19%

19%

26%

28%

26%

26%

23%

27%

27%

22%

22%

21%

21%

25%

21%

21%

33%

32%

34%

33%

37%

33%

33%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Basically every day A few times a week A few times a month Once a month or less
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

nationalservice.gov 53

percentage of alumni reporting they had boycotted a product in the last 12 months increased with years 

post-service; 63 percent of the 10-year post-service cohort reported boycotting compared to 57 percent of 

the five-year alumni cohort and 51 percent of the two-year cohort.

Regression analysis shows that alumni who reported an environmental focus to their service were several 

times more likely to report boycotting than those with other areas of focus. Those reporting a positive 

experience with their service were also more likely to report boycotting an item. VISTA alumni were 

somewhat less likely to boycott than other AmeriCorps alumni. The predictor variables used in the 

regression accounted for 23 percent of the variability in the alumni response on boycotting.

Figure 30: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Boycotting a Product or Service in the Last 12 

Months12

Voting

On the whole, AmeriCorps alumni are registered to vote and do vote at levels far above those of the rest 

of the American population. That is, 94 percent of alumni reported being registered to vote for the last 

presidential election compared to 71 percent of eligible Americans, and 89 percent of alumni reported 

that they voted in the last presidential election compared to 55 percent of the general American 

population.

13 While both ASN and VISTA volunteers voted at around that rate, a slightly lower 

percentage of NCCC alumni voted (82 percent). The youngest cohort of alumni reported the lowest level 

of presidential voting, with 87 percent of the 2012 cohort reporting that they voted. The 2009 and 2004 

cohorts both voted at a rate of 91 percent.

 

12 Estimates with RSEs greater than 30 percent but no more than 50 percent are published but should be 

used with caution (marked with an ”a”).

13 Voter registration rates from the Census Bureau:

http://thedataweb.rm.census.gov/TheDataWeb_HotReport2/voting/voting.hrml Voting behavior from the 

Federal Election Commission: http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2012/federalelections2012.shtml

63%

57%

51%

57%

54%

56%

56%

32%

37%

45%

38%

40%

39%

39%

5%a

6%a

4%a

5%

6%

5%

5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Yes No Don't know
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

nationalservice.gov 54

Figure 31: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Registering and Voting in the Last Presidential 

Election14

Forty-two percent of all alumni reported voting in all elections that they were eligible to vote in over the 

course of the 12 months before the survey. Again, ASN and VISTA alumni reported the most consistently 

high level of voting. A lower percentage of NCCC alumni reported voting in all relevant elections (32 

percent). As voting consistency typically rises with age, it is surprising to see that a higher percentage of 

the 2012 cohort (48 percent) voted in all relevant elections than did the 2009 cohort (45 percent) or the 

2004 cohort (36 percent).

A regression run to analyze predictors of alumni voting showed no statistically significant predictors and 

resulted in explaining only six percent of the variability within the reported patterns of voting.

 

14 Estimates with RSEs greater than 30 percent but no more than 50 percent are published but should be 

used with caution (marked with an ”a”).

91%

94%

91%

94%

87%

94%

89%

94%

82%

90%

90%

94%

89%

94%

7%

5%

9%

5%

12%

6%

10%

6%

18%

10%

9%

5%

10%

5%

2%

1%

1%a

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004 (Voted)

2004 (Registered)

2009 (Voted)

2009 (Registered)

2012 (Voted)

2012 (Registered)

VISTA (Voted)

VISTA (Registered)

NCCC (Voted)

NCCC (Registered)

ASN (Voted)

ASN (Registered)

Overall (Voted)

Overall (Registered)

Yes No or not eligible Don't know
AMERICORPS ALUMNI OUTCOMES SUMMARY REPORT AMERICORPS

nationalservice.gov 55

Figure 32: Average Percent of Alumni Reporting Voting in the Last 12 Months

Civic Self-efficacy

Alumni were asked to indicate their civic self-efficacy through responding to eight items that asked them 

to rate their confidence in being able to take various types of actions to address a community problem. 

The actions included expressing their views in front of a group of people or through the internet or social 

media, creating a plan to address the problem, getting other people to care about the problem, organizing 

and running a meeting, identifying individuals or groups who could help, calling someone on the phone 

they had never met before to get their help, and contacting an elected official. Across all these items, on 

average, 79 percent of all alumni reported that they definitely or probably could take these actions to 

address community problems. Alumni of VISTA programs reported a slightly higher percentage (83

percent) than NCCC alumni (79 percent) or ASN alumni (78 percent).

Alumni more often reported that they definitely or probably could express their views in front of a group 

(88 percent) and identify individuals or groups who could help the with the problem (86 percent). Less 

often, alumni reported that they definitely or probably could get other people to care about the problem 

(72 percent) or call someone on the phone they had never met before to get their help (73 percent). Their 

responses to other items were similar to the overall average.

Regression analysis showed that those alumni who reported greater pre-service sense of community 

showed an increase in the civic self-efficacy factor scores, and those who had higher scores on the 

AmeriCorps positive service experience scale also increased in the civic self-efficacy factor score. In 

addition, those who had capacity building as a service focus area scored higher on the civic self-efficacy 

scale than those who did not. The overall regression model explained 20 percent of the variance in civic 

self-efficacy scores.

36%

45%

48%

45%

32%

41%

42%

36%

32%

30%

31%

35%

34%

33%

28%

23%

22%

24%

33%

25%

25%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Voted in all offered elections Voted in some offered elections

Did not vote or no elections offered
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Figure 33: Average Percent Reporting Ability to Address a Community Problem

44%

42%

37%

44%

38%

39%

40%

38%

35%

43%

39%

41%

39%

39%

18%

23%

20%

17%

21%

22%

21%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2004

2009

2012

VISTA

NCCC

ASN

Overall

Definitely could Probably could Could not or not sure
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Chapter 5: Answers to Research Questions

The preceding chapter provided detailed results for the AmeriCorps Alumni Outcome survey organized 

by outcome area. This chapter synthesizes previously presented information to address the research 

questions.

1. In what ways does participating in a national service program influence members’ a) 

development of career-oriented soft skills, b) career pathways, c) sense of community, and 

d) civic engagement?

2. In what ways, if any, do member outcomes vary by the six Serve America Act focus areas 

(disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, 

and veterans and military families), and by the particular type of service programs (ASN, NCCC, 

VISTA) and program experiences?

3. In what ways, if any, do member outcomes vary by life stage?

These research questions, and the data collected to answer them, shed light on the unique value of the 

national service experience for AmeriCorps alumni and the enduring effects of participation on the 

trajectories of alumni’s lives.

Research Question One: Influence of Service Participation on Outcomes.

Research Question 1 asks “In what ways does participating in a national service program influence members’ 

a) development of career-oriented soft skills, b) career pathways, c) sense of community, and d) civic 

engagement?” The answer to this question summarizes results presented above previously on how 

national service participation influences outcomes in these four areas.

Developing Career-Oriented Soft Skills

AmeriCorps alumni reported having high levels of career-oriented soft skills, including cultural 

competency, self-efficacy, and career-specific skills for interacting with others and for self-management. 

In each skill area, alumni noted that their skills had increased from before AmeriCorps service or that 

AmeriCorps service had helped build these skills.

Nine out of 10 alumni agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoyed exploring differences with others and 

interacting with different people, respected others’ values, and were confident interacting with diverse 

people. Alumni showed gains in all these areas compared to before service. The largest gain was in 

having confidence in interacting with diverse people.

Alumni also had high levels of self-efficacy. On average, nine out of 10 ten alumni agreed or strongly 

agreed that they could solve difficult problems, persist when opposed, accomplish goals, handle 

unexpected events and unforeseen situations, remain calm, cope with difficulties, and identify multiple 

solutions. Alumni rated their current skills as higher than those pre-service, with the greatest gains being 

in their abilities to deal with unexpected events and unforeseen situations.

Most alumni rated themselves as having good or excellent career-specific skills, including written and 

oral communication, teamwork, collaboration with diverse individuals, professional conduct, 

independence, planning, time management, prioritization, conflict management, adaptability, 

persistence, and goal orientation. On average, 85 percent of alumni reported good or excellent skills in 

interacting with others and 95 percent reported good or excellent skills in self-management. Alumni 

reported that participating in national service helped them build these skills. On average, alumni said 

that AmeriCorps helped somewhat or a great deal in building their skills in interacting with others (85 
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percent) and in self-management (95 percent).

Service Participation and Alumni Career Pathways

While there was some diversity in career pathways, most alumni were students prior to AmeriCorps (63 

percent), and of those where were engaged in education six months prior to AmeriCorps, analysis shows 

that 44 percent were working in government or nonprofit sector six months after AmeriCorps. This 

proportion rises to 56 percent working in the government or nonprofit sector now. The analysis shows 

that a typical career pathway for AmeriCorps alumni is to come to service from education and then to 

find work in the government or nonprofit sector after completing service, and this pattern tends to 

strengthen over time. Further, it is noted that only 11 percent were both pursuing their education and 

working in government or the nonprofit sector in the six months prior to service, so observed pattern is 

not substantially accounted for by individuals who worked in government or the nonprofit sector 

returning to these fields upon completing their service.

Others had returned to or began work in the private sector. Small numbers of alumni were unemployed 

or still continuing their education. Following service, about one quarter of participants (27 percent), 

obtained a job directly connected to the organization or agency in which they served. Fifteen percent are 

currently in a position related to their service.

Alumni also generally found AmeriCorps to be a defining personal and professional experience. A 

majority (80 percent) indicated their service experience was worthwhile in furthering their careers. Most 

alumni responded that AmeriCorps service either aligned with their existing career path or directed them 

toward a service-related field, with 34 percent indicating that their career path turned in the direction of 

service-related work following AmeriCorps. Alumni typically used their education award to repay 

student loans or attend graduate school. After service, 43 percent of alumni stayed in their community of 

service and 57 percent returned to a home outside the community or moved to a new community.

Developing and Maintaining a Sense of Community

Overall, alumni reported having a strong sense of community. On average, 82 percent of alumni agreed 

that they felt a strong personal attachment to their community, were aware of community needs, felt an 

obligation to contribute to the community, planned or were actively involved in community issues, and 

voted in elections. Alumni reported a stronger sense of community at the time of the survey compared to 

before service, with the average being 22 percent more alumni agreeing or strongly agreeing they were

involved in the community. The strongest gains were in alumni agreeing or strongly agreeing that they 

are aware of the important needs in their community and that they have a personal attachment to their 

community.

Two-thirds of alumni reported that they could trust most or all of the people in their neighborhood. At 

the same time, less than half of alumni reported some or a great deal of confidence in corporations (40 

percent) or the media (42 percent), while a large majority (83 percent) reported some or a great deal of 

confidence in public schools.

Developing and Maintaining Civic Engagement

AmeriCorps alumni reported high levels of civic engagement and civic self-efficacy, and indicated that 

their AmeriCorps experience influenced their civic engagement. Almost 80 percent of alumni indicated 

that they definitely or probably had civic self-efficacy, the ability to deal with community problems by 

taking a range of actions that include creating a plan to address the issue, getting others involved, 

organizing and running a meeting, expressing their views in front of others, on the internet or through 

social media, identifying individuals or groups who could help, contacting them by phone, and 

contacting an elected official.
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More than half of alumni noted that their service experience had made them more likely to engage in 

civic activities such as volunteering for or donating money to a cause they cared about. Almost all alumni 

(94 percent) were registered to vote and 89 percent reported voting in the last presidential election.

Research Question Two: Influence of Serve America Act Focus Areas and Service Programs on 

Outcomes.

Research Question 2 asks “In what ways, if any, do member outcomes vary by the six Serve America Act focus 

areas (disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans 

and military families), and by the particular type of service programs (ASN, NCCC, VISTA) and program 

experiences?” The answer to this question draws on alumni responses to questions asking about their 

service focus area, information on alumni’s service program and program year (e.g., ASN two-year 

alumni) and alumni’s responses to several survey questions about their service experience. To look at the 

independent influence of each of these aspects of service, this discussion presents regression results.

Overall, there were no strong patterns between outcomes and service area focus or service program. 

Generally, in each outcome area, small numbers of service focus areas or program cohorts were

significantly associated with a few outcomes. Similarly, there were no set of focus areas or service 

program cohorts that were significantly related to all of the outcome areas or to all of the outcomes within 

an outcome area.

Service experience variables were more often significantly related to outcomes. The most consistent 

association was between a positive service experience and more positive outcomes in all outcome areas. 

Other measures of service experience were significantly related to several outcomes, but there were no 

consistent patterns across outcome areas or measures within an outcome area.

Focus Area Differences

Relatively few Serve America Act focus areas significantly affected outcomes for alumni’s career-oriented 

soft skills, career pathways, sense of community, and civic engagement. Significant relationships are 

noted below. In general, each service area was significantly associated with one or two measures of 

outcomes, and no service area consistently resulted in higher or lower alumni outcomes across all 

outcomes in an outcome area. Further, no service focus area was significantly associated with measures in 

all four outcome areas.

Outcomes measuring career-oriented soft skills were mainly independent of service focus. Two service 

areas were associated with one outcome; increasing self-efficacy after AmeriCorps. Participants in the 

education and capacity building areas reported greater post-service self-efficacy. Further, service focus 

had no effect on alumni’s post-service cultural competency or career-orientated skills related to managing 

self or interacting with others, nor with whether alumni attributed their skills increase to AmeriCorps 

service.

In terms of career pathways, all of the focus areas, except for capacity building, had a significant 

relationship with at least one measure of career pathways. At the same time, several outcomes were 

independent of service focus area, including staying in the community of service, whether the alumni 

thought service aligned with their career pathway, how alumni listed their service on their resumes, and 

the career pathways scale, which measured the degree to which alumni found AmeriCorps to be a 

worthwhile and defining experience. 

There were a few significant relationships between focus areas and career sectors. Three focus areas had 

significant relationships with alumni’s careers six months after service. Alumni who served in the 
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environmental stewardship and economic opportunity areas were more likely to be engaged in a service 

experience, while alumni whose service was with veterans and military families were significantly less 

likely to be engaged in a service experience. Three other service focus areas were significantly related to 

alumni’s current career pathways. Alumni who served in the education focus area were less likely to be 

unemployed at the time of the survey; alumni who served in the healthy futures focus area were more 

likely to be currently working in the private sector; and alumni in the disaster services focus area were 

less likely to be currently continuing their education. Further, alumni with an education service focus 

were less likely to have a position in or directly connected to the agency where they had served.

Alumni in two service focus areas differed significantly in how they used their education awards. Alumni 

who served in the education focus area were more likely to have used their education award, and alumni 

who were unable to specify a service focus area were less likely to use their education award to pay for 

school.

Participation in three focus areas was associated with specific sense of community measures. Alumni 

who served in the economic opportunity focus area reported higher scores on the post-AmeriCorps sense 

of community scale, and alumni who had served in the veterans and military families focus area showed 

greater trust in their neighbors. In terms of trust in institutions, alumni engaged in the service focus area 

of veterans and military families had greater trust in corporations, and alumni who reported they were 

unsure of their focus area showed lower trust in public schools.

Service in four focus areas was associated with civic engagement outcomes; service in three focus areas 

was associated with one civic engagement outcome measure; and service in one focus area was associated 

with two civic engagement outcome measures. Alumni who had served in the education area reported 

higher scores on the 12-month civic engagement scale, and those in the environmental stewardship focus 

area were more likely to have boycotted a product or service. There were two focus areas that were 

associated with lower civic engagement. Alumni in the veterans and military families focus area had 

lower scores on the measure of discussing and thinking about community issues, and those in the 

capacity building focus area had lower scores on the civic self-efficacy scale.

Service Program Differences

To examine the effect of service program and alumni year on outcomes, the alumni cohorts for each 

service year and program were included in the regression model. VISTA alumni who were 10 years postservice served as the reference group for the comparisons among service program and year cohorts.

Overall, there were no strong patterns between outcomes and service program and alumni year cohorts.

There were no sets of program or year cohorts that were significantly related to all of the outcome areas 

or to all of the outcomes within an outcome area. While career-oriented soft skills was largely 

independent of service program for career pathways, sense of community, and civic engagement, small 

numbers of cohorts were associated with some of the outcome measures as detailed below.

Alumni’s post-service career-oriented soft skills appeared independent of their particular service year or 

service program. The only significant relationship was that ASN five-year alumni were less likely to 

attribute their career-specific skill gains to AmeriCorps service. There was no difference across service 

program cohorts in terms of several measures of career-oriented soft skills including cultural competency, 

self-efficacy, and the two career specific skills scales measuring self-management and interacting with 

others.

The relationship between service program and year cohorts and career pathways differed by outcome 
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measure. There were no significant differences across the groups in terms of whether alumni stayed in 

their community of service, had a job related to their service organization, or in terms of how they listed 

AmeriCorps on their resume. There were some differences among cohorts on the remainder of the 

measures. However, there were no strong patterns where particular programs or service years were 

associated with numerous outcomes, nor were any of the measures strongly related to several cohorts.

Two of the alumni cohorts differed in their perceptions of how AmeriCorps had affected their career 

pathways. Both the ASN five-year alumni and VISTA five-year alumni cohorts had higher scores on the 

career pathways scale which measures the degree to which AmeriCorps was a worthwhile and defining 

experience. However, these cohorts differed in whether they thought their AmeriCorps service aligned 

with their careers. ASN five-year alumni were more likely to report that AmeriCorps aligned with their 

career pathway, while VISTA five-year alumni were less likely to report that their AmeriCorps 

experience aligned with their career pathway.

Although there was no association between alumni’s service program and year cohorts and career 

pathways in the six months after service, there were a few significant differences in their current career 

pathways. NCCC alumni two and five years post-service were more likely to currently be engaged in a 

service experience; NCCC two-year alumni were also more likely to be continuing their education; and 

ASN 10-year alumni were more likely to be unemployed.

Cohorts differed some in terms of education award usage. ASN two-year alumni were less likely to have 

used their education award to pay for school, more likely to have used their award to repay student 

loans, and more likely not to have used their education award. ASN 10-year alumni also were more likely 

not to have used their education award.

In terms of sense of community, only one outcome measure showed a significant relationship with a 

service program. All three NCCC cohorts had greater trust in corporations. Alumni did not differ 

significantly across service program cohorts on the sense of community scale, or trust in neighbors, 

media, and schools.

Community engagement outcomes did vary significantly by service program. NCCC alumni cohorts 

differed from other alumni on two measures and a VISTA alumni cohort on another measure. NCCC 

alumni two years post-service reported higher twelve-month civic engagement scores, while NCCC fiveyear and 10-year alumni scored lower on discussing and thinking about community issues. VISTA twoyear alumni were less likely to boycott a service or product.

Program Experience Differences

To measure the effect of program experience on outcomes, the survey also asked alumni about several 

aspects of their service experience: how many terms they had served, in which programs they served, 

was their final service term full-time, had they completed it, and had they used their education award.

Alumni also responded to questions about their satisfaction with the AmeriCorps experience. In addition, 

the analysis included a positive service experience scale and a negative service experience scale derived 

from alumni’s answers to questions asking them to rate several aspect of their service experience.

There were many significant relationships between service experience measures and outcomes. The most 

consistent relationship was between greater positive service experiences and higher levels of outcome

measures. Interestingly, a negative service experience was not significantly associated with any of the 

outcome measures. Other measures of service experience were significantly related to a few outcomes;

however, there were no consistent patterns. Most outcomes were associated with only one or two 
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program experience measures.

Career-oriented soft skills were strongly related to having a positive service experience. Alumni that 

reported having more positive service experiences had significantly higher levels of each of the careeroriented soft skills, including cultural competency, post-AmeriCorps self-efficacy, and career-specific 

skills both for managing self and for interacting with others. A positive service experience also increased 

alumni’s likelihood of attributing the gains in their career-specific skills to AmeriCorps. Additionally,

alumni who had greater satisfaction with their service experience were also more likely to attribute their 

gains in career-specific skills to AmeriCorps. No other measures of service experience had a significant 

relationship to career-oriented soft skills measures.

Two aspects of service experience affected scores on the career pathways scale that measured the degree 

to which AmeriCorps was a worthwhile and defining experience. A positive service experience and 

greater overall satisfaction with AmeriCorps were significantly related to higher career pathways scale 

scores.

There was no consistent pattern between alumni’s service experiences and careers six months after 

service or currently. Three measures of service experience were related to alumni’s careers six months 

after service. Alumni who served multiple terms and who served in multiple programs with different 

programs were more likely to be engaged in a service experience six months after AmeriCorps. 

Additionally, those alumni who were full-time volunteers during their last term of service were more

likely to be working in the public sector in the six months after AmeriCorps. Similar to alumni’s careers 

six months after service, alumni who served multiple terms were more likely to be currently working in 

the public sector.

A positive service experience and serving multiple terms of service was significantly associated with 

having a job six months after AmeriCorps that involved the organizations and programs alumni worked 

with during AmeriCorps. Currently having a job with an organization associated with the alumni’s 

service was significantly related to having completed the last term of service and completing multiple 

terms of service.

A positive service experience score and being a full-time volunteer during their last term was associated 

with a greater frequency of alumni listing AmeriCorps on their resume. Overall satisfaction was also 

associated with an increased likelihood of reporting that AmeriCorps aligned with one’s career goals.

In terms of the education award, those with a positive service experience were more likely to have used 

their education award and to have used the award to pay for school. Those who completed the last term 

of service were also more likely to have used their education award.15

The most consistent predictor of alumni’s sense of community outcomes was having a positive service 

experience. A more positive service experience was significantly related to increased sense of community 

post-AmeriCorps, trust in neighbors, trust in corporations, and trust in the media, but not trust in public 

schools. Four other service measures had a relationship to a single sense of community outcome. Alumni 

who had completed their last term of service reported greater trust in public schools and alumni who 

were full-time members during their last term of service or had served in multiple AmeriCorps programs

had increased trust in corporations. Alumni who used their education award had a higher sense of 

 

15 However, increased overall satisfaction was associated with a decreased likelihood of using the

education award.
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community post-service.

Similar to other outcome areas, the most frequent predictor of civic engagement outcomes was having a 

positive service experience. A positive service experience was significantly related to an increase in 

alumni saying changes in civic engagement were related to AmeriCorps, increased discussion and 

thinking on civic issues, and increased likelihood of boycotting a service or product. A positive service 

experience slightly decreased civic self-efficacy. None of the service experience variables were 

significantly related to measures examining civic engagement in the 12 months preceding the survey, 

promoting civic engagement in others, or voting.

Research Question Three: Influence of Life Stage on Outcomes.

Research Question 3 asks “In what ways, if any, do member outcomes vary by life stage?” The answer to this 

research question focuses on alumni’s personal characteristics obtained from survey questions about 

demographics, life stage, and the skills and abilities that alumni brought to their AmeriCorps service.

In general, demographics, life stage, and pre-service skills had little effect on most alumni outcomes.

Demographics had little effect on career-oriented soft skills, sense of community, and civic engagement.

However, alumni who currently had less than a four-year degree had differing career pathways from 

alumni with other education outcomes. Life stage did affect one measure of career-oriented soft skills, 

self-efficacy. In addition, life stage had several significant relationships with alumni’s current and six 

months post-service career pathways, but not with other measures of career pathways. Alumni’s postservice sense of community and civic engagement was largely independent of alumni’s life stage. As 

expected, alumni’s pre-service skills were significantly associated with their corresponding post-service 

levels. For example, pre-service cultural competency predicted post-service cultural competency. Career 

pathway outcomes were independent of pre-service skills. Higher pre-service sense of community 

predicted higher civic engagement, and higher pre-service cultural competency and self-efficacy 

predicted higher career-specific skills such as self-management or interacting with others.

Alumni Demographics

The analysis for the effect of demographics on alumni outcomes examined three characteristics: gender,

race and ethnicity, and highest education level currently completed. For three of the outcome areas, 

alumni outcomes were by and large independent of alumni’s demographics. There were no significant 

relationships between demographics and career-oriented soft skills, one significant relationship with civic 

engagement and one significant relationship with sense of community. Whites had a higher trust in 

community members than non-whites, and those with less than a four-year degree were more likely to 

encourage civic engagement among others. Race and gender similarly had little effect on career pathway 

outcomes, having one significant relationship each across all the measures. Whites were more likely than 

non-whites to list AmeriCorps only as a volunteer experience on their resumes.

One demographic factor was significantly related to several career pathway outcomes. Those alumni who 

had less than a four-year degree at the time of the survey were more likely to be currently unemployed 

and less likely to be currently working at a public service job. They were also less likely to be serving in a 

position at or directly connected to the agency that sponsored the AmeriCorps program in which they 

served.

Alumni currently without a four-year degree were more likely to be engaged in continuing education six 

months after AmeriCorps and currently. Furthermore, these alumni were more likely have used their 

education award to pay for school, and less likely to have used it to repay loans.
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Life stage

The examination of the effect of life stage on alumni outcomes focused on alumni’s age at the time of the 

survey, whether they had been a caregiver or parent before AmeriCorps or at the time of the survey, and 

their work and educational experience prior to AmeriCorps, including whether prior to service they had 

been in school, unemployed, working in the private, government, or nonprofit sector, and whether they 

were engaged in a service experience or the military.

Becoming a parent or caregiver after service was not associated with any of the outcome areas; however,

the other life stage variables did have significant relationships with some alumni outcomes. The civic 

engagement and sense of community outcomes were mostly independent of alumni’s life stage, with only 

one modest but significant relationship between life stage and any of the measures for these outcome 

areas. Those engaged in service or in the military prior to service had higher scores on the community 

engagement scale post-service, and older alumni had greater trust in the media.

Alumni’s life stage did have an effect on one area of career-oriented soft skills, self-efficacy, but it had no 

effect on alumni’s post-service cultural competency, or their career-specific skills in self-management or 

interacting with others. Alumni who were unemployed or working in the public sector, at a nonprofit

prior to service reported higher post-service self-efficacy. Conversely, there was a decline in alumni’s 

ratings of their self-efficacy as their age increased.

In terms of career pathways, there were no significant relationships between life stage and whether or not 

an alumni’s service aligned with their career pathways, how they used their education award, or the 

career pathways scale. The single life stage related to increased likelihood of staying in the community 

post-service was alumni who were engaged in service prior to their AmeriCorps service. 

There were some significant relationships between prior experience and alumni’s career pathways six 

months after service. Alumni who had been unemployed prior to service were more likely to be 

unemployed in the six months post-service. Similarly, alumni employed in the private sector prior to 

service were more likely to be employed in the private sector post-service. Alumni who, prior to their 

AmeriCorps service, were engaged in service or the military were more likely to be continuing their 

education six months post-service.

Life stage had some effect on alumni’s current career pathways. The most consistent effect of life stage

was in terms of whether or not alumni engaged in service at the time of the survey. Alumni who were 

older, in school before AmeriCorps, and parents or caregivers at the time of service were all more likely 

to be currently engaged in service.

Pre-service Skill Levels

In addition to their demographics and life stage, entering AmeriCorps members also differed in the skills 

and experiences they brought with them when they started service. The survey asked alumni to rate their 

pre-service cultural competency, self-efficacy, and sense of community. The influence of pre-service skills 

varied by outcome area. In general, pre-service skills related to an outcome area did help predict postservice skills in the same outcome area. However, the influence of pre-service skills on other outcomes 

was mixed. AmeriCorps alumni’s career pathways were independent of all of the pre-service skills

ratings. However, there were a few significant relationships between pre-service skills and the other 

outcome areas.

Alumni with a higher pre-service sense of community had higher levels of post-service sense of 

community. In addition, a higher sense of community pre-service was also significantly related to higher 

civic engagement outcomes. Higher pre-service sense of community predicted higher civic self-efficacy 
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and higher political and community engagement. There was no significant relationship between preservice sense of community and career-oriented soft skills.

Pre-service self-efficacy and cultural competency affected outcomes in the areas of career-oriented softskills, but not the other outcome areas. As expected, greater pre-service cultural competency predicted 

higher post-service cultural competency, and greater pre-service self-efficacy predicted greater postservice self-efficacy. At the same time, both skills ratings had significantly positive relationships with 

career-specific skills. Alumni with greater self-efficacy pre-service were more likely to have higher ratings 

for post-service career-specific skills in both the areas of interacting with others and managing oneself. 

Pre-service cultural competency was related to higher scores in managing oneself.
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Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations

Overall, respondents indicated that there were substantial benefits to participation in AmeriCorps 

programs, including AmeriCorps State and National, NCCC, and AmeriCorps VISTA. Across all alumni, 

a vast majority stated that they felt they made a contribution to the community (92 percent), gained an 

understanding of the community they served (93 percent), and were exposed to new ideas and ways of 

seeing the world (87 percent). Due to participation in AmeriCorps, a majority of respondents stated that 

they were more likely to volunteer and to participate in community organizations. In terms of the impact 

of service on alumni careers, respondents reported that participation in AmeriCorps helped them figure 

out the next steps of their career, and increased their ability to work with others and to respond to 

unexpected challenges. In open-ended responses, AmeriCorps participants stated that their experience 

helped them to define their values, made them more likely to pursue a career in service, and had a 

positive impact on their life even after their term ended.

Positive outcomes, on the whole, were largely consistent across AmeriCorps participants and 

independent of their service programs, focus areas, or personal characteristics. Though there were 

occasional relationships between individual programs or focus areas and specific outcome measures, 

there were no patterns among these relationships. Similarly, demographics, life stage, and skills levels 

before AmeriCorps rarely had significant relationships with alumni outcomes. The exception was that 

alumni who had yet to complete a four-year degree had different career pathways.

The key consistent driver of successful outcomes in developing career-oriented soft skills, having a career 

pathway that led to work in the government or nonprofit sector, and increasing alumni’s sense of 

community and civic engagement after AmeriCorps was a positive service experience. There were also 

some differences in outcomes related to other service experience factors, but no strong patterns.

Survey and Survey Administration

Overall, the survey instrument demonstrated sufficient reliability and variability to be useful. 

Assessments of the internal reliability of each scale were performed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha; all 

scales had high reliability estimates with an average alpha of .85. Principal components factor analysis 

was also performed for each scale, and it was determined that the majority of scales consisted of a single 

factor, while three scales had a two factor structure. All items had sufficient variability to be used in the 

analysis.

Despite challenges in achieving sufficient responses, survey administration was ultimately successful in 

yielding a sample size with sufficient power to detect significant differences. The use of sorted lists 

ensured that initially low response rates could be supplemented by additional outreach without having 

to complicate sampling probabilities by taking multiple samples. Each of the successive email reminders 

resulted in an uptick in response. Additional survey modality and reminder methods generally did not 

differentially affect responses. Mail and phone follow-ups did not yield substantial increases in response 

rates; phone follow-ups were particularly unsuccessful in increasing response rates. There was a high 

degree of partial completion, with a number of respondents dropping out at several distinct points in the 

survey.

Recommendations and Next Steps

Future attempts to use this instrument to survey AmeriCorps alumni may benefit from the following 

practices:

 Retain the strategy of using randomly sorted lists to prevent the need for resampling

 Forgo mail and phone follow-ups to minimize costs, as these do not significantly increase 
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response rates

 Condense the current survey in order to decrease the likelihood that participants will drop off

Additional forms of analysis may yield more insight into the impact of participant characteristics on 

outcomes. By modeling interaction effects between the pre-test score and other selected characteristics, 

researchers could examine whether the relationship in pre-test and post-test is different according to 

these characteristics.

The association between satisfaction and positive service experience with successful later outcomes 

provides support for the usefulness of measures of satisfaction and service experience quality in postservice surveys. Support for an association between satisfaction immediately following service and later 

satisfaction and positive outcomes would be strengthened by a longitudinal study that followed a cohort 

of AmeriCorps members. This could be accomplished through the use of unique stable identifiers that are 

maintained over time, allowing for surveys from multiple time points and modalities to be connected 

without compromising confidentiality.

Support for survey findings may be substantially strengthened by an impact evaluation using a 

benchmarking or comparison group. Ideally, a comparison group would consist of alumni of other nonCNCS sponsored programs that match AmeriCorps alumni on key characteristics. A longitudinal study 

using a comparison group may provide particularly strong evidence and insight into the mechanisms by 

which AmeriCorps experiences lead to better outcomes, though such a study may be logistically 

challenging and/or prohibitively expensive. Future studies may build on the findings of this study and 

adopt subsets of the current survey with targeted groups to examine how AmeriCorps service may be 

linked with career and civic outcomes among populations of interest, such as formerly incarcerated 

youth, veterans, or women and men re-entering the workforce after long periods of unemployment.
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Appendix A: The Survey

1. What is your date of birth?

Month Day Year 

2. What is your gender?

 Female  Male  Other gender

3. Are you a parent/primary caregiver?

 No

 Yes, and all of my children currently live with me

 Yes, and some of my children currently live with me

 Yes, and none of my children currently live with me

 Yes, I am a parent of adult children who no longer live with me

4. Have you served on active duty in the military?

 Yes  No

5. Which of the following describes your race? Please select one or more.

 Black or African American

 American Indian or Alaska Native

 Asian

 White

 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

 Other

6. Which of the following describes your ethnicity? Please select only one.

 Hispanic or Latina/o

 Not Hispanic or Latina/o

7. Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

 High school degree (HS Diploma or GED)

 Some college

 2-year college degree (AA)

 Technical or vocational degree or certificate

 4-year college degree (BA, BS)

 Some graduate school

 Graduate or professional degree (MA, MS, MD, JD, Ph.D., etc.)

 Other (specify):

8. Prior to serving in AmeriCorps, did you or anyone in your immediate family ever receive 

welfare payments or public assistance benefits?

 Yes  No  Not sure

9. What is your current marital status?

 Married  Common law marriage or domestic partnership

 Widowed  Divorced  Separated  Never Married
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10. What U.S. state do you currently live in? 

 I live outside the U.S.

When answering these questions, if you served more than one term please consider your first term in 

AmeriCorps, if you served only one term please consider your AmeriCorps experiences as a whole.

11. What AmeriCorps program did you serve in?

VISTA NCCC Traditional NCCC FEMA Corps

State and National program (please specify the name of the program): 

12. What year did you begin serving in your First Term? 

13. For your First Term, what was the duration of your term of service?

Full-time Part-time Quarter-time Minimum-time

a. Please list the approximate number of hours you served during your First Term: 

If you served a Second Term, please consider please answer the following questions.

What AmeriCorps program did you serve in during your Second Term?

VISTA NCCC Traditional NCCC FEMA Corps

State and National program (please specify the name of the program): 

What year did you begin serving in your Second Term? 

For your Second Term, what was the duration of your term of service?

Full-time Part-time Quarter-time Minimum-time

Please list the approximate number of hours you served during your Second Term: 

If you served a Third Term, please consider please answer the following questions.

What AmeriCorps program did you serve in during your Third Term?

VISTA NCCC Traditional NCCC FEMA Corps

State and National program (please specify the name of the program): 

What year did you begin serving in your Third Term? 

For your Third Term, what was the duration of your term of service?

Full-time Part-time Quarter-time Minimum-time

Please list the approximate number of hours you served during your Third Term: 

If you served a Fourth Term, please consider please answer the following questions.

What AmeriCorps program did you serve in during your Fourth Term?

VISTA NCCC Traditional NCCC FEMA Corps

State and National program (please specify the name of the program): 

What year did you begin serving in your Fourth Term? 

For your Fourth Term, what was the duration of your term of service?

Full-time Part-time Quarter-time Minimum-time
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Please list the approximate number of hours you served during your Fourth Term: 

When answering these questions, please consider only your first term in AmeriCorps.

14. How old were you when you served in your first AmeriCorps program?

 Under 20  20 to 25  26 to 30  31 to 35

 36 to 40  41 to 50  51 to 65  66 and over

15. Were you a parent/primary caregiver during your first term of service in AmeriCorps?

 No

 Yes, and all of my children lived with me

 Yes, and some of my children lived with me.

 Yes, and none of my children lived with me.

 Yes, I was a parent of adult children who no longer lived with me.

16. What were you doing in the six months before you first entered AmeriCorps? Select all that 

apply.

 Working in the private sector

 Working in the nonprofit or social service sector

 Working in the public/government sector

 Attending high school

 Attending a vocational/technical training program

 Attending college

 Attending graduate school

 Engaged another service experience such as the Peace Corps

 Working in my own small business

 Working at a nonprofit or social entrepreneurship venture that I created

 Serving in the military

 Unemployed

 Other

a. If Other, please describe what you did immediately before entering AmeriCorps: 

When answering the rest of the questions on this survey, if you served more than one term please 

consider your AmeriCorps experiences as a whole.

17. What were the main focus areas of your AmeriCorps service experience? Select all that 

apply.

 Education

 Healthy Futures

 Disaster Services

 Veterans and Military Families

 Environmental Stewardship

 Economic Opportunity

 Capacity Building

 Not Sure/Does Not Apply
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18. For the statements below, please indicate how much you would have agreed or disagreed before your AmeriCorps service and how 

much you agree or disagree now.

Before AmeriCorps Strongly 

Agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Disagree

a. I enjoyed exploring differences between co-workers and/or friends from different cultures or 

backgrounds and me.

b. I enjoyed interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

c. I respected the values of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

d. I felt confident when interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Now Strongly 

Agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Disagree

a. I enjoy exploring differences between co-workers and/or friends from different cultures or 

backgrounds and me.

b. I enjoy interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

c. I respect the values of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

d. I feel confident when interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
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19. For the statements below, please indicate how much you would have agreed or disagreed before your AmeriCorps service and how 

much you agree or disagree now.

Before AmeriCorps Strongly 

Agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Disagree

a. I could always manage to solve difficult problems if I tried hard enough.

b. If someone opposed me, I could find the means and ways to get what I wanted.

c. It was easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.

d. I was confident that I could deal efficiently with unexpected events.

e. Thanks to my resourcefulness, I knew how to handle unforeseen situations.

f. I could solve most problems if I invested the necessary effort.

g. I could remain calm when facing difficulties because I could rely on my coping abilities.

h. When I was confronted with a problem, I could usually find several solutions.

i. If I was in trouble, I could usually think of a solution.

j. I could usually handle whatever came my way.

Now Strongly 

Agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Disagree

a. I can always manage to solve difficult problems if I try hard enough.

b. If someone opposes me, I can find the means and ways to get what I want.

c. It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.

d. I am confident that I could deal efficiently with unexpected events.

e. Thanks to my resourcefulness, I know how to handle unforeseen situations.

f. I can solve most problems if I invest the necessary effort.

g. I can remain calm when facing difficulties because I can rely on my coping abilities.

h. When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find several solutions.

i. If I am in trouble, I can usually think of a solution.

j. I can usually handle whatever comes my way.
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20. Thinking about your AmeriCorps experience, please indicate how much you agree or disagree with each of the following 

statements as it relates to your own AmeriCorps experience:

Strongly 

Agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Disagree

a. I felt I made a contribution to the community.

b. I re-examined my beliefs and attitudes about myself.

c. I was exposed to new ideas and ways of seeing the world.

d. I felt part of a community.

e. I learned more about the "real" world or "the rest" of the world.

f. I gained an understanding of the community(s) where I served.

g. I gained an understanding of the solutions to the challenges faced by the community(s) where I 

served.

h. I spent a lot of time doing meaningless “make work” tasks

i. The majority of my work did not make a difference in the community.

j. I felt I made a difference in the life of at least one person.

k. I did things l never thought I could do.

l. I did not get along well with my supervisor and/or my teammates

m. I figured out what my next steps are in terms of educational goals.

n. I figured out what my next steps are in terms of career/professional goals.

o. I felt defeated by the scope of the problems I worked on.

p. I re-examined my beliefs and attitudes about other people.

21. All things considered, how do you feel about your overall AmeriCorps service experience?

Very Satisfied Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

a. Please explain: 
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22. In the last 12 months, how often did you participate in the following activities?

Basically 

every day

A few times 

a week

A few times 

a month

Once a 

month

Less than 

once a 

month

Not at all

a. Participate in community organizations (school, religious, issue-based, 

recreational)

b. Keep informed about news and public issues

c. Help to keep the community safe and clean

d. Volunteer for a cause or issue that I care about

e. Donate money or goods to a cause or issue that I care about

23. Think about how likely you were to participate in the following activities before you did AmeriCorps, and how likely you are now. 

Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to:

Much more 

likely

Somewhat 

more likely No effect Somewhat less likely

Much less 

likely

a. Participate in community organizations (school, religious, issue-based, 

recreational)

b. Vote in elections

c. Keep informed about news and public issues

d. Help to keep the community safe and clean

e. Volunteer for a cause or issue that I care about

f. Donate money or goods to a cause or issue that I care about
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24. Think about your activities in the last 12 months when answering the following questions.

Basically 

every day

A few times 

a week

A few times 

a month

Once a 

month

Less than 

once a 

month

Not at all

a. In the last 12 months, how often did you discuss politics with friends or 

family?

b. In the last 12 months, how often, if at all, did you use the Internet to express 

your opinions about political or community issues?

c. In the last 12 months, how often did you discuss and think about how 

political, social, local, or national issues affect the community?

d. In the last 12 months, how often did you try to encourage others to 

participate in the community?

e. In the last 12 months, how often did you and your neighbors do favors for 

one another? By favors we mean such things as watching each others’ 

children, helping with shopping, house sitting, lending garden or house tools 

and other small things to help each other
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25. In the last 12 months, have you boycotted a product or service because of the social or 

political values of the company that provides it? 

 Yes

 No

 Don't Know

26. Generally speaking, would you say that you can trust all the people, most of the people, some 

of the people, or none of the people in your neighborhood?

 All of the people

 Most of the people

 Some of the people

 None of the people

27. For each of the following institutions, would you say you have a great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, hardly any confidence, or no confidence at all in them to do what is 

right?

A great deal of 

confidence Some confidence Hardly any confidence

No confidence at 

all

a. Corporations

b. The Media

c. Public schools

28. Were you registered to vote in the last presidential election?

 Yes

 No

 No, was not eligible to vote

 Don't Know

29. Did you vote in the last presidential election?

 Yes

 No

 Don't Know

30. How often did you vote in the last 12 months?

 I voted in all elections offered in my district.

 I voted in some elections offered in my district.

 I did not vote in any elections offered in my district.

 No elections were offered in my district in the last 12 months.
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31. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you think you would be 

able to do each of the following:

I definitely 

could do this

I probably 

could do this Not sure

I probably 

could not 

do this

I definitely 

could not 

do this

a. Create a plan to address the problem

b. Get other people to care about the problem

c. Organize and run a meeting

d. Express your views in front of a group of people

e. Identify individuals or groups who could help you with the problem

f. Express your views on the Internet or through social media

g. Call someone on the phone you had never met before to get their help 

with the problem

h. Contact an elected official about the problem
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32. For the statements below, please indicate how much you would have agreed or disagreed before your AmeriCorps service and how 

much you agree or disagree now.

Before AmeriCorps Strongly 

Agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Disagree

a. I had a strong and personal attachment to a particular community.

b. I was aware of the important needs in the community.

c. I felt a personal obligation to contribute in some way to the community.

d. I was or planned to become actively involved in issues that positively affect the community.

e. I believed that voting in elections is a very important obligation that a citizen owes to the country.

Now Strongly 

Agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Disagree

a. I have a strong and personal attachment to a particular community.

b. I am aware of the important needs in the community.

c. I feel a personal obligation to contribute in some way to the community.

d. I am or plan to become actively involved in issues that positively affect the community.

e. I believe that voting in elections is a very important obligation that a citizen owes to the country.

33. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements:

Strongly 

Agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Disagree

a. Participating in AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in terms of furthering my educational 

goals and future educational endeavors.

b. Participating in AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in terms of furthering my professional 

goals and future professional endeavors.

c. Participating in AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in terms of furthering my personal goals 

and future personal endeavors.
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34. How much do you agree or disagree that your AmeriCorps service was a defining personal 

experience? A defining experience is one that confirmed your beliefs and aspirations, or one 

that resulted in a change or shift in your beliefs and aspirations.

 Strongly Agree

 Agree

 Neither

 Disagree

 Strongly Disagree

a. Please explain how AmeriCorps was or was not a defining personal experience:

35. How much do you agree or disagree that your AmeriCorps service was a defining 

professional experience? A defining experience is one that confirmed your professional goals 

or one that resulted in a change or shift in your professional goals.

 Strongly Agree

 Agree

 Neither

 Disagree

 Strongly Disagree

a. Please explain how AmeriCorps was or was not a defining professional experience: 

36. How did your AmeriCorps service fit into how your career path has unfolded? Select the 

option that most closely describes your career path.

 It aligned with the career path I was already pursuing.

 My career took a different path into work in a service-related field.

 My career took a different path into non-service work after AmeriCorps.

 My career took a different path into non-service work after AmeriCorps, but then I 

returned to service work.

a. Please explain how your AmeriCorps experience fit into how your career path 

unfolded: 

37. After your AmeriCorps service, did you stay in the community in which you were serving?

 Yes – I was not originally from that community but I stayed there after AmeriCorps.

 Yes – I was originally from that community and I stayed there after AmeriCorps.

 No – I moved back to where I was living before AmeriCorps.

 No – I moved to a new community.
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38. If a good friend or family member told you he or she was interested in joining AmeriCorps, 

would you:

 Advise against it

 Have second thoughts about recommending it

 Recommend it

 Strongly recommend it

39. How closely do you associate your AmeriCorps service with each of the following?

Very 

Closely Closely Somewhat Not much Not at all Not applicable

a. AmeriCorps

b. NCCC, FEMA Corps, 

VISTA, or AmeriCorps State 

and National

c. The agency or nonprofit that 

operated your program

d. The specific organization or 

site where you served

e. Other (please specify):

40. How did you use your AmeriCorps education award? Select all that apply.

 To attend college

 To repay student loans

 To attend graduate school

 To attend a technical or vocational training program

 Transfer education award to a family member

 I did not qualify to receive an education award

 I chose to receive a stipend instead of an education award

 I did not use my education award

 I have not yet used my education award but I plan to use it

41. What did you do in the six months after your AmeriCorps service? Select all that apply.

 Got a job in the private sector

 Got a job in the nonprofit or social service sector

 Got a job in the public/government sector

 Enrolled in a vocational/technical training program

 Went to college

 Went to graduate school

 Enrolled in the same AmeriCorps program

 Enrolled in another AmeriCorps program

 Pursued another service experience such as the Peace Corps

 Started a small business

 Started a nonprofit or social entrepreneurship venture

 Served in the military

 Unemployed

 Other (describe what you did immediately after your AmeriCorps service): 
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42. If you got a job in the six months after your AmeriCorps service, was it a position in, or 

directly connected to, the organization or agency in which you served?

 Yes

 No

a. If yes, please explain:

43. What are you doing now? Select all that apply.

 Working in the nonprofit sector

 Working in the private sector

 Working in government or in the public sector

 Serving in the military

 Self-employed

 Looking for work

 Staying at home to take care of a family or household member or for other reasons

 Working as a supervisor or in a management capacity

 Serving in another national service program (another AmeriCorps program, Senior Corps, 

NCCC, or VISTA project)

 Serving with the Peace Corps

 Engaging in other volunteer service

 Making plans to attend school

 Attending college or graduate school

 Enrolled in a certificate, technical, or vocational program

 Other (specify): 

44. If you are working now, does your current job involve any of the organizations or 

AmeriCorps programs that you worked with during your AmeriCorps service?

 Yes

 No

a. If yes, please explain:

45. Do you include your AmeriCorps experience on your resume?

 Always

 Usually

 Sometimes

 Rarely

 Never

a. Please explain:

46. If and when you do include AmeriCorps on your resume, do you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the “volunteering or community service” section?

 Work experience

 Volunteer or community service

 I have done both, depending on the particular use of the resume
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47. Please rate yourself in each of the following skill areas.

Excellent Good Average Poor

a. Conducting yourself in a professional manner

b. Working independently

c. Meeting deadlines

d. Setting priorities for multiple tasks

e. Communicating verbally with others

f. Communicate in writing with others

g. Adapting to new situations

h. Responding to unexpected challenges

i. Working with people different from myself

j. Facilitating groups

k. Leading teams

l. Recruiting and/or managing community volunteers

m. Assessing problems and finding solutions

n. Planning, coordinating and managing events

48. To what extent did your AmeriCorps experience help you increase this skill?

A great 

deal Somewhat Very little Not at all Not sure

a. Conducting yourself in a professional manner

b. Working independently

c. Meeting deadlines

d. Setting priorities for multiple tasks

e. Communicating verbally with others

f. Communicate in writing with others

g. Adapting to new situations

h. Responding to unexpected challenges

i. Working with people different from myself

j. Facilitating groups

k. Leading teams

l. Recruiting and/or managing community volunteers

m. Assessing problems and finding solutions

n. Planning, coordinating and managing events
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49. Would you be willing to take a follow-up alumni survey in the future? If so, please give your:

Name:

Email address: 

Mailing address: 

Phone number: 

The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C § 552a) requires that the following notice be provided: The information 

requested in the Alumni Outcome Survey is collected pursuant to 42 U.S.C 12592 and 12615 of the 

National and Community Service Act of 1990 as amended, and 42 U.S.C. 4953 of the Domestic Volunteer 

Service Act of 1973 as amended, and 42 U.S.C. 12639. Purposes and Uses - The information requested is 

collected for the purposes of assessing the impact of the AmeriCorps program. Routine Uses - Routine 

uses may include disclosure of the information to federal, state, or local agencies pursuant to lawfully 

authorized requests. In some programs, the information may also be provided to federal, state, and local 

law enforcement agencies to determine the existence of any prior criminal convictions. The information 

may also be provided to appropriate federal agencies and Department contractors that have a need to 

know the information for the purpose of assisting the Department’s efforts to respond to a suspected or 

confirmed breach of the security or confidentiality or information maintained in this system of records, 

and the information disclosed is relevant and unnecessary for the assistance. The information will not 

otherwise be disclosed to entities outside of the Corporation for National and Community Service 

without prior written permission. Effects of Nondisclosure - The information requested is not mandatory.
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Appendix B: Raw Frequencies

Survey results are estimates of population values and always contain some error because they are based on samples. One tool for assessing the 

reliability, or precision, of survey estimates is the relative standard error (RSE) of an estimate. Estimates with large RSEs are considered less 

reliable than estimates with small RSEs. Relative standard error is calculated by dividing the standard error of the estimate by the estimate itself. 

Relative standard error is expressed as a percent of the estimate.[1] For example, if the estimate of those who strongly agree is 23 percent and the 

standard error of the estimate is 1 percent, the RSE of the estimate = 1/23 or 4 percent.

For the purpose of reporting data, the AmeriCorps Alumni Outcomes Survey has adopted the following data suppression rules:

1. Estimates with RSEs greater than 30 percent but no more than 50 percent are published but should be used with caution (marked with an 

”

a”).

2. Estimates with fewer than five responses or RSEs greater than 50 percent are considered statistically unreliable and are suppressed 

(marked with a ”b”).

Table B1: Question 2. What is your gender?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Female 78% 71% 75% 72% 74% 78% 75%

Male 22% 28% 23% 27% 26% 21% 25%

Other Gender b b 1%a 1%a b b 1%a

Table B2: Question 3. Are you a parent/primary caregiver?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

No 64% 80% 69% 89% 76% 48% 71%

Yes, and all of my children currently live with me 31% 19% 20% 8% 19% 43% 23%

Yes, and some of my children currently live with me 2%a b 4% 1% 2% 2% 2%

Yes, and none of my children currently live with me 1%a b b b b 1% 1%a

Yes, I am a parent of adult children who no longer live with me 3% b 7% 2% 3% 6% 3%

Table B3: Question 4. Have you served on active duty in the military?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

No 95% 97% 96% 96% 96% 95% 96%

Yes 5% 3% 4% 4% 4% 5% 4%

 

[1] Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (December, 2014). Behavioral Risk Factor Survey Relative Standard Error. Retrieved March 18, 2015 from 

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wish/brfs/rse.htm.
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Table B4: Question 5. Which of the following describes your race? Please select one or more.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Black or African American 13% 4% 13% 10% 9% 11% 10%

American Indian or Alaskan Native 1%a 1%a 2% 1% 2%a 1% 2%a

Asian 5% 4% 5% 5% 5% 4% 5%

White 77% 90% 78% 81% 83% 82% 82%

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 1%a b b 2%a b b 1%a

Other 9% 6% 8% 8% 7% 7% 7%

Table B5: Question 6. Which of the following describes your ethnicity? Please select only one.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Hispanic or Latina/o 10% 5% 9% 8% 8% 6% 8%

Not Hispanic or Latina/o 90% 95% 91% 92% 92% 94% 92%

Table B6: Question 7. Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

High school degree (HS Diploma or GED) 1% 2% 2% 2% 2% 1%a 2%a

Some college 8% 11% 6% 9% 7% 9% 8%a

2-year college degree (AA) 4% 5% 3% 5% 3%a 5% 4%

Technical or vocational degree or certificate 2% 1% 2% 2% 2%a 1%a 2%

4-year college degree (BA, BS) 29% 40% 34% 44% 35% 24% 35%

Some graduate school 10% 9% 11% 13% 8% 9% 10%

Graduate or professional degree (MA, MS, MD, JD, Ph.D., etc.) 45% 31% 41% 25% 43% 49% 39%

Other b b b b 1% b 1%

Table B7: Question 8. Prior to serving in AmeriCorps, did you or anyone in your immediate family ever receive welfare payments or public 

assistance benefits?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 23% 11% 21% 19% 19% 16% 18%

No 73% 83% 75% 75% 75% 81% 77%

Not sure 5% 5% 4% 6% 6%a 3%a 5%
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Table B8: Question 9. What is your current marital status?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Married 39% 31% 36% 16% 34% 57% 35%

Common law marriage or domestic partnership 5% 4% 6% 3%a 8% 4% 5%

Widowed 2% b 2% b 1%a 2%a 1%a

Divorced 5% 1% 7% 3%a 5% 6% 5%

Separated 2% b 1% b b 2%a 1%a

Never Married 47% 63% 47% 77% 51% 28% 53%

Table B9: Question 11a. What AmeriCorps program did you serve in? (First term)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

VISTA 19% b 91% 40% 38% 40% 39%

NCCC Traditional 16% 94% 4% 34% 40% 43% 39%

NCCC FEMA Corps b 2% b 2% b b 1%

State and National program 64% 3% 6% 24% 22% 17% 21%

Table B10: Question 13. For your First Term-, what was the duration of your term of service?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Full time 78% 98% 94% 92% 88% 91% 91%

Part-time 17% 1% 4% 6% 8% 6% 7%

Quarter-time 2% b 1% b 1% 1% 1%

Minimum time 3% 1% b 2% 2% 1% 2%

Table B11: Unnumbered Question. Did you serve in a second term?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 38% 23% 33% 36% 27% 29% 31%

No 62% 77% 67% 64% 73% 71% 69%

Table B12: Question 10b. What AmeriCorps program did you serve in? (Second term)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

VISTA 13% b 89% 39% 45% 36% 40%

NCCC Traditional 14% 82% 4% 27% 29% 27% 28%

NCCC FEMA Corps b b b b b b b

State and National program 72% 16% 7% 33% 25% 36% 32%
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Table B13: Question 12b. For your Second Term, what was the duration of your term of service?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Full time 79% 97% 93% 92% 85% 89% 89%

Part-time 18% b 5% 8% 9% 9% 9%

Quarter-time b b b b 4% b 1%

Minimum time b b b b b b b

Table B14: Unnumbered Question. Did you serve in a third term?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 6% 6% 20% 15% 11% 8% 12%

No 94% 94% 80% 85% 89% 92% 88%

Table B15: Question 10c. What AmeriCorps program did you serve in? (Third term)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

VISTA b b 94% 63% 75% 73% 68%

NCCC Traditional b b b b b b 14%

NCCC FEMA Corps b b b b b b b

State and National program 67% b b 22% b b 16%

Table B16: Question 12c. For your Third Term, what was the duration of your term of service?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Full time 78% 100% 91% 93% 83% 91% 90%

Part-time b b b b b b b

Quarter-time b b b b b b b

Minimum time b b b b b b b

Table B17: Unnumbered Question. Did you serve a fourth term?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes b b b b b b 12%

No 89% b 88% 89% 83% 90% 88%

Table B18: Question 10d. What AmeriCorps program did you serve in? (Fourth term)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

VISTA b b b b b b b

NCCC Traditional b b b b b b b

NCCC FEMA Corps b b b b b b b

State and National program b b b b b b b
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Table B19: Question 12d. For your Fourth Term, what was the duration of your service?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Full time b b b b b b b

Part-time b b b b b b b

Quarter-time b b b b b b b

Minimum time b b b b b b b

Table B20: Question 14. How old were you when you served in your first AmeriCorps program?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Under 20 10% 19% 2% 8% 11% 12% 10%

20 to 25 63% 81% 66% 74% 70% 67% 70%

26 to 30 13% b 12% 7% 10% 7% 8%

31 to 35 4% b 5% 3%a 2%a 3%a 3%

36 to 40 3% b 4% 2%a 2%a 3%a 2%

41 to 50 3% b 5% 2%a 3%a 4% 3%

51 to 65 4% b 6% 4%a 3%a 4% 3%

66 and over b b b b b b b

Table B21: Question 15. Were you a parent/primary caregiver during your first term of service in AmeriCorps?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

No 87% 100% 87% 93% 92% 89% 91%

Yes, and all of my children lived with me 11% b 8% 4% 6% 9% 6%

Yes, and some of my children lived with me b b 1%a 1% b b 1%a

Yes, and none of my children lived with me b b b b b b 0%

Yes, I was a parent of adult children who no longer lived with me 2%a b 3% 1% 2%a 2%a 2%
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Table B22: Question 16. What were you doing in the six months before you first entered AmeriCorps? Select all that apply.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Working in the private sector 18% 32% 22% 22% 24% 27% 24%

Working in the nonprofit or social service sector 15% 9% 14% 15% 12% 10% 12%

Working in the public/government sector 7% 7% 6% 8% 6% 7% 7%

Attending high school 5% 11% b 4%a 6%a 6%a 5%

Attending a vocational/technical training program 1%a 1%a 1%a 2%a b b 1%a

Attending college 53% 61% 49% 54% 56% 54% 54%

Attending graduate school 6% b 5% 5% 3%a 3% 4%

Engaged another service experience such as the Peace Corps b b 1%a 1% b 1% 1%a

Working in my own small business b b 2%a 1% 1% b 1%a

Working at a nonprofit or social entrepreneurship venture that I created b b b b b b b

Serving in the military b b b b b b b

Unemployed 10% 8% 13% 13% 8% 9% 10%

Other 7% 6% 11% 7% 9% 9% 8%

Table B23: Question 17. What were the main focus areas of your AmeriCorps service experience? Select all that apply.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Education 74% 60% 53% 58% 58% 68% 61%

Healthy Futures 19% 19% 20% 18% 15% 24% 19%

Disaster Services 3%a 76% 7% 26% 37% 28% 30%

Veterans and Military Families b b 1%a 1%a b b 1%a

Environmental Stewardship 15% 80% 10% 33% 35% 41% 37%

Economic Opportunity 10% 24% 29% 22% 19% 25% 22%

Capacity Building 10% 23% 48% 37% 27% 21% 29%

Not Sure/Does Not apply 10% 5% 7% 7% 7% 8% 7%

Table B24: Question 18a. (Before AmeriCorps) I enjoyed exploring differences between co-workers and/or friends from different cultures or 

backgrounds and me.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 41% 31% 46% 43% 38% 38% 40%

Agree 44% 48% 41% 42% 44% 47% 44%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 12% 17% 11% 13% 16% 12% 14%

Disagree 2%a 3% 2%a 3%a 2% 2%a 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b
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Table B25: Question 18a. (Now) I enjoy exploring differences between co-workers and/or friends from different cultures or backgrounds and 

me.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 60% 56% 62% 61% 57% 61% 60%

Agree 36% 38% 31% 33% 36% 36% 35%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 3%a 5% 5% 5%a 7%a 2%a 4%

Disagree b b b b b b 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table B26: Question 18b. (Before AmeriCorps) I enjoyed interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 47% 39% 53% 51% 45% 42% 46%

Agree 42% 47% 39% 39% 43% 46% 42%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9% 12% 8% 9% 11% 10% 10%

Disagree 2%a 2%a b 1%a 1%a 1%a 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B27: Question 18b. (Now) I enjoy interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 67% 64% 65% 66% 63% 66% 65%

Agree 31% 31% 31% 29% 32% 32% 31%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 2%a 3% 3% 3% 4%a 2%a 3%

Disagree b b b 1% b b 1%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table B28: Question 18c. (Before AmeriCorps) I respected the values of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 51% 38% 60% 53% 49% 47% 50%

Agree 42% 52% 35% 41% 43% 45% 43%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 9% 5% 5% 7% 7% 6%

Disagree b 1%a b b b b 1%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b
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Table B29: Question 18c. (Now) I respect the values of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 72% 70% 76% 75% 71% 73% 73%

Agree 27% 27% 21% 23% 26% 26% 25%

Neither Agree nor Disagree b 1%a 2%a 2% 2% b 1%a

Disagree b b b b b b b

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B30: Question 18d. (Before AmeriCorps) I felt confident when interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 29% 18% 33% 31% 24% 24% 26%

Agree 45% 46% 46% 42% 51% 45% 46%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 18% 23% 15% 18% 19% 20% 19%

Disagree 8% 12% 5% 8% 6% 11% 8%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table B31: Question 18d. (Now) I feel confident when interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 57% 51% 57% 55% 55% 55% 55%

Agree 37% 41% 36% 38% 39% 39% 38%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 7% 5% 6% 6%a 6% 6%

Disagree b b 1%a b b b 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table B32: Question 19a. (Before AmeriCorps) I could always manage to solve difficult problems if I tried hard enough.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 22% 17% 24% 22% 19% 23% 21%

Agree 57% 55% 54% 60% 57% 49% 55%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 18% 21% 17% 14% 20% 23% 19%

Disagree 2%a 6% 4% 3% 4%a 5%a 4%

Strongly Disagree b b b 1% b b 0%
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Table B33: Question 19a. (Now) I can always manage to solve difficult problems if I try hard enough.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 47% 52% 44% 49% 47% 48% 48%

Agree 45% 40% 43% 43% 44% 41% 43%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 6% 10% 6%a 8% 8% 7%

Disagree 1%a b 2% 2% b 2%a 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 1%

Table B34: Question 19b. (Before AmeriCorps) If someone opposed me, I could find the means and ways to get what I wanted.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 9% 6% 10% 10% 6% 8% 8%

Agree 33% 31% 34% 33% 33% 31% 32%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 44% 50% 46% 45% 49% 46% 47%

Disagree 14% 13% 10% 12% 10% 15% 12%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 1%a

Table B35: Question 19b. (Now) If someone opposes me, I can find the means and ways to get what I want.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 18% 19% 17% 19% 18% 16% 18%

Agree 42% 36% 36% 40% 34% 40% 38%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 31% 37% 40% 35% 40% 36% 37%

Disagree 8% 7% 6% 5%a 7% 8% 7%

Strongly Disagree b b 1%a b 2% b 1%a

Table B36: Question 19c. (Before AmeriCorps) It was easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 17% 16% 22% 20% 18% 18% 19%

Agree 60% 54% 54% 55% 58% 54% 56%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 18% 19% 16% 17% 15% 20% 18%

Disagree 5% 10% 8% 7% 8% 8% 8%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b
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Table B37: Question 19c. (Now) It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 34% 40% 33% 37% 34% 36% 36%

Agree 57% 50% 53% 52% 55% 53% 53%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 9% 10% 9% 9% 8% 9%

Disagree 2% b 3% 2% 20% 3%a 2%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B38: Question 19d. (Before AmeriCorps) I was confident that I could deal efficiently with unexpected events.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 21% 12% 20% 18% 16% 18% 17%

Agree 51% 51% 54% 52% 57% 49% 52%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 21% 27% 18% 21% 20% 25% 22%

Disagree 7% 9% 7% 8% 8% 8% 8%

Strongly Disagree b b b 1% b b 0%a

Table B39: Question 19d. (Now) I am confident that I could deal efficiently with unexpected events.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 51% 55% 47% 51% 50% 51% 51%

Agree 46% 38% 45% 42% 44% 43% 43%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 3%a 5% 5% 5%a 5%a 4%a 5%

Disagree b b 2%a 2% b 1% 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B40: Question 19e. (Before AmeriCorps) Thanks to my resourcefulness, I knew how to handle unforeseen situations.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 20% 10% 18% 17% 16% 14% 16%

Agree 48% 55% 56% 53% 55% 52% 53%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 25% 28% 21% 22% 24% 27% 24%

Disagree 6% 7% 5% 6% 5% 6% 6%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%
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Table B41: Question 19e. (Now) Thanks to my resourcefulness, I know how to handle unforeseen situations.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 51% 55% 45% 50% 51% 50% 50%

Agree 43% 40% 48% 43% 44% 44% 44%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 5% 5% 6% 6% 4%a 5% 5%

Disagree b b b b b b 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B42: Question 19f. (Before AmeriCorps) I could solve most problems if I invested the necessary effort.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 23% 19% 27% 25% 21% 22% 23%

Agree 62% 64% 58% 61% 64% 59% 61%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 13% 13% 12% 11% 12% 15% 13%

Disagree 2%a 4% 2% 3%a 3%a 3%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B43: Question 19f. (Now) I can solve most problems if I invest the necessary effort.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 48% 55% 42% 50% 46% 49% 48%

Agree 46% 40% 48% 42% 47% 44% 44%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 4% 5% 8% 6% 6%a 5% 6%

Disagree 1%a b 2%a 2% b 1%a 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B44: Question 19g. (Before AmeriCorps) I could remain calm when facing difficulties because I could rely on my coping abilities.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 18% 14% 21% 19% 17% 16% 17%

Agree 53% 51% 48% 49% 53% 50% 51%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 21% 20% 21% 20% 19% 22% 21%

Disagree 7% 14% 9% 11% 9% 10% 10%

Strongly Disagree b b 2%a 1%a b 1% 1%a
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Table B45: Question 19g. (Now) I can remain calm when facing difficulties because I can rely on my coping abilities.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 43% 44% 40% 42% 43% 42% 42%

Agree 50% 47% 47% 47% 49% 48% 48%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 7% 11% 10% 7% 7% 8%

Disagree b 2%a 2%a b b 2%a 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B46: Question19h. (Before AmeriCorps) When I was confronted with a problem, I could usually find several solutions.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 17% 11% 19% 16% 17% 14% 16%

Agree 57% 59% 57% 59% 57% 57% 58%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 20% 23% 20% 20% 20% 24% 21%

Disagree 5% 7% 3% 5%a 5% 5% 5%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B47: Question 19h. (Now) When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find several solutions.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 42% 41% 36% 37% 40% 42% 40%

Agree 51% 50% 54% 54% 51% 50% 52%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 7% 8% 9% 9% 8% 7% 8%

Disagree b b b b b b 1%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B48: Question 19i. (Before AmeriCorps) If I was in trouble, I could usually think of a solution.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 18% 14% 19% 19% 16% 15% 17%

Agree 62% 64% 62% 60% 64% 64% 63%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 18% 18% 17% 18% 17% 17% 18%

Disagree 2%a 4% 2%a 2%a 3% 2%a 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b
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Table B49: Question 19i. (Now) If I am in trouble, I can usually think of a solution.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 38% 40% 35% 37% 37% 38% 37%

Agree 56% 54% 57% 55% 55% 57% 56%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 5% 5% 8% 7% 7% 4%a 6%

Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table B50: Question 19j. (Before AmeriCorps) I could usually handle whatever came my way.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 20% 17% 22% 20% 20% 18% 20%

Agree 59% 59% 56% 59% 57% 57% 58%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 15% 16% 16% 15% 16% 17% 16%

Disagree 6% 8% 5% 6%a 7% 7% 7%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table B51: Question 19j. (Now) I can usually handle whatever comes my way.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 42% 50% 41% 45% 44% 45% 45%

Agree 53% 45% 50% 50% 48% 50% 49%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 4% 3% 8% 4%a 7% 4% 5%

Disagree b b 1%a 1%a b b 1%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table B52: Question 20a. I felt I made a contribution to the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 50% 61% 40% 48% 41% 60% 50%

Agree 44% 35% 45% 42% 47% 35% 41%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 5% 2% 8% 5%a 7% 3%a 5%

Disagree b b 5% 3%a 3%a 1%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b 1%a 2%a 2% 2% b 1%a
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Table B53: Question 20b. I re-examined my beliefs and attitudes about myself

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 39% 48% 28% 40% 32% 41% 38%

Agree 37% 39% 42% 39% 43% 37% 39%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 17% 9% 22% 13% 18% 18% 16%

Disagree 6% 4% 6% 6% 6% 3%a 5%

Strongly Disagree b b 2%a 2% 1% b 1%a

Table B54: Question 20c. I was exposed to new ideas and ways of seeing the world

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 51% 64% 38% 50% 46% 56% 51%

Agree 36% 31% 46% 38% 42% 35% 38%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9% 3% 10% 8% 7% 7% 7%

Disagree 3% b 4% 2%a 4%a 1%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b b 2%a 2% b b 1%a

Table B55: Question 20d. I felt part of a community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 49% 59% 40% 45% 46% 56% 49%

Agree 34% 30% 38% 35% 37% 31% 34%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 10% 6% 10% 10% 10% 6% 9%

Disagree 5% 3% 8% 7% 4%a 5% 5%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 1%a 4% 4%a 3%a b 3%

Table B56: Question 20e. I learned more about the "real" world or "the rest" of the world

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 46% 55% 35% 45% 39% 51% 45%

Agree 33% 31% 39% 34% 40% 30% 35%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 13% 9% 17% 11% 14% 15% 13%

Disagree 6% 4% 5% 7% 4%a 3%a 5%

Strongly Disagree 1%a 1%a 4% 3% 3%a 1%a 2%a
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Table B57: Question 20f. I gained an understanding of the community(s) where I served

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 53% 53% 44% 49% 47% 53% 50%

Agree 42% 39% 45% 42% 44% 41% 42%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 3%a 6% 6% 6%a 4%a 5% 5%

Disagree 1%a 2% 3% 3% 4%a b 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b 1%a b b b 1%a

Table B58: Question 20g. I gained an understanding of the solutions to the challenges faced by the community(s) where I served

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 40% 40% 36% 37% 38% 41% 39%

Agree 46% 46% 44% 46% 45% 45% 45%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9% 11% 12% 10% 11% 11% 11%

Disagree 3%a 3% 7% 4% 6%a 6%a 4%

Strongly Disagree 1%a b 2%a 2% 1% b 1%a

Table B59: Question 20h. I spent a lot of time doing meaningless “make work” tasks

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 6% 6% 11% 10% 9% 4% 8%

Agree 10% 16% 13% 16% 13% 10% 13%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 15% 24% 17% 18% 21% 19% 19%

Disagree 43% 39% 40% 38% 43% 40% 41%

Strongly Disagree 27% 14% 19% 18% 14% 26% 19%

Table B60: Question 20i. The majority of my work did not make a difference in the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 5% 3% 8% 6%a 8% 3%a 6%

Agree 8% 6% 10% 10% 10% 5% 8%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 12% 10% 16% 14% 13% 11% 13%

Disagree 44%a 48% 41% 44% 44% 45% 44%

Strongly Disagree 31% 33% 24%a 27% 26% 36% 29%
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Table B61: Question 20j. I felt I made a difference in the life of at least one person

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 61% 61% 46% 56% 50% 60% 55%

Agree 31% 32% 40% 34% 39% 31% 35%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 6% 9% 7% 7% 6% 7%

Disagree 2%a b 3% 2% 2%a 1% 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b 2%a 1% 1% b 1%a

Table B62: Question 20k. I did things l never thought I could do

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 36% 53% 25% 38% 34% 41% 38%

Agree 32% 30% 30% 30% 32% 29% 30%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 19% 9% 25% 18% 15% 19% 18%

Disagree 11% 6% 15% 10% 15% 7% 11%

Strongly Disagree 1%a 2% 6% 3%a 4%a 3%a 3%

Table B63: Question 20l. I did not get along well with my supervisor and/or my teammates

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 4% 4% 6% 5%a 6% 3%a 5%

Agree 8% 8% 9% 10% 9% 6% 9%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 10% 16% 15% 16% 13% 13% 14%

Disagree 37% 38% 30% 34% 37% 33% 35%

Strongly Disagree 42% 33% 41% 35% 35% 45% 38%

Table B64: Question 20m. I figured out what my next steps are in terms of educational goals

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 27% 21% 21% 21% 24% 24% 23%

Agree 31% 27% 27% 28% 26% 30% 28%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 25% 31% 31% 30% 29% 30% 30%

Disagree 14% 16% 16% 16% 17% 14% 16%

Strongly Disagree 3%a 4% 4% 5%a 4% 2%a 4%
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Table B65: Question 20n. I figured out what my next steps are in terms of career/professional goals

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 29% 22% 29% 28% 24% 28% 27%

Agree 36% 36% 36% 38% 35% 35% 36%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 21% 24% 22% 20% 26% 21% 22%

Disagree 11% 14% 10% 10% 11% 14% 12%

Strongly Disagree 3%a 4% 4% 4%a 4%a 2%a 3%

Table B66: Question 20o. I felt defeated by the scope of the problems I worked on

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 5% 2% 6% 5% 5%a 2%a 4%

Agree 11% 5% 10% 11% 9% 5% 8%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 16% 16% 22% 18% 18% 19% 18%

Disagree 41% 49% 39% 43% 48% 39% 43%

Strongly Disagree 27% 28% 23% 24% 20% 34% 26%

Table B67: Question 20p. I re-examined my beliefs and attitudes about other people

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 23% 31% 17% 23% 20% 28% 24%

Agree 43% 43% 41% 44% 45% 39% 43%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 23% 18% 28% 22% 24% 23% 23%

Disagree 8% 6% 9% 8% 8% 7% 8%

Strongly Disagree 3%a 2%a 4% 3%a 3%a 3%a 3%

Table B68: Question 21. All things considered, how do you feel about your overall AmeriCorps service experience?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Very Satisfied 55% 69% 43% 49% 52% 66% 56%

Satisfied 33% 24% 38% 37% 33% 25% 32%

Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied 6% 3% 8% 6% 6%a 5% 6%

Dissatisfied 3%a 2% 6%a 4%a 5%a 3%a 4%

Very Dissatisfied 2%a 2% 5% 4%a 4%a 1% 3%
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Table B69: Question 22a. In the last 12 months, how often did you ...Participate in community organizations (school, religious, issue-based, 

recreational)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 23% 18% 20% 20% 20% 20% 20%

A few times a week 20% 14% 19% 17% 17% 19% 17%

A few times a month 22% 22% 22% 23% 22% 21% 22%

Once a month 11% 13% 11% 11% 10% 14% 12%

Less than once a month 15% 22% 15% 19% 18% 16% 18%

Not at all 8% 11% 13% 10% 12% 11% 11%

Table B70: Question 22b. In the last 12 months, how often did you ...Keep informed about news and public issues

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 56% 47% 65% 53% 57% 60% 56%

A few times a week 23% 36% 24% 29% 28% 26% 28%

A few times a month 17% 9% 7% 12% 9% 9% 10%

Once a month 2%a 5% 2%a 3%a 3%a 3%a 3%

Less than once a month b 2% b 2%a 2% 1% 1%a

Not at all b b b 1% b b 1%a

Table B71: Question 22c. In the last 12 months, how often did you ...Help to keep the community safe and clean

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 19% 17% 19% 17% 18% 21% 18%

A few times a week 20% 15% 14% 16% 18% 13% 16%

A few times a month 21% 16% 18% 21% 17% 16% 18%

Once a month 9% 12% 11% 9% 11% 12% 11%

Less than once a month 20% 24% 22% 22% 21% 22% 22%

Not at all 11% 16% 16% 14% 15% 16% 15%

Table B72: Question 22d. In the last 12 months, how often did you ...Volunteer for a cause or issue that I care about

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 10% 7% 8% 11% 7% 6% 8%

A few times a week 13% 8% 14% 12% 11% 12% 12%

A few times a month 24% 19% 23% 23% 22% 20% 22%

Once a month 13% 18% 14% 15% 16% 15% 15%

Less than once a month 26% 31% 25% 25% 28% 29% 27%

Not at all 14% 16% 17% 14% 16% 18% 16%
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Table B73: Question 22e. In the last 12 months, how often did you ...Donate money or goods to a cause or issue that I care about

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 5% 3% 4% 6% 2%a 3%a 4%

A few times a week 7% 6% 4% 4%a 7% 7% 6%

A few times a month 24% 22% 23% 23% 23% 23% 23%

Once a month 28% 26% 28% 25% 26% 30% 27%

Less than once a month 28% 32% 30% 30% 32% 29% 30%

Not at all 8% 11% 10% 12% 10% 7% 10%

Table B74: Question 23a. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...Participate in community 

organizations (school, religious, issue-based, recreational)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 24% 33% 20% 26% 22% 29% 26%

Somewhat more likely 40% 37% 38% 35% 38% 42% 38%

No effect 31% 27% 35% 33% 35% 25% 31%

Somewhat less likely 3%a 2%a 4% 4%a 2% 3%a 3%

Much less likely 1%a 1%a 3% 2%a 3%a b 2%a

Table B75: Question 23b. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...vote in elections.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 20% 24% 18% 20% 18% 24% 21%

Somewhat more likely 18% 22% 14% 14% 19% 21% 18%

No effect 60% 52% 66% 64% 61% 54% 60%

Somewhat less likely b b 1%a 1% b b 1%a

Much less likely b 1%a b 2% b b 1%a

Table B76: Question 23c. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...Keep informed about news 

and public issues

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 20% 25% 22% 25% 20% 23% 22%

Somewhat more likely 31% 29% 22% 25% 28% 29% 27%

No effect 47% 43% 55% 48% 50% 48% 48%

Somewhat less likely b b 1%a 1% 1% b 1%a

Much less likely b 1%a b 1% 1% b 1%a
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Table B77: Question 23d. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...Help to keep the community 

safe and clean

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 19% 29% 17% 23% 20% 23% 22%

Somewhat more likely 40% 42% 31% 35% 36% 41% 37%

No effect 39% 27% 48% 39% 42% 34% 38%

Somewhat less likely 1%a 1%a 2%a 2%a b 2%a 2%a

Much less likely b 1%a 2%a 2% b 1%a 1%a

Table B78: Question 23e. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...Volunteer for a cause or 

issue that I care about

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 30% 38% 25% 33% 30% 30% 31%

Somewhat more likely 38% 39% 35% 33% 38% 42% 37%

No effect 28% 21% 34% 30% 28% 25% 28%

Somewhat less likely 2%a 1%a 5% 3%a 3%a 2%a 3%

Much less likely b b 1%a b 2% b 1%a

Table B79: Question 23f. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...Donate money or goods to a 

cause or issue that I care about

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 21% 24% 18% 23% 18% 21% 21%

Somewhat more likely 35% 36% 34% 29% 35% 41% 35%

No effect 40% 38% 42% 43% 42% 35% 40%

Somewhat less likely 2%a 1%a 3% 3%a 2%a 2% 2%

Much less likely 1%a 1%a 2%a 2%a 3%a b 2%a

Table B80: Question 24a. In the last 12 months, how often did you discuss politics with friends or family?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 19% 13% 20% 17% 16% 18% 17%

A few times a week 36% 28% 37% 34% 34% 33% 34%

A few times a month 22% 32% 25% 26% 26% 27% 26%

Once a month 8% 10% 6% 8% 9% 7% 8%

Less than once a month 10% 13% 9% 10% 11% 10% 10%

Not at all 6% 5% 3% 5%a 5%a 5% 5%
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Table B81: Question 24b. In the last 12 months, how often, if at all, did you use the Internet to express your opinions about political or 

community issues?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 7% 5% 8% 10% 3%a 6% 7%

A few times a week 13% 9% 14% 15% 11% 10% 12%

A few times a month 16% 15% 20% 14% 19% 19% 17%

Once a month 11% 12% 11% 11% 11% 10% 11%

Less than once a month 20% 23% 21% 20% 18% 25% 21%

Not at all 33% 37% 26% 30% 38% 29% 32%

Table B82: Question 24c. In the last 12 months, how often did you discuss and think about how political, social, local, or national issues affect 

the community?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 36% 30% 42% 35% 36% 37% 36%

A few times a week 30% 29% 30% 30% 30% 29% 30%

A few times a month 15% 20% 14% 16% 16% 17% 16%

Once a month 9% 7% 4% 7% 5%a 7% 6%

Less than once a month 5% 10% 9% 9% 9% 6%a 8%

Not at all 4% 4% 3% 3%a 3% 5% 51%

Table B83: Question 24d. In the last 12 months, how often did you try to encourage others to participate in the community?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 12% 11% 12% 13% 12% 11% 12%

A few times a week 23% 17% 21% 20% 19% 20% 20%

A few times a month 26% 24% 24% 27% 25% 22% 25%

Once a month 12% 15% 13% 13% 11% 16% 14%

Less than once a month 20% 22% 18% 18% 22% 21% 20%

Not at all 7% 11% 11% 9% 11% 10% 10%

Table B84: Question 24e. In the last 12 months, how often did you and your neighbors do favors for one another? 

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 8% 6% 7% 7% 6% 8% 7%

A few times a week 20% 16% 16% 15% 19% 17% 17%

A few times a month 21% 25% 22% 18% 23% 28% 23%

Once a month 12% 17% 14% 13% 12% 17% 14%

Less than once a month 18% 15% 18% 19% 15% 18% 17%

Not at all 22% 20% 24% 28% 24% 13% 22%
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Table B85: Question 25. In the last 12 months, have you boycotted a product or service because of the social or political values of the company 

that provides it?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 57% 54% 56% 49% 57% 62% 56%

No 38% 41% 38% 45% 38% 33% 39%

Don't know 5% 5% 6% 6%a 5%a 5%a 5%

Table B86: Question 26. Generally speaking, would you say that you can trust all the people, most of the people, some of the people, or none 

of the people in your neighborhood?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

All of the people 7% 9% 6% 8% 6%a 7% 7%

Most of the people 61% 65% 64% 60% 63% 67% 63%

Some of the people 29% 25% 29% 31% 27% 24% 28%

None of the people 2%a 2%a 2%a 1% 4%a b 2%a

Table B87: Question 27a. For each of the following institutions, would you say you have a great deal of confidence, only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or no confidence at all in them to do what is right? Corporations

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal of confidence 3%a 3% 1%a 2% 2%a 2%a 2%

Some confidence 39% 40% 37% 40% 38% 38% 39%

Hardly any confidence 43% 44% 44% 41% 45% 46% 44%

No confidence at all 15% 13% 17% 17% 14% 14% 15%

Table B88: Question 27b. For each of the following institutions, would you say you have a great deal of confidence, only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or no confidence at all in them to do what is right? The Media

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal of confidence 2%a 1%a 2%a 2%a 2% 1%a 2%a

Some confidence 42% 33% 40% 35% 39% 41% 38%

Hardly any confidence 44% 46% 44% 45% 41% 48% 45%

No confidence at all 12% 19% 14% 19% 18% 10% 16%
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Table B89: Question 27c. For each of the following institutions, would you say you have a great deal of confidence, only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or no confidence at all in them to do what is right? Public Schools

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal of confidence 18% 17% 16% 17% 14% 19% 17%

Some confidence 66% 65% 69% 64% 70% 67% 67%

Hardly any confidence 12% 15% 14% 16% 14% 11% 14%

No confidence at all 5% 3% 1%a 3%a 1% 3%a 3%

Table B90: Question 28. Were you registered to vote in the last presidential election?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 94% 91% 94% 90% 93% 95% 93%

No 3% 7% 4% 6%a 5%a 3%a 5%

No, was not eligible to vote 2%a 2%a 2%a 3% 1% 1%a 2%a

Don't know b b b b b b 0%

Table B91: Question 29. Did you vote in the last presidential election?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 90% 83% 89% 82% 88% 92% 87%

No 9% 17% 11% 18% 12% 7% 12%

Don't know b b b b b b 1%a

Table B92: Question 30. How often did you vote in the last 12 months?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I voted in all elections offered in my district 43% 32% 45% 34% 41% 45% 40%

I voted in some elections offered in my district 33% 36% 31% 32% 35% 34% 33%

I did not vote in any elections offered in my district 22% 29% 21% 31% 21% 18% 24%

No elections were offered in my district in the last 12 months 2%a 3% 4% 4%a 2% 3%a 3%

Table B93: Question 31a. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Create a plan to address the problem

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 35% 32% 38% 34% 34% 37% 35%

I probably could do this 42% 44% 44% 46% 44% 40% 43%

Not sure 14% 18% 13% 14% 16% 16% 15%

I probably could not do this 6% 5% 4% 5%a 5%a 6% 5%

I definitely could not do this 2%a b 1%a 2% 1% b 1%a
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Table B94: Question 31b. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Get other people to care about the problem

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 26% 27% 24% 24% 26% 28% 26%

I probably could do this 46% 45% 47% 48% 43% 46% 46%

Not sure 20% 22% 23% 20% 24% 22% 22%

I probably could not do this 6% 5% 5% 7% 6%a 4%a 5%

I definitely could not do this 2%a b 1%a 1% 2% b 1%a

Table B95: Question 31c. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you think 

you would be able to do each of the following: Organize and run a meeting

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 44% 42% 50% 44% 44% 48% 46%

I probably could do this 33% 36% 37% 37% 36% 34% 36%

Not sure 14% 14% 9% 12% 12% 12% 12%

I probably could not do this 5% 6% 3% 5%a 6% 3%a 5%

I definitely could not do this 3%a 1%a 2%a 2% 2% 2%a 2%

Table B96: Question 31d. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Express your views in front of a group of people

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 51% 47% 55% 50% 49% 54% 51%

I probably could do this 36% 39% 36% 38% 36% 37% 37%

Not sure 6% 11% 7% 8% 10% 6% 8%

I probably could not do this 4% 3% 2%a 3%a 4%a 1% 3%

I definitely could not do this 3%a 1%a 1%a 1% 2% 2%a 2%a

Table B97: Question 31e. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Identify individuals or groups who could help you with the problem

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 42% 38% 46% 41% 41% 43% 42%

I probably could do this 45% 49% 42% 49% 41% 44% 45%

Not sure 9% 11% 10% 8% 13% 10% 10%

I probably could not do this 3%a 2%a 2%a 1% 3%a 2% 2%

I definitely could not do this 2%a b b b b b 1%a
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Table B98: Question 31f. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you think 

you would be able to do each of the following: Express your views on the Internet or through social media

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 43% 43% 51% 49% 46% 43% 46%

I probably could do this 35% 37% 35% 33% 34% 39% 35%

Not sure 12% 11% 9% 10% 10% 12% 11%

I probably could not do this 6% 6% 3% 5% 6%a 4%a 5%

I definitely could not do this 4% 4% 2%a 3%a 4%a 2% 3%

Table B99: Question 31g. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Call someone on the phone you had never met before to get their help with the problem

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 36% 37% 43% 37% 38% 42% 39%

I probably could do this 37% 39% 35% 40% 34% 35% 37%

Not sure 15% 16% 15% 16% 16% 14% 15%

I probably could not do this 8% 6% 5% 4% 9% 7% 6%

I definitely could not do this 3% 3% 2%a 3%a 4%a 2% 3%

Table B100: Question 31h. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Contact an elected official about the problem

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 41% 36% 48% 33% 43% 51% 42%

I probably could do this 37% 42% 38% 47% 34% 36% 39%

Not sure 14% 16% 11% 15% 16% 10% 13%

I probably could not do this 5% 4% 2%a 3%a 5%a 3%a 4%

I definitely could not do this 2%a 2%a 1%a 2% 3%a b 2

a

Table B101: Question 32a. (Before AmeriCorps) I had a strong and personal attachment to a particular community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 12% 12% 16% 14% 13% 13% 13%

Agree 35% 33% 34% 35% 32% 35% 34%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 33% 35% 34% 32% 36% 34% 34%

Disagree 18% 17% 13% 15% 15% 16% 16%

Strongly Disagree 3%a 4% 2%a 3%a 3% 2%a 3%
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Table B102: Question 32a. (Now) I have a strong and personal attachment to a particular community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 34% 32% 36% 32% 36% 34% 34%

Agree 43% 43% 39% 41% 40% 44% 42%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 15% 18% 19% 19% 17% 17% 18%

Disagree 7% 5% 5% 7% 5%a 5% 6%

Strongly Disagree b 2%a b 1%a 2% b 1%a

Table B103: Question 32b. (Before AmeriCorps) I was aware of the important needs in the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 9% 6% 11% 11% 9% 7% 9%

Agree 41% 33% 48% 44% 38% 40% 41%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 33% 39% 27% 30% 32% 37% 33%

Disagree 15% 20% 13% 14% 19% 15% 16%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 3% 2%a 2% 2% 2% 2%a

Table B104: Question 32b. (Now) I am aware of the important needs in the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 32% 27% 36% 32% 30% 33% 32%

Agree 51% 54% 53% 52% 53% 53% 53%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 13% 15% 8% 12% 12% 11% 12%

Disagree 3%a 4% 2% 3% 3%a 3%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b b b b 1% b 1%a

Table B105: Question 32c. (Before AmeriCorps) I felt a personal obligation to contribute in some way to the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 15% 13% 22% 16% 18% 17% 17%

Agree 52% 47% 53% 50% 51% 51% 51%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 23% 29% 21% 25% 21% 26% 24%

Disagree 7% 10% 4% 8% 8%a 5%a 7%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 2%a b 1% 3%a b 1%a
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Table B106: Question 32c. (Now) I feel a personal obligation to contribute in some way to the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 40% 43% 45% 43% 39% 46% 43%

Agree 47% 45% 44% 44% 48% 44% 45%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 10% 9% 9% 10% 10% 8% 9%

Disagree 2%a 2%a 2%a 2% 2% 1% 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 1%a

Table B107: Question 32d. (Before AmeriCorps) I was or planned to become actively involved in issues that positively affect the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 14% 10% 17% 12% 17% 12% 14%

Agree 44% 41% 48% 44% 42% 48% 44%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 33% 33% 27% 33% 28% 31% 31%

Disagree 7% 14% 8% 10% 13% 7% 10%

Strongly Disagree b 2%a b 1%a 1% 1% 1%a

Table B108: Question 32d. (Now) I am or plan to become actively involved in issues that positively affect the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 34% 30% 35% 33% 31% 36% 33%

Agree 44% 48% 43% 45% 47% 44% 45%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 19% 18% 17% 19% 17% 17% 18%

Disagree 2%a 3% 4% 4%a 4%a 2%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b b b b 2%a b 1%a

Table B109: Question 32e. (Before AmeriCorps) I believed that voting in elections is a very important obligation that a citizen owes to the 

country

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 41% 30% 46% 36% 42% 39% 39%

Agree 37% 39% 34% 35% 34% 41% 37%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 16% 21% 16% 21% 17% 14% 17%

Disagree 5% 7% 3% 5%a 4%a 5%a 5%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 3% b 3%a 2%a b 2%a
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Table B110: Question 32e. (Now) I believe that voting in elections is a very important obligation that a citizen owes to the country

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 54% 48% 59% 47% 56% 60% 54%

Agree 30% 34% 27% 34% 27% 29% 30%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 13% 12% 9% 14% 11% 8% 11%

Disagree 2%a 4% 3% 5%a 4% 2% 3%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 2%a b 1% 3%a b 1%a

Table B111: Question 33a. Participating in AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in terms of furthering my educational goals and future 

educational endeavors

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 46% 43% 34% 41% 34% 46% 40%

Agree 28% 30% 27% 27% 29% 29% 28%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 15% 19% 21% 17% 21% 17% 18%

Disagree 8% 6% 11% 10% 10% 6% 9%

Strongly Disagree 4% 2% 6% 5%a 5%a 2%a 4%

Table B112: Question 33b. Participating in AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in terms of furthering my professional goals and future 

professional endeavors

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 53% 51% 48% 53% 43% 53% 50%

Agree 29% 33% 28% 32% 29% 29% 30%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 10% 11% 12% 7% 14% 12% 11%

Disagree 5% 4% 6% 4%a 9% 4%a 5%

Strongly Disagree 4% 2% 5% 4%a 4%a 2%a 4%

Table B113: Question 33c. Participating in AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in terms of furthering my personal goals and future 

personal endeavors

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 58% 68% 48% 56% 52% 65% 58%

Agree 32% 26% 33% 30% 33% 28% 30%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 5% 3% 10% 7% 6% 5% 6%

Disagree 3%a 1%a 4% 3%a 4%a b 3%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 2%a 5% 4%a 4%a 1% 3%
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Table B114: Question 34. How much do you agree or disagree that your AmeriCorps service was a defining personal experience? 

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 57% 70% 41% 57% 49% 60% 55%

Agree 31% 24% 39% 29% 35% 31% 31%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9% 5% 12% 9% 10% 7% 9%

Disagree 3%a 1%a 5% 4%a 3%a 2%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b b 3%a 2% 3%a b 2%a

Table B115: Question 35. How much do you agree or disagree that your AmeriCorps service was a defining professional experience?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 46% 40% 40% 45% 37% 43% 42%

Agree 34% 37% 35% 37% 35% 35% 36%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 10% 17% 13% 11% 16% 15% 14%

Disagree 5% 5% 7% 5%a 7% 5% 6%

Strongly Disagree 4% 1%a 5% 3%a 5%a 2%a 3%

Table B116: Question 36. How did your AmeriCorps service fit into how your career path has unfolded?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

It aligned with the career path I was already pursuing 43% 29% 39% 39% 36% 34% 36%

My career took a different path into work in a service-related field 35% 38% 34% 35% 32% 40% 36%

My career took a different path into non-service work after AmeriCorps 19% 29% 22% 22% 28% 22% 24%

My career took a different path into non-service work after AmeriCorps, but then I returned to service work 3%a 5% 5% 4%a 4%a 4%a 4%

Table B117: Question 37. After your AmeriCorps service, did you stay in the community in which you were serving?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes – I was not originally from that community but I stayed there after AmeriCorps 23% 9% 24% 18% 16% 21% 19%

Yes – I was originally from that community and I stayed there after AmeriCorps 19% b 25% 15% 17% 13% 15%

No – I moved back to where I was living before AmeriCorps 17% 48% 13% 28% 27% 24% 26%

No – I moved to a new community 40% 42% 38% 39% 39% 41% 40%

Table B118: Question 38. If a good friend or family member told you he or she was interested in joining AmeriCorps, would you:

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Advise against it 3%a 2% 6% 5%a 5%a b 4%

Have second thoughts about recommending it 5% 5% 14% 11% 9% 5% 8%

Recommend it 35% 21% 37% 33% 33% 26% 31%

Strongly recommend it 57% 72% 44% 52% 52% 68% 57%
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Table B119: Question 39a. How closely do you associate your AmeriCorps service with each of the following? AmeriCorps

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Very closely 37% 63% 44% 47% 46% 54% 49%

Closely 24% 25% 26% 26% 28% 21% 25%

Somewhat 19% 7% 17% 16% 12% 14% 14%

Not much 11% 1%a 5% 5% 6% 5% 5%

Not at all 7% 2%a 4% 3%a 5% 5% 4%

Not applicable 2%a 1%a 3% 2% 3%a 2% 2%a

Table B120: Question 39b. How closely do you associate your AmeriCorps service with each of the following? NCCC, FEMA Corps, VISTA, or 

AmeriCorps State and National

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Very closely 15% 82% 45% 45% 47% 57% 50%

Closely 18% 10% 21% 17% 16% 16% 16%

Somewhat 22% 4% 15% 14% 15% 10% 13%

Not much 18% 2%a 6% 6% 8% 6% 8%

Not at all 19% 1%a 9% 10% 9% 8% 9%

Not applicable 8% b 5% 5% 5% 3% 4%

Table B121: Question 39c. How closely do you associate your AmeriCorps service with each of the following? The agency or nonprofit that 

operated your program

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Very closely 47% 17% 43% 39% 34% 31% 35%

Closely 19% 23% 21% 19% 22% 23% 21%

Somewhat 15% 26% 15% 20% 18% 17% 19%

Not much 7% 9% 7% 7% 9% 7% 8%

Not at all 7% 9% 7% 7% 8%a 9% 8%

Not applicable 4% 17% 6% 8%a 8%a 13% 10%
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Table B122: Question 39d. How closely do you associate your AmeriCorps service with each of the following? The specific organization or site 

where you served

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Very closely 51% 26% 54% 49% 44% 36% 43%

Closely 23% 28% 20% 21% 27% 24% 24%

Somewhat 12% 25% 13% 15% 16% 20% 17%

Not much 5% 7% 5% 6%a 4%a 7% 6%

Not at all 6% 7% 5% 5% 6%a 6% 6%

Not applicable 3%a 8% 3% 4%a 3%a 6%a 5%

Table B123: Question 40. How did you use your AmeriCorps education award? Select all that apply.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

To attend college 14% 33% 10% 16% 19% 23% 19%

To repay student loans 49% 42% 43% 49% 44% 40% 45%

To attend graduate school 24% 21% 23% 17% 26% 25% 22%

To attend a technical or vocational training program 4% 3% 2% 1%a 4%a 3%a 3%

Transfer education award to a family member b b b b b b b

I did not qualify to receive an education award 6% 4% 11% 8%a 7% 6% 7%

I chose to receive a stipend instead of an education award 2%a b 14% 6% 6% 6% 6%

I did not use my education award 7% 4% 4% 4%a 4%a 7% 5%

I have not yet used my education award but I plan to use it 6% 7% 6% 13% 5%a b 6%

Table B124: Question 41. What did you do in the six months after your AmeriCorps service? Select all that apply.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Got a job in the private sector 21% 30% 21% 23% 22% 27% 24%

Got a job in the nonprofit or social service sector 30% 28% 43% 34% 35% 33% 34%

Got a job in the public/government sector 15% 13% 8% 13% 11% 11% 12%

Enrolled in a vocational/technical training program 2%a 3% 2%a 3% 3%a 2%a 2%a

Went to college 12% 28% 7% 14% 15% 19% 16%

Went to graduate school 19% 15% 19% 14% 22% 16% 17%

Enrolled in the same AmeriCorps program 3%a 4% 2%a 4%a 2% 2%a 3%

Enrolled in another AmeriCorps program 4% 3% 4% 5% 2%a 3%a 4%

Pursued another service experience such as the Peace Corps 2%a 2%a 1%a 2%a b 2% 2%a

Started a small business b b 3% b 3% 2% 2%a

Started a nonprofit or social entrepreneurship venture b b b b b b 1%

Served in the military b b b b b b b

Unemployed 8% 8% 9% 11% 9% 5%a 8%

Other: Describe what you did immediately after your AmeriCorps service: 12% 13% 13% 15% 11% 12% 13%
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Table B125: Question 42. If you got a job in the six months after your AmeriCorps service, was it a position in, or directly connected to, the 

organization or agency in which you served?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

No 72% 92% 73% 78% 80% 81% 79%

Yes 28% 8% 27% 22% 20% 19% 21%

Table B126: Question 43. What are you doing now? Select all that apply.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Working in the nonprofit sector 31% 28% 40% 37% 34% 29% 34%

Working in the private sector 22% 29% 21% 21% 28% 25% 24%

Working in government or in the public sector 27% 23% 21% 20% 23% 27% 23%

Serving in the military b 2%a b b b b 1%

Self-employed 10% 4% 7% 4% 7% 9% 7%

Looking for work 12% 9% 6% 11% 7% 7% 9%

Staying at home to take care of a family or household member or for other reasons 4% 4% 5% 2% 4%a 6% 4%

Working as a supervisor or in a management capacity 9% 10% 11% 10% 8%a 13% 10%

Serving in another national service program (another AmeriCorps program, Senior Corps, NCCC, or 

VISTA project)

b b b b b b b

Serving with the Peace Corps b 1%a b 2% b b 1%a

Engaging in other volunteer service 10% 16% 11% 10% 15% 12% 12%

Making plans to attend school 4% 8% 4% 9% 4%a 2%a 5%

Attending college or graduate school 13% 18% 14% 20% 13% 12% 15%

Enrolled in a certificate, technical, or vocational program 3%a 2% 2%a 4%a b 2%a 2%

Other (specify) 6% 11% 12% 8%a 10% 13% 10%

Table B127: Question 44. If you are working now, does your current job involve any of the organizations or AmeriCorps programs that you 

worked with during your AmeriCorps service?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

No 86% 89% 83% 83% 87% 89% 86%

Yes 14% 11% 17% 17% 13% 11% 14%
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Table B128: Question 45. Do you include your AmeriCorps experience on your resume?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Always 63% 77% 70% 82% 68% 59% 70%

Usually 14% 14% 13% 8% 15% 18% 13%

Sometimes 11% 6% 7% 4%a 8% 11% 8%

Rarely 5% 2%a 4% 2% 4%a 6% 4%

Never 8% 2%a 6% 5%a 5% 5% 5%

Table B129: Question 46. If and when you do include AmeriCorps on your resume, do you include it in the “work experience” section or in 

the “volunteering or community service” section?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Work Experience 56% 46% 67% 62% 56% 51% 57%

Volunteer or community service 15% 13% 11% 10% 14% 15% 13%

I have done both, depending on the particular use of the resume 28% 41% 23% 28% 30% 34% 31%

Table B130: Question 47a. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Conducting yourself in a professional manner

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 72% 73% 71% 71% 72% 73% 72%

Good 26% 26% 27% 26% 27% 25% 26%

Average b 2%a 2%a 3%a b 2%a 2%a

Poor b b b b b b b

Table B131: Question 47b. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Working independently

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 74% 73% 73% 71% 72% 77% 73%

Good 23% 25% 23% 26% 25% 21% 24%

Average 3%a 2%a 3% 3%a 3%a 2%a 3%

Poor b b b b b b b

Table B132: Question 47c. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Meeting deadlines

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 58% 63% 61% 59% 65% 59% 61%

Good 34% 31% 33% 31% 30% 37% 33%

Average 7% 6% 5% 9% 5%a 4% 6%

Poor b b b b b b 0%
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Table B133: Question 47d. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Setting priorities for multiple tasks

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 57% 58% 56% 52% 61% 58% 57%

Good 38% 33% 39% 40% 33% 36% 37%

Average 5% 8% 5% 7%a 5%a 6%a 6%

Poor b b b b b b 1%

Table B134: Question 47e. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Communicating verbally with others

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 52% 53% 56% 53% 51% 57% 54%

Good 39% 39% 36% 35% 41% 38% 38%

Average 8% 7% 7% 11% 6%a 5% 7%

Poor b b b b b b 1%a

Table B135: Question 47f. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Communicate in writing with others

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 65% 66% 68% 66% 66% 67% 66%

Good 31% 28% 29% 29% 30% 29% 29%

Average 3%a 6% 4% 5%a 4% 4%a 4%

Poor b b b b b b b

Table B136: Question 47g. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Adapting to new situations

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 55% 60% 51% 55% 54% 56% 55%

Good 37% 35% 41% 36% 39% 39% 38%

Average 7% 5% 8% 8% 6%a 5% 6%

Poor b b b b b b 0%a

Table B137: Question 47h. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Responding to unexpected challenges

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 46% 52% 44% 46% 45% 51% 47%

Good 44% 43% 46% 44% 47% 42% 44%

Average 10% 5% 9% 10% 7%a 7% 8%

Poor b b b b b b 1%
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Table B138: Question 47i. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Working with people different from myself

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 58% 57% 59% 56% 55% 63% 58%

Good 39% 39% 36% 40% 40% 35% 38%

Average 3%a 4% 4% 4%a 4%a 2%a 4%

Poor b b b b b b b

Table B139: Question 47j. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Facilitating groups

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 43% 43% 42% 43% 38% 47% 43%

Good 40% 40% 43% 40% 44% 41% 41%

Average 15% 16% 12% 16% 16% 11% 14%

Poor b 1%a 2%a 1% 2% b 2%a

Table B140: Question 47k. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Leading teams

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 42% 47% 41% 42% 41% 48% 44%

Good 43% 37% 42% 41% 42% 39% 41%

Average 14% 13% 15% 15% 14% 12% 14%

Poor b 3%a 2%a 2% 3% b 2%a

Table B141: Question 47l. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Recruiting and/or managing community volunteers

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 26% 32% 31% 30% 28% 32% 30%

Good 35% 31% 40% 37% 36% 33% 36%

Average 32% 31% 21% 24% 28% 30% 27%

Poor 7% 6% 8% 8% 8%a 5% 7%

Table B142: Question 47m. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Assessing problems and finding solutions

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 52% 50% 52% 50% 50% 55% 51%

Good 43% 42% 42% 44% 44% 39% 42%

Average 5% 8% 5% 5%a 6%a 7% 6%

Poor b b b b b b 0%
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Table B143: Question 47n. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Planning, coordinating and managing events

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 46% 44% 50% 47% 44% 48% 47%

Good 39% 39% 37% 38% 41% 36% 38%

Average 14% 14% 12% 13% 13% 14% 13%

Poor b 3% b 2% 2% 2% 2%a

Table B144: Question 48a. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Conducting yourself in a professional manner

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 36% 26% 32% 31% 29% 33% 31%

Somewhat 41% 44% 47% 43% 44% 47% 45%

Very little 12% 20% 11% 13% 16% 14% 14%

Not at all 8% 7% 9% 11% 9% 4%a 8%

Not sure 2%a 3% 1%a 1% 2% 3% 2%a

Table B145: Question 48b. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Working independently

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 33% 24% 35% 30% 28% 33% 31%

Somewhat 46% 46% 43% 43% 44% 48% 45%

Very little 11% 19% 12% 15% 16% 11% 14%

Not at all 7% 9% 9% 10% 10% 6% 8%

Not sure 2%a 2%a 2%a 1% 1% 2%a 2%a

Table B146: Question 48c. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Meeting deadlines

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 26% 22% 26% 26% 20% 26% 25%

Somewhat 45% 41% 43% 40% 45% 43% 43%

Very little 17% 24% 19% 19% 20% 21% 20%

Not at all 9% 11% 11% 12% 12% 7% 10%

Not sure 2%a 3% 2%a 2%a 2% 3%a 2%a
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Table B147: Question 48d. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Setting priorities for multiple tasks

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 36% 29% 32% 35% 26% 34% 32%

Somewhat 41% 41% 43% 38% 45% 43% 42%

Very little 12% 20% 13% 14% 18% 15% 15%

Not at all 9% 8% 11% 12% 10% 5% 9%

Not sure 2%a 2% 1%a 1% 2% 3%a 2%a

Table B148: Question 48e. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Communicating verbally with others

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 46% 49% 35% 42% 38% 48% 43%

Somewhat 38% 40% 46% 42% 46% 38% 42%

Very little 10% 6% 10% 9% 7% 9% 8%

Not at all 6% 4% 8% 7% 7% 3%a 6%

Not sure b b 1%a b 1% 1% 1%a

Table B149: Question 48f. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Communicate in writing with others

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 25% 20% 29% 27% 21% 25% 25%

Somewhat 36% 34% 42% 38% 38% 37% 38%

Very little 25% 28% 18% 20% 25% 25% 23%

Not at all 13% 17% 10% 14% 15% 11% 13%

Not sure b 2%a 1%a 1% 1% 2% 2%a

Table B150: Question 48g. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Adapting to new situations

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 51% 71% 45% 52% 53% 63% 56%

Somewhat 35% 22% 40% 35% 34% 28% 32%

Very little 8% 4% 8% 6% 7% 6% 6%

Not at all 5% 2%a 7% 6%a 5%a 2%a 4%

Not sure b b b b b 1% 1%a
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Table B151: Question 48h. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Responding to unexpected challenges

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 50% 66% 44% 51% 52% 58% 54%

Somewhat 35% 26% 36% 33% 34% 30% 32%

Very little 9% 5% 10% 9% 7% 8% 8%

Not at all 5% 2%a 8% 6%a 6%a 3%a 5%

Not sure b b 1%a b b 1% 1%a

Table B152: Question 48i. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Working with people different from myself

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 56% 66% 46% 51% 53% 62% 55%

Somewhat 31% 28% 37% 33% 34% 30% 32%

Very little 6% 4% 9% 7% 7% 5% 7%

Not at all 5% 2%a 7% 7% 5% 2%a 5%

Not sure b b b b b b 1%a

Table B153: Question 48j. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Facilitating groups

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 37% 36% 39% 41% 33% 37% 37%

Somewhat 40% 43% 34% 35% 43% 39% 39%

Very little 13% 14% 17% 14% 12% 17% 15%

Not at all 9% 6% 9% 9% 10% 5% 8%

Not sure 2%a 1%a 1%a 1% 2% 2% 2%a

Table B154: Question 48k. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Leading teams

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 36% 47% 32% 41% 35% 39% 38%

Somewhat 36% 34% 37% 32% 39% 36% 36%

Very little 16% 12% 18% 15% 14% 17% 15%

Not at all 11% 5% 11% 10% 11% 5% 9%

Not sure 2%a 2%a 2%a 2% 2% 2% 2%a
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Table B155: Question 48l.To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Recruiting and/or managing community volunteers

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 32% 38% 42% 41% 36% 36% 38%

Somewhat 31% 37% 31% 30% 34% 36% 33%

Very little 18% 14% 13% 13% 15% 16% 14%

Not at all 16% 9% 13% 15% 13% 10% 12%

Not sure 3%a 2%a 2%a 2%a 2% 2% 2%a

Table B156: Question 48m. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Assessing problems and finding solutions

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 37% 38% 35% 37% 35% 37% 37%

Somewhat 43% 44% 41% 40% 43% 45% 43%

Very little 12% 12% 14% 12% 13% 13% 12%

Not at all 7% 4% 8% 8% 8% 7%

Not sure b 2%a 2%a 2% 1% 1% 2%a

Table B157: Question 48n. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Planning, coordinating and managing events

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 34% 33% 44% 43% 35% 33% 38%

Somewhat 34% 43% 34% 32% 37% 43% 37%

Very little 17% 14% 12% 13% 15% 15% 14%

Not at all 12% 8% 8% 10% 9% 7% 9%

Not sure 2%a 2%a 2% 2% 3% 2% 2%a
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Appendix C: Weighted Frequencies

Survey results are estimates of population values and always contain some error because they are based on samples. One tool for assessing the 

reliability, or precision, of survey estimates is the relative standard error (RSE) of an estimate. Estimates with large RSEs are considered less 

reliable than estimates with small RSEs. Relative standard error is calculated by dividing the standard error of the estimate by the estimate itself. 

Relative standard error is expressed as a percent of the estimate.[1] For example, if the estimate of those who strongly agree is 23 percent and the 

standard error of the estimate is 1 percent, the RSE of the estimate = 1/23 or 4 percent.

For the purpose of reporting data, the AmeriCorps Alumni Outcomes Survey has adopted the following data suppression rules:

1. Estimates with RSEs greater than 30 percent but no more than 50 percent are published but should be used with caution (marked with an 

”

a”).

2. Estimates with fewer than five responses or RSEs greater than 50 percent are considered statistically unreliable and are suppressed 

(marked with a ”b”).

Table C1: Question 2. What is your gender?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Female 77% 71% 76% 75% 77% 80% 77%

Male 23% 28% 23% 24% 23% 20% 23%

Other Gender b b 1%a 0%a b b 0%a

Table C2: Question 3. Are you a parent/primary caregiver?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

No 69% 80% 67% 84% 69% 42% 69%

Yes, and all of my children currently live with me 26% 20% 22% 12% 23% 49% 25%

Yes, and some of my children currently live with me 2%a 0% 4% 1% 4% 2% 2%

Yes, and none of my children currently live with me 1%a b b b b 2% 1%a

Yes, I am a parent of adult children who no longer live with me 3% b 7% 2% 4% 5% 3%

Table C3: Question 4. Have you served on active duty in the military?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

No 95% 97% 96% 95% 96% 95% 95%

Yes 5% 3% 4% 5% 4% 5% 5%

 

[1] Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (December, 2014). Behavioral Risk Factor Survey Relative Standard Error. Retrieved March 18, 2015 from 

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wish/brfs/rse.htm.
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Table C4: Question 5. Which of the following describes your race? Please select one or more.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Black or African American 13% 4% 14% 12% 12% 14% 13%

American Indian or Alaskan Native 1%a 1%a 2% 1% 2%a 1% 2%a

Asian 5% 4% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5%

White 78% 90% 77% 80% 77% 76% 78%

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 1%a b b 2%a b b 1%a

Other 9% 6% 7% 8% 9% 8% 8%

Table C5: Question 6. Which of the following describes your ethnicity? Please select only one.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Hispanic or Latina/o 10% 4% 8% 9% 11% 8% 9%

Not Hispanic or Latina/o 90% 96% 92% 91% 89% 92% 90%

Table C6: Question 7. Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

High school degree (HS Diploma or GED) 1% 2% 2% 1% 1% 2%a 1%a

Some college 8% 12% 7% 5% 9% 11% 8%a

2-year college degree (AA) 4% 5% 4% 5% 3%a 5% 4%

Technical or vocational degree or certificate 2% 1% 2% 1% 3%a 2%a 2%

4-year college degree (BA, BS) 30% 40% 33% 39% 28% 22% 31%

Some graduate school 10% 9% 11% 15% 7% 7% 10%

Graduate or professional degree (MA, MS, MD, JD, Ph.D., etc.) 43% 29% 42% 33% 48% 52% 43%

Other b b b b 1% b 1%

Table C7: Question 8. Prior to serving in AmeriCorps, did you or anyone in your immediate family ever receive welfare payments or public 

assistance benefits?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 23% 11% 21% 22% 25% 19% 22%

No 72% 84% 75% 72% 70% 78% 73%

Not sure 5% 5% 4% 6% 5%a 3%a 5%
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Table C8: Question 9. What is your current marital status?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Married 35% 30% 38% 21% 36% 60% 35%

Common law marriage or domestic partnership 5% 4% 6% 3%a 9% 5% 5%

Widowed 1% b 2% b 3%a 2%a 1%a

Divorced 5% 1% 8% 3%a 6% 8% 5%

Separated 0% b 0% b b 0%a 0%a

Never Married 53% 64% 45% 73% 45% 23% 52%

Table C9: Question 11a. What AmeriCorps program did you serve in? (First term)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

VISTA 18% b 91% 25% 28% 42% 30%

NCCC Traditional 15% 94% 4% 17% 13% 19% 16%

NCCC FEMA Corps b 2% b 1% b b 1%

State and National program 66% 3% 5% 57% 59% 39% 53%

Table C10: Question 13. For your First Term-, what was the duration of your term of service?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Full time 78% 97% 94% 84% 75% 84% 81%

Part-time 17% 1% 4% 12% 19% 12% 15%

Quarter-time 2% b 1% b 2% 2% 2%

Minimum time 3% 1% b 2% 4% 2% 3%

Table C11: Unnumbered Question. Did you serve in a second term?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 41% 24% 33% 46% 36% 29% 39%

No 59% 76% 67% 54% 64% 71% 61%

Table C12: Question 10b. What AmeriCorps program did you serve in? (Second term)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

VISTA 13% b 89% 17% 29% 32% 23%

NCCC Traditional 14% 82% 4% 13% 15% 14% 14%

NCCC FEMA Corps b b b b b b b

State and National program 72% 16% 7% 70% 53% 52% 61%
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Table C13: Question 12b. For your Second Term, what was the duration of your term of service?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Full time 79% 97% 92% 84% 75% 84% 81%

Part-time 18% b 6% 16% 18% 13% 16%

Quarter-time b b b b 3% b 1%

Minimum time b b b b b b b

Table C14: Unnumbered Question. Did you serve in a third term?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 6% 7% 20% 11% 4% 8% 8%

No 94% 93% 80% 89% 96% 92% 92%

Table C15: Question 10c. What AmeriCorps program did you serve in? (Third term)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

VISTA b b 93% 30% 81% 54% 41%

NCCC Traditional b 70% b b b b 13%

NCCC FEMA Corps b b b b b b b

State and National program 69% b b 57% b b 45%

Table C16: Question 12c. For your Third Term, what was the duration of your term of service?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Full time 75% 100% 90% 77% 82% 93% 81%

Part-time b b b b b b b

Quarter-time b b b b b b b

Minimum time b b b b b b b

Table C17: Unnumbered Question. Did you serve a fourth term?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes b b b b b b 13%

No 88% 85% 87% 87% 82% 93% 87%

Table C18: Question 10d. What AmeriCorps program did you serve in? (Fourth term)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

VISTA b b b b b b b

NCCC Traditional b b b b b b b

NCCC FEMA Corps b b b b b b b

State and National program b b b b b b b
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Table C19: Question 12d. For your Fourth Term, what was the duration of your service?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Full time 100% b b b b b 100%

Part-time b b b b b b b

Quarter-time b b b b b b b

Minimum time b b b b b b b

Table C20: Question 14. How old were you when you served in your first AmeriCorps program?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Under 20 9% 19% 2% 7% 9% 12% 9%

20 to 25 64% 81% 65% 69% 59% 63% 64%

26 to 30 13% b 12% 10% 17% 11% 13%

31 to 35 4% b 5% 5%a 3%a 3%a 4%

36 to 40 3% b 4% 3%a 3%a 3%a 3%

41 to 50 3% b 6% 2%a 3%a 5% 3%

51 to 65 4% b 6% 5%a 5%a 3% 5%

66 and over b b b b b b b

Table C21: Question 15. Were you a parent/primary caregiver during your first term of service in AmeriCorps?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

No 87% 100% 89% 88% 87% 85% 87%

Yes, and all of my children lived with me 10% b 9% 9% 10% 12% 10%

Yes, and some of my children lived with me b b 1%a 1% b b 1%a

Yes, and none of my children lived with me b b b b b b 0%

Yes, I was a parent of adult children who no longer lived with me 2%a b 3% 2% 3%a 1%a 2%
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Table C22: Question 16. What were you doing in the six months before you first entered AmeriCorps? Select all that apply.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Working in the private sector 18% 32% 23% 19% 19% 20% 19%

Working in the nonprofit or social service sector 15% 9% 14% 18% 14% 11% 15%

Working in the public/government sector 7% 8% 6% 8% 7% 7% 7%

Attending high school 4% 11% b 4%a 4%a 4%a 4%

Attending a vocational/technical training program 1%a 2%a 1%a 1%a b b 1%a

Attending college 54% 61% 49% 56% 50% 51% 53%

Attending graduate school 6% b 4% 6% 5%a 5% 5%

Engaged another service experience such as the Peace Corps b b 1%a 1% b 1% 1%a

Working in my own small business b b 2%a 2% 1% b 1%a

Working at a nonprofit or social entrepreneurship venture that I created b b b b b b b

Serving in the military b b b b b b b

Unemployed 9% 8% 12% 7% 9% 13% 9%

Other 7% 7% 11% 5% 9% 9% 7%

Table C23: Question 17. What were the main focus areas of your AmeriCorps service experience? Select all that apply.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Education 75% 61% 54% 76% 68% 65% 71%

Healthy Futures 18% 19% 20% 17% 16% 23% 18%

Disaster Services 3%a 74% 7% 5% 6% 7% 6%

Veterans and Military Families b b 1%a 0%a b b 1%a

Environmental Stewardship 16% 81% 10% 16% 18% 17% 17%

Economic Opportunity 10% 24% 29% 13% 13% 16% 14%

Capacity Building 11% 23% 46% 21% 17% 12% 18%

Not Sure/Does Not apply 9% 6% 7% 7% 9% 12% 8%

Table C24: Question 18a. (Before AmeriCorps) I enjoyed exploring differences between co-workers and/or friends from different cultures or 

backgrounds and me.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 41% 31% 46% 44% 35% 45% 41%

Agree 44% 48% 41% 39% 51% 43% 44%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 13% 17% 12% 13% 14% 10% 13%

Disagree 2%a 3% 2%a 3%a 0% 2%a 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b
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Table C25: Question 18a. (Now) I enjoy exploring differences between co-workers and/or friends from different cultures or backgrounds and 

me.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 59% 57% 62% 61% 56% 63% 60%

Agree 37% 37% 31% 35% 40% 33% 36%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 3%a 5% 5% 3%a 4%a 2%a 3%

Disagree b b b b b b 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table C26: Question 18b. (Before AmeriCorps) I enjoyed interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 47% 39% 52% 52% 41% 48% 47%

Agree 42% 47% 39% 35% 51% 41% 42%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9% 12% 9% 10% 8% 8% 9%

Disagree 2%a 12%a b 3%a 0%a 3%a 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C27: Question 18b. (Now) I enjoy interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 67% 64% 65% 70% 63% 66% 67%

Agree 30% 31% 31% 27% 34% 31% 30%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 2%a 3% 3% 2% 3%a 2%a 2%

Disagree b b b 1% b b 1%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table C28: Question 18c. (Before AmeriCorps) I respected the values of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 51% 38% 60% 55% 46% 55% 52%

Agree 43% 52% 35% 39% 46% 39% 42%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 9% 5% 6% 7% 6% 6%

Disagree b 1%a b b b b 0%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b
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Table C29: Question 18c. (Now) I respect the values of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 72% 70% 76% 76% 67% 73% 73%

Agree 26% 27% 22% 21% 31% 26% 26%

Neither Agree nor Disagree b 1%a 2%a 2% 1% b 1%a

Disagree b b b b b b b

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C30: Question 18d. (Before AmeriCorps) I felt confident when interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 29% 18% 33% 33% 24% 29% 29%

Agree 44% 46% 47% 39% 51% 46% 45%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 18% 23% 15% 18% 17% 18% 18%

Disagree 9% 13% 5% 9% 7% 7% 8%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table C31: Question 18d. (Now) I feel confident when interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 56% 51% 57% 57% 54% 57% 56%

Agree 37% 42% 37% 35% 41% 36% 37%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 7% 5% 7% 4%a 6% 6%

Disagree b b 1%a b b b 0%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table C32: Question 19a. (Before AmeriCorps) I could always manage to solve difficult problems if I tried hard enough.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 22% 17% 25% 26% 17% 23% 23%

Agree 57% 55% 53% 57% 60% 51% 57%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 18% 21% 18% 15% 19% 21% 18%

Disagree 2%a 6% 4% 1% 3%a 4%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b b b 1% b b 0%
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Table C33: Question 19a. (Now) I can always manage to solve difficult problems if I try hard enough.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 47% 52% 44% 47% 45% 48% 47%

Agree 46% 40% 43% 46% 46% 41% 45%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 5% 6% 10% 4%a 8% 8% 6%

Disagree 1%a b 2% 2% b 2%a 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table C34: Question 19b. (Before AmeriCorps) If someone opposed me, I could find the means and ways to get what I wanted.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 9% 6% 10% 11% 7% 9% 9%

Agree 33% 30% 34% 35% 33% 31% 33%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 43% 49% 46% 41% 46% 45% 44%

Disagree 14% 14% 10% 13% 12% 14% 13%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 1%a

Table C35: Question 19b. (Now) If someone opposes me, I can find the means and ways to get what I want.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 18% 19% 16% 19% 18% 16% 18%

Agree 42% 37% 36% 42% 37% 44% 41%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 32% 37% 41% 34% 34% 31% 33%

Disagree 8% 7% 6% 5%a 10% 8% 7%

Strongly Disagree b b 1%a b 2% b 1%a

Table C36: Question 19c. (Before AmeriCorps) It was easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 17% 15% 22% 20% 15% 19% 18%

Agree 60% 54% 54% 57% 65% 55% 59%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 18% 20% 16% 17% 15% 20% 17%

Disagree 5% 10% 8% 6% 5% 6% 6%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b
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Table C37: Question 19c. (Now) It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 35% 39% 33% 39% 30% 34% 35%

Agree 56% 50% 54% 52% 59% 57% 56%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 7% 10% 10% 7% 8% 6% 7%

Disagree 2%a b 3% 2% 3% 3%a 2%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C38: Question 19d. (Before AmeriCorps) I was confident that I could deal efficiently with unexpected events.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 21% 12% 21% 22% 19% 21% 21%

Agree 51% 51% 54% 52% 52% 49% 51%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 21% 27% 18% 19% 21% 22% 21%

Disagree 7% 9% 7% 6% 8% 8% 7%

Strongly Disagree b b b 0% b b 0%a

Table C39: Question 19d. (Now) I am confident that I could deal efficiently with unexpected events.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 52% 55% 47% 54% 48% 49% 51%

Agree 45% 38% 45% 43% 48% 45% 45%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 3%a 5% 5% 2%a 4%a 4%a 3%

Disagree b b 2%a 1% b 2% 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C40: Question 19e. (Before AmeriCorps) Thanks to my resourcefulness, I knew how to handle unforeseen situations.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 21% 11% 19% 21% 21% 17% 20%

Agree 48% 54% 56% 51% 45% 51% 49%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 24% 28% 21% 21% 26% 26% 24%

Disagree 6% 7% 5% 6% 7% 5% 6%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 1%
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Table C41: Question 19e. (Now) Thanks to my resourcefulness, I know how to handle unforeseen situations.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 52% 55% 46% 53% 49% 49% 51%

Agree 42% 40% 47% 41% 44% 45% 43%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 5% 6% 7% 5%a 5% 6%

Disagree b b b b b b 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C42: Question 19f. (Before AmeriCorps) I could solve most problems if I invested the necessary effort.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 24% 19% 27% 27% 23% 21% 24%

Agree 62% 63% 58% 59% 63% 62% 61%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 12% 13% 13% 11% 12% 15% 12%

Disagree 2%a 4% 2% 3%a 2%a 2%a 2%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C43: Question 19f. (Now) I can solve most problems if I invest the necessary effort.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 49% 55% 42% 50% 47% 45% 48%

Agree 45% 40% 48% 43% 47% 48% 45%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 4% 4% 8% 5% 5%a 5% 5%

Disagree 1%a b 2%a 2% b 2%a 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C44: Question 19g. (Before AmeriCorps) I could remain calm when facing difficulties because I could rely on my coping abilities.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 18% 14% 21% 18% 20% 18% 19%

Agree 54% 50% 48% 55% 51% 50% 53%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 20% 20% 21% 19% 20% 22% 20%

Disagree 7% 14% 9% 7% 7% 8% 7%

Strongly Disagree b b 1%a 0%a b 2% 1%a
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Table C45: Question 19g. (Now) I can remain calm when facing difficulties because I can rely on my coping abilities.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 43% 43% 40% 44% 40% 44% 43%

Agree 50% 47% 47% 48% 51% 48% 49%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 8% 11% 7% 7% 7% 7%

Disagree b 2%a 2%a b b 1%a 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C46: Question19h. (Before AmeriCorps) When I was confronted with a problem, I could usually find several solutions.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 17% 11% 19% 15% 22% 16% 17%

Agree 57% 58% 57% 58% 54% 58% 57%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 20% 23% 21% 23% 16% 21% 20%

Disagree 5% 8% 3% 3%a 7% 5% 5%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C47: Question 19h. (Now) When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find several solutions.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 41% 41% 37% 36% 45% 42% 40%

Agree 51% 50% 54% 54% 48% 51% 51%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 7% 8% 9% 9% 6% 6% 7%

Disagree b b b b b b 1%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C48: Question 19i. (Before AmeriCorps) If I was in trouble, I could usually think of a solution.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 19% 14% 20% 20% 20% 16% 19%

Agree 61% 64% 62% 60% 62% 63% 61%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 18% 18% 17% 19% 16% 17% 18%

Disagree 1%a 4% 2%a 0%a 2% 3%a 1%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b
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Table C49: Question 19i. (Now) If I am in trouble, I can usually think of a solution.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 39% 40% 35% 37% 40% 37% 38%

Agree 55% 54% 57% 55% 52% 60% 55%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 5% 7% 8% 7% 2%a 6%

Disagree b b b b b b 1%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b b

Table C50: Question 19j. (Before AmeriCorps) I could usually handle whatever came my way.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 21% 17% 22% 20% 23% 18% 21%

Agree 59% 59% 56% 61% 56% 57% 58%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 14% 16% 16% 14% 13% 18% 14%

Disagree 6% 8% 5% 5%a 7% 6% 6%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 1%

Table C51: Question 19j. (Now) I can usually handle whatever comes my way.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 43% 50% 41% 45% 41% 41% 43%

Agree 53% 46% 50% 52% 51% 53% 52%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 4% 3% 8% 3%a 6% 5% 5%

Disagree b b 1%a 0%a b b 1%

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 0%

Table C52: Question 20a. I felt I made a contribution to the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 48% 61% 40% 49% 41% 55% 48%

Agree 44% 34% 45% 44% 48% 40% 44%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 5% 2% 8% 5%a 7% 3%a 5%

Disagree b b 5% 2%a 3%a 1%a 2%

Strongly Disagree b 1%a 2%a 1% 1% b 0%a
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Table C53: Question 20b. I re-examined my beliefs and attitudes about myself

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 39% 48% 28% 40% 31% 39% 37%

Agree 37% 38% 42% 37% 40% 37% 38%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 16% 9% 23% 13% 20% 21% 17%

Disagree 7% 4% 6% 8% 7% 3%a 7%

Strongly Disagree b b 2%a 2% 2% b 1%a

Table C54: Question 20c. I was exposed to new ideas and ways of seeing the world

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 51% 65% 38% 51% 45% 51% 49%

Agree 36% 31% 47% 37% 41% 36% 38%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9% 3% 10% 8% 7% 10% 9%

Disagree 3% b 4% 2%a 6%a 2%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b b 1%a 1% b b 1%a

Table C55: Question 20d. I felt part of a community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 48% 59% 40% 46% 43% 54% 47%

Agree 35% 30% 38% 35% 38% 32% 35%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 10% 6% 10% 10% 11% 9% 10%

Disagree 5% 4% 8% 6% 5%a 5% 5%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 1%a 4% 3%a 3%a b 3%

Table C56: Question 20e. I learned more about the "real" world or "the rest" of the world

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 45% 55% 35% 44% 40% 48% 44%

Agree 33% 30% 39% 34% 37% 30% 34%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 13% 9% 17% 11% 14% 17% 14%

Disagree 7% 4% 5% 9% 5%a 4%a 6%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 1%a 4% 1% 4%a 1%a 2%a
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Table C57: Question 20f. I gained an understanding of the community(s) where I served

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 53% 53% 44% 50% 51% 53% 51%

Agree 42% 39% 45% 43% 41% 43% 43%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 3%a 6% 6% 4%a 3%a 3% 3%

Disagree 2%a 2%a 3% 2% 3%a b 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b 1%a b b b 1%a

Table C58: Question 20g. I gained an understanding of the solutions to the challenges faced by the community(s) where I served

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 39% 40% 36% 37% 37% 44% 39%

Agree 46% 46% 43% 46% 48% 43% 46%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 10% 11% 12% 11% 11% 9% 10%

Disagree 3%a 3% 7% 4%a 3%a 3%a 4%

Strongly Disagree 2%a b 2%a 2% 1% b 2%a

Table C59: Question 20h. I spent a lot of time doing meaningless “make work” tasks

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 6% 7% 11% 7% 9% 5% 7%

Agree 10% 16% 13% 13% 9% 9% 11%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 15% 24% 17% 14% 18% 15% 16%

Disagree 43% 38% 40% 43% 44% 39% 42%

Strongly Disagree 25% 15% 19% 23% 20% 32% 24%

Table C60: Question 20i. The majority of my work did not make a difference in the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 5% 3% 8% 4%a 8% 4%a 5%

Agree 9% 6% 11% 12% 10% 4% 10%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 11% 10% 16% 10% 14% 14% 12%

Disagree 44%a 47% 41% 45% 41% 43% 43%

Strongly Disagree 31% 34% 24%a 29% 27% 34% 30%
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Table C61: Question 20j. I felt I made a difference in the life of at least one person

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 61% 61% 46% 62% 52% 61% 58%

Agree 30% 32% 40% 29% 37% 31% 32%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 6% 9% 7% 7% 6% 7%

Disagree 2%a b 3% 1% 3%a 2% 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b 2%a 1% 1% b 1%a

Table C62: Question 20k. I did things l never thought I could do

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 36% 54% 24% 38% 30% 35% 35%

Agree 32% 29% 30% 31% 33% 31% 31%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 18% 9% 25% 17% 17% 25% 19%

Disagree 13% 5% 15% 13% 18% 6% 13%

Strongly Disagree 1%a 2% 6% 1%a 3%a 2%a 2%

Table C63: Question 20l. I did not get along well with my supervisor and/or my teammates

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 4% 4% 6% 3%a 6% 3%a 4%

Agree 9% 8% 9% 11% 8% 5% 9%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 10% 17% 15% 12% 11% 11% 11%

Disagree 37% 37% 30% 38% 36% 33% 36%

Strongly Disagree 40% 33% 41% 36% 39% 48% 40%

Table C64: Question 20m. I figured out what my next steps are in terms of educational goals

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 27% 21% 21% 22% 29% 27% 26%

Agree 31% 27% 27% 31% 27% 32% 30%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 25% 31% 31% 25% 30% 26% 27%

Disagree 14% 16% 17% 18% 12% 13% 15%

Strongly Disagree 3%a 4% 4% 4%a 2% 3%a 3%
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Table C65: Question 20n. I figured out what my next steps are in terms of career/professional goals

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 29% 23% 28% 26% 29% 31% 28%

Agree 36% 36% 36% 40% 32% 36% 36%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 21% 23% 22% 18% 27% 19% 21%

Disagree 11% 15% 10% 12% 9% 12% 11%

Strongly Disagree 3%a 4% 4% 4%a 3%a 2%a 3%

Table C66: Question 20o. I felt defeated by the scope of the problems I worked on

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 5% 2% 6% 6% 4%a 4%a 5%

Agree 13% 5% 9% 15% 12% 6% 12%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 16% 17% 23% 16% 17% 18% 17%

Disagree 42% 48% 39% 41% 46% 37% 42%

Strongly Disagree 25% 28% 23% 23% 20% 35% 25%

Table C67: Question 20p. I re-examined my beliefs and attitudes about other people

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 24% 31% 18% 24% 20% 24% 23%

Agree 44% 43% 41% 43% 47% 39% 43%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 23% 18% 29% 22% 25% 26% 24%

Disagree 7% 6% 9% 9% 5% 8% 8%

Strongly Disagree 3%a 2%a 4% 2%a 4%a 3%a 3%

Table C68: Question 21. All things considered, how do you feel about your overall AmeriCorps service experience?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Very Satisfied 54% 70% 43% 48% 52% 60% 52%

Satisfied 34% 24% 38% 38% 33% 30% 34%

Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied 6% 3% 8% 8% 5%a 6% 7%

Dissatisfied 3%a 2% 6%a 2%a 6%a 3%a 4%

Very Dissatisfied 3%a 2% 5% 4%a 3%a 1% 3%
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Table C69: Question 22a. In the last 12 months, how often did you ...Participate in community organizations (school, religious, issue-based, 

recreational)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 23% 17% 20% 24% 20% 24% 22%

A few times a week 19% 14% 18% 18% 20% 20% 19%

A few times a month 23% 23% 23% 21% 28% 19% 23%

Once a month 11% 13% 11% 10% 11% 13% 11%

Less than once a month 15% 22% 15% 19% 12% 14% 16%

Not at all 8% 11% 13% 9% 10% 10% 9%

Table C70: Question 22b. In the last 12 months, how often did you ...Keep informed about news and public issues

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 55% 47% 65% 52% 59% 62% 57%

A few times a week 23% 36% 24% 24% 21% 24% 23%

A few times a month 18% 9% 6% 19% 14% 10% 15%

Once a month 2%a 5% 2%a 2%a 3%a 2%a 2%

Less than once a month b 2% b 0%a 2% 1% 1%a

Not at all b b b 2% b b 1%a

Table C71: Question 22c. In the last 12 months, how often did you ...Help to keep the community safe and clean

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 19% 17% 19% 20% 15% 22% 19%

A few times a week 20% 15% 14% 18% 24% 15% 19%

A few times a month 22% 17% 17% 23% 20% 16% 21%

Once a month 9% 12% 11% 9% 11% 9% 10%

Less than once a month 19% 24% 21% 19% 18% 23% 20%

Not at all 11% 16% 17% 11% 12% 15% 12%

Table C72: Question 22d. In the last 12 months, how often did you ...Volunteer for a cause or issue that I care about

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 10% 8% 7% 11% 9% 7% 10%

A few times a week 13% 8% 14% 14% 10% 16% 13%

A few times a month 24% 19% 22% 22% 25% 23% 23%

Once a month 13% 18% 14% 14% 15% 11% 14%

Less than once a month 26% 31% 24% 25% 28% 25% 26%

Not at all 14% 16% 17% 14% 13% 17% 14%
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Table C73: Question 22e. In the last 12 months, how often did you ...Donate money or goods to a cause or issue that I care about

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 5% 4% 4% 6% 4%a 4%a 5%

A few times a week 7% 6% 5% 5%a 6% 9% 6%

A few times a month 23% 22% 23% 24% 21% 25% 23%

Once a month 28% 26% 29% 28% 28% 30% 28%

Less than once a month 29% 31% 30% 30% 32% 25% 29%

Not at all 8% 11% 9% 8% 9% 8% 8%

Table C74: Question 23a. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...Participate in community 

organizations (school, religious, issue-based, recreational)

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 24% 34% 20% 23% 21% 27% 23%

Somewhat more likely 39% 37% 38% 35% 42% 42% 39%

No effect 32% 26% 35% 35% 34% 26% 33%

Somewhat less likely 3%a 2%a 4% 4%a 1% 4% 3%

Much less likely 2%a 1%a 3% 3%a 2%a b 2%a

Table C75: Question 23b. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...vote in elections.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 19% 24% 18% 17% 20% 22% 19%

Somewhat more likely 18% 22% 14% 14% 22% 18% 17%

No effect 61% 52% 66% 66% 56% 59% 61%

Somewhat less likely b b 1%a 1% b b 1%a

Much less likely b 2%a b 2% b b 1%a

Table C76: Question 23c. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...Keep informed about news 

and public issues

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 20% 26% 21% 20% 21% 21% 21%

Somewhat more likely 31% 30% 22% 28% 32% 28% 29%

No effect 46% 43% 55% 48% 43% 51% 47%

Somewhat less likely b b 1%a 2% 1% b 1%a

Much less likely b 1%a b 1% 2% b 1%a
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Table C77: Question 23d. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...Help to keep the community 

safe and clean

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 19% 29% 17% 20% 19% 19% 19%

Somewhat more likely 39% 42% 31% 36% 37% 41% 38%

No effect 39% 27% 48% 40% 43% 37% 40%

Somewhat less likely 1%a 1%a 2%a 2%a b 2%a 2%a

Much less likely b 1%a 2%a 2% b 1%a 1%a

Table C78: Question 23e. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...Volunteer for a cause or 

issue that I care about

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 30% 39% 25% 32% 27% 29% 30%

Somewhat more likely 37% 39% 35% 31% 43% 40% 37%

No effect 29% 21% 34% 33% 26% 28% 29%

Somewhat less likely 2%a 1%a 5% 3%a 3%a 2%a 3%

Much less likely b b 1%a b 1% b 1%a

Table C79: Question 23f. Would you say that your AmeriCorps experience has made you more or less likely to: ...Donate money or goods to a 

cause or issue that I care about

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Much more likely 21% 25% 18% 21% 19% 21% 20%

Somewhat more likely 34% 35% 34% 30% 35% 40% 34%

No effect 41% 38% 43% 44% 41% 37% 41%

Somewhat less likely 3%a 1%a 3% 3%a 3%a 1% 3%

Much less likely 2%a 1%a 2%a 2%a 2%a b 2%a

Table C80: Question 24a. In the last 12 months, how often did you discuss politics with friends or family?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 19% 13% 20% 20% 15% 21% 19%

A few times a week 37% 28% 37% 37% 38% 34% 36%

A few times a month 22% 32% 25% 21% 24% 23% 23%

Once a month 8% 9% 6% 8% 9% 5% 8%

Less than once a month 9% 13% 9% 8% 8% 12% 9%

Not at all 6% 5% 3% 5%a 5%a 6% 5%
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Table C81: Question 24b. In the last 12 months, how often, if at all, did you use the Internet to express your opinions about political or 

community issues?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 8% 5% 8% 12% 4%a 6% 8%

A few times a week 12% 10% 13% 12% 11% 15% 12%

A few times a month 16% 14% 20% 13% 19% 19% 16%

Once a month 11% 12% 11% 12% 13% 9% 11%

Less than once a month 19% 23% 21% 20% 17% 23% 20%

Not at all 34% 36% 27% 32% 36% 28% 33%

Table C82: Question 24c. In the last 12 months, how often did you discuss and think about how political, social, local, or national issues affect 

the community?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 36% 29% 42% 37% 36% 38% 37%

A few times a week 30% 30% 30% 31% 31% 29% 30%

A few times a month 16% 20% 14% 14% 18% 15% 15%

Once a month 9% 7% 4% 9% 6%a 8% 8%

Less than once a month 5% 9% 8% 6% 7% 5%a 6%

Not at all 4% 4% 3% 3%a 3% 6% 4%

Table C83: Question 24d. In the last 12 months, how often did you try to encourage others to participate in the community?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 13% 11% 12% 13% 14% 11% 13%

A few times a week 23% 17% 21% 21% 24% 22% 22%

A few times a month 26% 24% 24% 30% 22% 23% 26%

Once a month 11% 15% 14% 11% 10% 16% 12%

Less than once a month 21% 22% 18% 20% 21% 19% 20%

Not at all 6% 11% 11% 6% 9% 9% 7%

Table C84: Question 24e. In the last 12 months, how often did you and your neighbors do favors for one another? 

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Basically every day 8% 6% 7% 8% 7% 7% 8%

A few times a week 19% 16% 16% 17% 19% 20% 18%

A few times a month 21% 25% 22% 18% 22% 25% 21%

Once a month 12% 17% 14% 12% 11% 14% 12%

Less than once a month 18% 16% 18% 17% 18% 19% 18%

Not at all 23% 20% 23% 28% 22% 15% 23%
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Table C85: Question 25. In the last 12 months, have you boycotted a product or service because of the social or political values of the company 

that provides it?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 56% 54% 57% 51% 57% 63% 56%

No 39% 40% 38% 45% 36% 32% 39%

Don't know 5% 5% 6% 4%a 6%a 5%a 5%

Table C86: Question 26. Generally speaking, would you say that you can trust all the people, most of the people, some of the people, or none 

of the people in your neighborhood?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

All of the people 7% 9% 6% 9% 5%a 6% 7%

Most of the people 60% 65% 64% 57% 61% 68% 61%

Some of the people 31% 25% 29% 33% 30% 25% 30%

None of the people 2%a 2%a 2%a 1% 4%a b 2%a

Table C87: Question 27a. For each of the following institutions, would you say you have a great deal of confidence, only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or no confidence at all in them to do what is right? Corporations

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal of confidence 3%a 3% 1%a 2% 4%a 2%a 2%

Some confidence 38% 40% 37% 37% 38% 40% 38%

Hardly any confidence 44% 44% 44% 45% 43% 43% 44%

No confidence at all 15% 14% 17% 16% 15% 15% 16%

Table C88: Question 27b. For each of the following institutions, would you say you have a great deal of confidence, only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or no confidence at all in them to do what is right? The Media

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal of confidence 1%a 2%a 2%a 0%a 2% 2%a 1%a

Some confidence 41% 33% 40% 37% 43% 44% 41%

Hardly any confidence 44% 46% 44% 47% 42% 43% 44%

No confidence at all 13% 19% 14% 16% 13% 10% 13%
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Table C89: Question 27c. For each of the following institutions, would you say you have a great deal of confidence, only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or no confidence at all in them to do what is right? Public Schools

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal of confidence 17% 17% 16% 17% 14% 19% 17%

Some confidence 66% 65% 69% 62% 73% 65% 66%

Hardly any confidence 13% 15% 14% 16% 10% 11% 13%

No confidence at all 4% 3% 1%a 4%a 3% 5%a 4%

Table C90: Question 28. Were you registered to vote in the last presidential election?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 94% 90% 93% 94% 94% 94% 94%

No 4% 8% 4% 5%a 4%a 2%a 4%

No, was not eligible to vote 1%a 2%a 2%a 1% 1% 3%a 2%a

Don't know b b b b b b 1%

Table C91: Question 29. Did you vote in the last presidential election?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes 90% 82% 89% 87% 91% 91% 89%

No 9% 18% 11% 12% 8% 7% 10%

Don't know b b b b b b 1%a

Table C92: Question 30. How often did you vote in the last 12 months?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I voted in all elections offered in my district 41% 32% 45% 36% 45% 48% 42%

I voted in some elections offered in my district 34% 35% 31% 36% 32% 30% 33%

I did not vote in any elections offered in my district 23% 30% 20% 25% 22% 18% 23%

No elections were offered in my district in the last 12 months 2%a 3% 4% 2%a 1% 4%a 2%

Table C93: Question 31a. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Create a plan to address the problem

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 34% 31% 38% 33% 35% 40% 35%

I probably could do this 43% 44% 43% 44% 46% 38% 43%

Not sure 14% 18% 13% 16% 12% 14% 14%

I probably could not do this 5% 5% 4% 5%a 5%a 7% 6%

I definitely could not do this 2%a b 1%a 2% 3% b 2%a
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Table C94: Question 31b. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Get other people to care about the problem

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 25% 27% 25% 22% 28% 28% 25%

I probably could do this 46% 45% 47% 51% 42% 45% 46%

Not sure 20% 21% 23% 20% 21% 21% 20%

I probably could not do this 6% 6% 5% 6% 6%a 5%a 6%

I definitely could not do this 2%a b 1%a 2% 3% b 2%a

Table C95: Question 31c. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Organize and run a meeting

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 44% 42% 50% 44% 44% 49% 45%

I probably could do this 33% 36% 37% 33% 36% 33% 34%

Not sure 14% 14% 9% 16% 10% 12% 13%

I probably could not do this 6% 6% 3% 5%a 8% 3%a 5%

I definitely could not do this 3%a 1%a 2%a 2% 3% 3%a 3%

Table C96: Question 31d. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Express your views in front of a group of people

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 50% 48% 55% 48% 53% 55% 51%

I probably could do this 37% 39% 36% 40% 34% 34% 37%

Not sure 6% 10% 6% 5% 7% 7% 6%

I probably could not do this 4% 3% 2%a 4%a 5%a 2% 4%

I definitely could not do this 3%a 1%a 1%a 2% 2% 3%a 2%a

Table C97: Question 31e. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Identify individuals or groups who could help you with the problem

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 41% 38% 46% 37% 47% 45% 42%

I probably could do this 45% 49% 41% 53% 35% 42% 45%

Not sure 9% 11% 11% 7% 12% 10% 9%

I probably could not do this 3%a 2%a 2%a 2% 5%a 1% 3%

I definitely could not do this 2%a b b b b b 2%a
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Table C98: Question 31f. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you think 

you would be able to do each of the following: Express your views on the Internet or through social media

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 44% 43% 52% 46% 43% 45% 45%

I probably could do this 34% 37% 34% 31% 35% 38% 34%

Not sure 12% 10% 9% 12% 10% 12% 11%

I probably could not do this 7% 6% 3% 8% 7%a 3%a 6%

I definitely could not do this 4% 4% 2%a 4%a 5%a 2% 4%

Table C99: Question 31g. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Call someone on the phone you had never met before to get their help with the problem

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 35% 37% 43% 33% 39% 41% 37%

I probably could do this 37% 38% 35% 44% 26% 37% 37%

Not sure 16% 16% 15% 15% 18% 14% 16%

I probably could not do this 8% 6% 6% 6% 11% 6% 8%

I definitely could not do this 4% 3% 2%a 2%a 5%a 2% 3%

Table C100: Question 31h. If you found out about a problem in your community that you wanted to do something about, how well do you 

think you would be able to do each of the following: Contact an elected official about the problem

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

I definitely could do this 39% 36% 49% 31% 46% 52% 41%

I probably could do this 38% 43% 37% 48% 28% 34% 38%

Not sure 14% 15% 11% 14% 17% 10% 14%

I probably could not do this 6% 4% 2%a 5%a 6%a 3%a 5%

I definitely could not do this 2%a 2%a 1%a 2% 3%a b 2%a

Table C101: Question 32a. (Before AmeriCorps) I had a strong and personal attachment to a particular community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 12% 12% 16% 12% 13% 12% 13%

Agree 34% 33% 34% 32% 36% 37% 34%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 33% 34% 34% 32% 34% 34% 33%

Disagree 19% 17% 13% 21% 15% 14% 17%

Strongly Disagree 3%a 4% 2%a 3%a 2% 3%a 3%
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Table C102: Question 32a. (Now) I have a strong and personal attachment to a particular community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 33% 32% 36% 29% 35% 38% 33%

Agree 44% 43% 39% 45% 42% 40% 43%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 16% 18% 19% 18% 15% 15% 16%

Disagree 7% 5% 5% 8% 6%a 6% 7%

Strongly Disagree b 2%a b 0%a 2% b 1%a

Table C103: Question 32b. (Before AmeriCorps) I was aware of the important needs in the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 9% 6% 11% 11% 10% 7% 10%

Agree 40% 33% 47% 43% 38% 43% 41%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 32% 40% 27% 27% 35% 36% 32%

Disagree 16% 19% 13% 18% 15% 11% 16%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 3% 2%a 1% 3% 2% 2%a

Table C104: Question 32b. (Now) I am aware of the important needs in the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 31% 27% 36% 30% 30% 36% 32%

Agree 52% 53% 53% 54% 53% 48% 52%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 13% 15% 8% 13% 11% 13% 12%

Disagree 3%a 4% 2% 2% 4%a 2%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b b b b 3% b 1%a

Table C105: Question 32c. (Before AmeriCorps) I felt a personal obligation to contribute in some way to the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 16% 13% 22% 16% 19% 16% 17%

Agree 51% 46% 53% 51% 50% 54% 51%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 23% 29% 21% 25% 18% 25% 23%

Disagree 8% 10% 4% 8% 7%a 5%a 7%

Strongly Disagree 3%a 2%a b 1% 5%a b 2%a
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Table C106: Question 32c. (Now) I feel a personal obligation to contribute in some way to the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 39% 43% 45% 40% 36% 47% 40%

Agree 48% 45% 44% 46% 54% 42% 48%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 10% 9% 9% 12% 6% 10% 10%

Disagree 2%a 2%a 2%a 2% 1% 1% 2%a

Strongly Disagree b b b b b b 1%a

Table C107: Question 32d. (Before AmeriCorps) I was or planned to become actively involved in issues that positively affect the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 14% 10% 17% 11% 21% 13% 14%

Agree 43% 41% 47% 42% 42% 48% 44%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 34% 33% 27% 39% 25% 31% 33%

Disagree 8% 14% 8% 8% 9% 6% 8%

Strongly Disagree b 2%a b 0%a 3% 1% 1%a

Table C108: Question 32d. (Now) I am or plan to become actively involved in issues that positively affect the community

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 33% 31% 35% 28% 37% 38% 33%

Agree 44% 48% 43% 46% 43% 42% 44%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 19% 18% 17% 22% 16% 17% 19%

Disagree 2%a 3% 4% 4%a 1%a 2%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b b b b 3%a b 1%a

Table C109: Question 32e. (Before AmeriCorps) I believed that voting in elections is a very important obligation that a citizen owes to the 

country

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 41% 30% 47% 40% 46% 41% 42%

Agree 36% 39% 34% 34% 35% 40% 36%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 16% 20% 15% 20% 12% 14% 16%

Disagree 5% 7% 3% 6%a 3%a 4%a 5%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 3% b 0%a 4%a b 2%a
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Table C110: Question 32e. (Now) I believe that voting in elections is a very important obligation that a citizen owes to the country

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 52% 48% 60% 46% 60% 61% 54%

Agree 31% 34% 27% 34% 26% 27% 30%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 13% 12% 9% 17% 8% 10% 12%

Disagree 2%a 4% 3% 3%a 2% 2% 3%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 2%a b 0% 4%a b 2%a

Table C111: Question 33a. Participating in AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in terms of furthering my educational goals and future 

educational endeavors

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 45% 43% 34% 43% 39% 47% 43%

Agree 27% 30% 27% 27% 27% 29% 27%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 16% 18% 21% 17% 18% 15% 17%

Disagree 9% 6% 11% 10% 10% 6% 9%

Strongly Disagree 4% 2% 6% 3%a 6%a 4%a 4%

Table C112: Question 33b. Participating in AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in terms of furthering my professional goals and future 

professional endeavors

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 52% 51% 47% 51% 46% 56% 51%

Agree 29% 33% 28% 31% 28% 27% 29%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 10% 10% 13% 9% 12% 11% 11%

Disagree 6% 4% 6% 6%a 9% 3%a 6%

Strongly Disagree 3% 2% 5% 3%a 5%a 3%a 4%

Table C113: Question 33c. Participating in AmeriCorps was a worthwhile experience in terms of furthering my personal goals and future 

personal endeavors

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 56% 68% 48% 53% 53% 62% 55%

Agree 32% 26% 33% 33% 32% 31% 32%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 6% 3% 10% 8% 6% 4% 6%

Disagree 3%a 1%a 4% 3%a 5%a b 3%

Strongly Disagree 2%a 2%a 5% 2%a 4%a 2% 3%
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Table C114: Question 34. How much do you agree or disagree that your AmeriCorps service was a defining personal experience? 

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 57% 71% 40% 58% 50% 54% 54%

Agree 30% 23% 39% 29% 33% 35% 31%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9% 5% 13% 9% 10% 8% 9%

Disagree 3%a 1%a 5% 3%a 4%a 2%a 3%

Strongly Disagree b b 4%a 2% 3%a b 2%a

Table C115: Question 35. How much do you agree or disagree that your AmeriCorps service was a defining professional experience? 

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Strongly Agree 46% 40% 40% 48% 39% 46% 45%

Agree 34% 38% 35% 33% 35% 35% 34%

Neither Agree nor Disagree 11% 16% 14% 11% 13% 10% 12%

Disagree 5% 5% 7% 5%a 6% 6% 5%

Strongly Disagree 4% 1%a 5% 3%a 7%a 3%a 4%

Table C116: Question 36. How did your AmeriCorps service fit into how your career path has unfolded?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

It aligned with the career path I was already pursuing 44% 28% 39% 49% 39% 36% 43%

My career took a different path into work in a service-related field 34% 38% 34% 31% 34% 41% 34%

My career took a different path into non-service work after AmeriCorps 19% 29% 22% 18% 22% 20% 20%

My career took a different path into non-service work after AmeriCorps, but then I returned to service work 3%a 5% 5% 2%a 5%a 3%a 3%

Table C117: Question 37. After your AmeriCorps service, did you stay in the community in which you were serving?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Yes – I was not originally from that community but I stayed there after AmeriCorps 23% 10% 24% 22% 23% 24% 23%

Yes – I was originally from that community and I stayed there after AmeriCorps 20% b 25% 18% 24% 18% 20%

No – I moved back to where I was living before AmeriCorps 17% 48% 13% 20% 13% 17% 17%

No – I moved to a new community 40% 42% 38% 39% 39% 41% 40%

Table C118: Question 38. If a good friend or family member told you he or she was interested in joining AmeriCorps, would you:

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Advise against it 3%a 2% 6% 5%a 4%a b 4%

Have second thoughts about recommending it 6% 5% 14% 8% 9% 4% 7%

Recommend it 35% 21% 37% 34% 36% 34% 35%

Strongly recommend it 56% 72% 44% 53% 51% 61% 54%
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Table C119: Question 39a. How closely do you associate your AmeriCorps service with each of the following? AmeriCorps

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Very closely 36% 64% 45% 37% 34% 47% 38%

Closely 25% 25% 26% 25% 29% 19% 25%

Somewhat 19% 7% 16% 21% 17% 17% 19%

Not much 11% 1%a 6% 11% 10% 3% 10%

Not at all 7% 2%a 5% 5%a 8% 7% 6%

Not applicable 2%a 1%a 3% 1% 3%a 2% 2%a

Table C120: Question 39b. How closely do you associate your AmeriCorps service with each of the following? NCCC, FEMA Corps, VISTA, or 

AmeriCorps State and National

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Very closely 15% 83% 45% 22% 19% 30% 23%

Closely 17% 10% 20% 14% 18% 21% 17%

Somewhat 23% 4% 15% 21% 23% 16% 21%

Not much 18% 2%a 6% 16% 16% 13% 15%

Not at all 19% 1%a 9% 20% 15% 14% 17%

Not applicable 8% b 5% 6% 10% 6% 7%

Table C121: Question 39c. How closely do you associate your AmeriCorps service with each of the following? The agency or nonprofit that 

operated your program

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Very closely 47% 16% 43% 51% 41% 41% 46%

Closely 18% 22% 21% 16% 20% 24% 19%

Somewhat 16% 26% 15% 16% 18% 14% 16%

Not much 7% 8% 7% 6% 8% 8% 7%

Not at all 7% 9% 7% 8% 6%a 7%a 7%

Not applicable 4% 18% 6% 4%a 6%a 6% 5%
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Table C122: Question 39d. How closely do you associate your AmeriCorps service with each of the following? The specific organization or site 

where you served

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Very closely 52% 26% 53% 54% 54% 44% 52%

Closely 22% 27% 20% 19% 23% 26% 22%

Somewhat 12% 25% 14% 12% 12% 15% 13%

Not much 4% 7% 5% 4%a 3%a 7% 5%

Not at all 6% 6% 5% 7% 5%a 7% 6%

Not applicable 3%a 8% 3% 3%a 3%a 2%a 3%

Table C123: Question 40. How did you use your AmeriCorps education award? Select all that apply.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

To attend college 14% 34% 10% 10% 17% 15% 14%

To repay student loans 49% 42% 43% 55% 39% 46% 48%

To attend graduate school 25% 20% 23% 23% 30% 20% 25%

To attend a technical or vocational training program 3% 3% 2% 0%a 7%a 3%a 3%

Transfer education award to a family member b b b b b b b

I did not qualify to receive an education award 6% 4% 11% 5%a 9% 7% 7%

I chose to receive a stipend instead of an education award 2%a b 14% 2% 4% 7% 4%

I did not use my education award 6% 4% 5% 5%a 5%a 9% 6%

I have not yet used my education award but I plan to use it 8% 7% 6% 14% 2%a b 7%

Table C124: Question 41. What did you do in the six months after your AmeriCorps service? Select all that apply.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Got a job in the private sector 20% 30% 22% 18% 21% 26% 21%

Got a job in the nonprofit or social service sector 29% 27% 43% 33% 26% 36% 31%

Got a job in the public/government sector 16% 13% 8% 14% 16% 12% 14%

Enrolled in a vocational/technical training program 2%a 3% 2%a 1% 4%a 2% 2%a

Went to college 12% 29% 8% 9% 14% 14% 12%

Went to graduate school 20% 13% 19% 19% 21% 17% 19%

Enrolled in the same AmeriCorps program 3%a 4% 2%a 3%a 2% 3%a 3%

Enrolled in another AmeriCorps program 5% 3% 4% 7% 3%a 1%a 4%

Pursued another service experience such as the Peace Corps 2%a 2%a 1%a 2%a b 2% 2%a

Started a small business b b 3% b 2% 2% 1%a

Started a nonprofit or social entrepreneurship venture b b b b b b 1%

Served in the military b b b b b b b

Unemployed 9% 8% 9% 12% 7% 4%a 9%

Other: Describe what you did immediately after your AmeriCorps service: 13% 13% 13% 15% 14% 9% 13%
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Table C125: Question 42. If you got a job in the six months after your AmeriCorps service, was it a position in, or directly connected to, the 

organization or agency in which you served?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

No 72% 92% 73% 70% 74% 75% 73%

Yes 28% 8% 27% 30% 26% 25% 27%

Table C126: Question 43. What are you doing now? Select all that apply.

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Working in the nonprofit sector 32% 27% 39% 40% 27% 28% 33%

Working in the private sector 22% 29% 21% 19% 28% 21% 22%

Working in government or in the public sector 26% 23% 21% 21% 27% 30% 25%

Serving in the military b 2%a b b b b 0%

Self-employed 9% 4% 8% 8% 9% 11% 9%

Looking for work 12% 10% 6% 13% 9% 10% 11%

Staying at home to take care of a family or household member or for other reasons 3% 4% 5% 2% 5%a 6% 4%

Working as a supervisor or in a management capacity 8% 10% 11% 9% 6%a 12% 9%

Serving in another national service program (another AmeriCorps program, Senior Corps, NCCC, or 

VISTA project)

b b b b b b b

Serving with the Peace Corps b 1%a b 2% b b 1%a

Engaging in other volunteer service 9% 15% 11% 8% 12% 11% 10%

Making plans to attend school 4% 9% 4% 6% 3%a 3%a 4%

Attending college or graduate school 13% 20% 14% 17% 11% 11% 14%

Enrolled in a certificate, technical, or vocational program 3%a 3% 2%a 3%a b 0% 3%

Other (specify) 6% 11% 12% 4%a 8% 11% 7%

Table C127: Question 44. If you are working now, does your current job involve any of the organizations or AmeriCorps programs that you 

worked with during your AmeriCorps service?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

No 85% 89% 83% 81% 89% 90% 85%

Yes 15% 11% 17% 19% 11% 10% 15%
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Table C128: Question 45. Do you include your AmeriCorps experience on your resume?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Always 66% 77% 68% 80% 59% 51% 67%

Usually 13% 14% 13% 7% 17% 17% 13%

Sometimes 9% 5% 8% 5%a 9% 16% 9%

Rarely 5% 2%a 5% 2% 5%a 9% 5%

Never 8% 2%a 6% 5%a 10% 7% 7%

Table C129: Question 46. If and when you do include AmeriCorps on your resume, do you include it in the “work experience” section or in 

the “volunteering or community service” section?

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Work Experience 57% 47% 66% 60% 57% 55% 58%

Volunteer or community service 15% 13% 11% 11% 18% 15% 14%

I have done both, depending on the particular use of the resume 28% 40% 23% 29% 25% 30% 28%

Table C130: Question 47a. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Conducting yourself in a professional manner

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 72% 72% 71% 73% 70% 73% 72%

Good 26% 26% 26% 24% 29% 26% 26%

Average b 2%a 2%a 3%a b 1%a 2%a

Poor b b b b b b b

Table C131: Question 47b. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Working independently

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 73% 73% 73% 69% 74% 79% 73%

Good 24% 25% 23% 28% 23% 19% 24%

Average 3%a 2%a 3% 3%a 3%a 2%a 3%

Poor b b b b b b b

Table C132: Question 47c. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Meeting deadlines

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 59% 62% 61% 58% 64% 55% 59%

Good 34% 31% 33% 33% 31% 38% 34%

Average 7% 7% 5% 8% 4%a 7% 7%

Poor b b b b b b 0%
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Table C133: Question 47d. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Setting priorities for multiple tasks

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 56% 57% 56% 53% 62% 57% 56%

Good 37% 34% 39% 41% 32% 39% 37%

Average 5% 8% 5% 6%a 6%a 4%a 5%

Poor b b b b b b 1%

Table C134: Question 47e. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Communicating verbally with others

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 51% 54% 56% 50% 49% 58% 52%

Good 39% 38% 36% 38% 42% 36% 39%

Average 8% 8% 7% 11% 6%a 6% 8%

Poor b b b b b b 1%a

Table C135: Question 47f. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Communicate in writing with others

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 65% 66% 68% 65% 66% 65% 65%

Good 31% 28% 29% 31% 31% 29% 31%

Average 3%a 6% 3% 2%a 3% 5%a 3%

Poor b b b b b b b

Table C136: Question 47g. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Adapting to new situations

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 53% 60% 51% 52% 50% 60% 53%

Good 38% 35% 41% 38% 42% 35% 39%

Average 8% 4% 7% 9% 7%a 5% 7%

Poor b b b b b b 1%a

Table C137: Question 47h. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Responding to unexpected challenges

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 44% 52% 45% 41% 42% 54% 44%

Good 45% 43% 46% 45% 51% 39% 45%

Average 11% 5% 9% 14% 7%a 7% 10%

Poor b b b b b b 0%
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Table C138: Question 47i. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Working with people different from myself

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 56% 57% 59% 53% 56% 65% 57%

Good 40% 39% 36% 44% 39% 33% 40%

Average 3%a 3% 4% 4%a 4%a 2%a 3%

Poor b b b b b b b

Table C139: Question 47j. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Facilitating groups

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 43% 43% 43% 46% 36% 48% 43%

Good 41% 40% 43% 39% 46% 39% 41%

Average 15% 16% 12% 14% 17% 13% 15%

Poor b 1%a 2%a 2% 2% b 2%a

Table C140: Question 47k. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Leading teams

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 41% 47% 42% 41% 36% 49% 41%

Good 43% 37% 41% 44% 45% 38% 43%

Average 14% 13% 15% 14% 17% 11% 14%

Poor b 3%a 2%a 1% 2% b 1%a

Table C141: Question 47l. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Recruiting and/or managing community volunteers

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 25% 32% 31% 26% 24% 31% 26%

Good 35% 31% 40% 38% 35% 34% 36%

Average 32% 31% 21% 26% 36% 29% 30%

Poor 8% 6% 8% 10% 6%a 6% 8%

Table C142: Question 47m. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Assessing problems and finding solutions

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 51% 50% 52% 49% 49% 57% 51%

Good 44% 41% 42% 46% 46% 36% 44%

Average 4% 8% 5% 4%a 4%a 6% 4%

Poor b b b b b b 1%
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Table C143: Question 47n. Please rate yourself in each of the skill areas: Planning, coordinating and managing events

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

Excellent 45% 43% 50% 48% 42% 49% 46%

Good 39% 39% 36% 35% 45% 36% 39%

Average 14% 14% 12% 15% 12% 14% 14%

Poor b 3% b 2% 1% 1% 1%a

Table C144: Question 48a. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Conducting yourself in a professional manner

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 35% 26% 32% 34% 31% 38% 34%

Somewhat 42% 44% 48% 44% 41% 43% 43%

Very little 12% 20% 11% 10% 16% 11% 12%

Not at all 9% 7% 8% 10% 9% 5%a 9%

Not sure 2%a 3% 1%a 2% 2% 2% 2%a

Table C145: Question 48b. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Working independently

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 32% 24% 34% 30% 32% 38% 32%

Somewhat 46% 46% 43% 47% 42% 47% 45%

Very little 12% 19% 12% 13% 15% 8% 12%

Not at all 8% 9% 9% 9% 10% 5% 8%

Not sure 2%a 2%a 2%a 2% 1% 2%a 2%a

Table C146: Question 48c. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Meeting deadlines

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 26% 22% 26% 26% 23% 28% 26%

Somewhat 45% 40% 43% 43% 48% 43% 45%

Very little 17% 23% 19% 18% 16% 19% 18%

Not at all 10% 11% 11% 10% 12% 8% 10%

Not sure 2%a 3% 2%a 3%a 1% 2%a 2%a
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Table C147: Question 48d. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Setting priorities for multiple tasks

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 36% 30% 32% 39% 28% 37% 35%

Somewhat 41% 41% 43% 37% 46% 43% 41%

Very little 12% 20% 13% 11% 15% 13% 12%

Not at all 9% 8% 10% 11% 10% 6% 9%

Not sure 2%a 2% 1%a 2% 1% 2%a 2%a

Table C148: Question 48e. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Communicating verbally with others

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 44% 49% 35% 42% 36% 51% 42%

Somewhat 39% 39% 46% 42% 44% 34% 40%

Very little 10% 6% 10% 9% 11% 10% 10%

Not at all 6% 4% 8% 6% 8% 4%a 6%

Not sure b b 1%a b 1% 1% 1%a

Table C149: Question 48f. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Communicate in writing with others

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 25% 20% 28% 26% 22% 28% 25%

Somewhat 36% 34% 42% 38% 36% 37% 37%

Very little 25% 27% 18% 23% 25% 24% 24%

Not at all 13% 17% 10% 12% 15% 10% 13%

Not sure b 2%a 1%a 2% 1% 1% 1%a

Table C150: Question 48g. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Adapting to new situations

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 50% 71% 45% 49% 44% 59% 50%

Somewhat 36% 22% 40% 37% 40% 30% 36%

Very little 8% 4% 8% 7% 8% 8% 8%

Not at all 5% 2%a 6% 5%a 7%a 2%a 5%

Not sure b b b b b 1% 1%a
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Table C151: Question 48h. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Responding to unexpected challenges

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 48% 66% 44% 47% 44% 56% 48%

Somewhat 36% 26% 36% 36% 41% 29% 36%

Very little 9% 5% 10% 10% 7% 9% 9%

Not at all 5% 2%a 8% 6%a 6%a 4%a 5%

Not sure b b 1%a b b 1% 1%a

Table C152: Question 48i. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Working with people different from myself

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 55% 65% 46% 53% 50% 60% 54%

Somewhat 31% 27% 37% 31% 32% 33% 32%

Very little 7% 4% 10% 9% 9% 3% 8%

Not at all 6% 2%a 7% 6% 8% 3%a 6%

Not sure b b b b b b 1%a

Table C153: Question 48j. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Facilitating groups

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 36% 37% 38% 41% 30% 38% 37%

Somewhat 40% 42% 34% 36% 45% 38% 39%

Very little 12% 14% 17% 12% 12% 16% 13%

Not at all 9% 6% 9% 9% 11% 6% 9%

Not sure 2%a 1%a 2%a 2% 2% 2% 2%a

Table C154: Question 48k. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Leading teams

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 36% 48% 32% 39% 29% 38% 35%

Somewhat 36% 33% 37% 32% 40% 36% 36%

Very little 16% 12% 18% 16% 15% 18% 16%

Not at all 11% 5% 10% 11% 14% 6% 11%

Not sure 2%a 2%a 2%a 2% 2% 2% 2%a
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Table C155: Question 48l.To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Recruiting and/or managing community volunteers

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 32% 38% 41% 35% 32% 35% 34%

Somewhat 31% 37% 31% 28% 34% 34% 31%

Very little 17% 13% 13% 15% 15% 19% 16%

Not at all 17% 9% 12% 18% 17% 10% 16%

Not sure 3%a 2%a 2%a 4%a 2% 2% 3%a

Table C156: Question 48m. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Assessing problems and finding solutions

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 36% 38% 34% 38% 31% 40% 36%

Somewhat 43% 44% 41% 39% 48% 42% 43%

Very little 12% 11% 14% 13% 11% 12% 12%

Not at all 7% 5% 8% 8% 9% 4%a 7%

Not sure b 2%a 2%a 2% 1% 1% 1%a

Table C157: Question 48n. To what extent did AC experience help you increase this skill: Planning, coordinating and managing events

Response Options ASN NCCC VISTA 2012 2009 2004 Overall

A great deal 35% 33% 44% 42% 29% 36% 36%

Somewhat 33% 44% 34% 28% 40% 36% 34%

Very little 17% 14% 12% 15% 16% 18% 16%

Not at all 13% 8% 8% 13% 13% 9% 12%

Not sure 2%a 1%a 2% 2% 3% 2% 2%a
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Appendix D: Regression Results

Table D1: Career Pathways (Questions 33 to 40)

Career Pathways: 

Predictors

33-35: Career 

Pathways

Scale

36: How did 

AmeriCorps fit 

into how your 

career path has 

unfolded? (1= 

Aligned, 0=Did 

not align)

37: After your 

AmeriCorps 

service, did you 

stay in the 

community in 

which you were 

serving? 

(1=Stayed, 0=Left)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? To 

pay for School 

(eduaward_school)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? To 

repay loans or to 

transfer award to family 

member 

(eduaward_repay)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? Not 

Used. 

(eduaward_notused)

Model Predictor 

Estimates

Regression 

Coefficient Odds Ratio Odds Ratio Odds Ratio Odds Ratio Odds Ratio

Demographic/Service 

Factors

R was male (Female was 

reference) 0.098 0.661 1.083 0.792 0.679 1.262

R was other gender 

(female was reference 

group

-0.314 0.639 0.374 10.894 0.064 4.790

R was White (versus 

nonwhite, mixed) -0.019 0.975 0.802 0.877 0.749 0.966

R had less than 4 year 

degree at the time of the 

survey

0.005 0.492 1.353 4.357 0.218 2.023

R completed last term of 

service 0.196 0.953 1.105 2.648 2.217 9.195

R was a full-time volunteer 

last term of service -0.061 0.574 1.058 0.868 0.976 1.550

Used any education award 

amount -0.025 1.312 1.067 52.271 43.575 0.005

Email address was 

updated after service 0.211 1.421 0.949 1.090 0.692 2.625

R was in ASN 2 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.264 2.417 1.011 0.243 3.553 29.573

R was in ASN 5 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.307 1.363 1.509 0.994 0.966 4.648
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

33-35: Career 

Pathways

Scale

36: How did 

AmeriCorps fit 

into how your 

career path has 

unfolded? (1= 

Aligned, 0=Did 

not align)

37: After your 

AmeriCorps 

service, did you 

stay in the 

community in 

which you were 

serving? 

(1=Stayed, 0=Left)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? To 

pay for School 

(eduaward_school)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? To 

repay loans or to 

transfer award to family 

member 

(eduaward_repay)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? Not 

Used. 

(eduaward_notused)

R was in ASN 10 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.150 0.884 0.833 0.580 1.289 19.713

R was in NCCC 2 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.309 1.622 0.233 0.438 2.303 3.158

R was in NCCC 5 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.349 2.888 0.172 0.568 1.172 6.842

R was in NCCC 10 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.340 1.383 0.356 1.968 0.375 4.730

R was in VISTA 2 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.180 1.338 1.115 0.341 2.433 0.891

R was in VISTA 5 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.381 0.930 1.216 0.860 1.566 1.381

Life Stage

Age as of 2015 (2015 

minus year of birth) -0.009 1.021 1.039 0.972 1.021 0.989

Unemployed prior to AC 

(versus not=0) -0.139 1.307 1.526 1.404 0.944 1.204

Working in the private 

sector prior to AC (versus 

not=0)

-0.084 0.714 1.302 1.143 0.885 1.359

In school prior to AC 

(versus not=0) -0.067 0.699 0.763 0.804 1.237 0.575

Was engaged in a service 

experience or the military 

prior to AC (versus not=0)

0.186 1.381 0.590 0.307 1.251 1.654
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

33-35: Career 

Pathways

Scale

36: How did 

AmeriCorps fit 

into how your 

career path has 

unfolded? (1= 

Aligned, 0=Did 

not align)

37: After your 

AmeriCorps 

service, did you 

stay in the 

community in 

which you were 

serving? 

(1=Stayed, 0=Left)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? To 

pay for School 

(eduaward_school)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? To 

repay loans or to 

transfer award to family 

member 

(eduaward_repay)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? Not 

Used. 

(eduaward_notused)

Was working in the public 

sector (nonprofit/govt) 

prior to AC (versus not=0)

-0.040 1.867 2.308 1.497 0.769 1.517

R was a parent/caregiver 

during service, (versus has 

not been a 

parent/caregiver)

0.122 1.305 0.952 0.709 2.731 0.333

R became a 

parent/caregiver after 

service, (versus has not 

been a parent/caregiver)

0.063 1.652 1.129 0.604 1.335 1.513

More positive sense of 

community prior to AC 

factor score

0.035 1.394 1.309 1.092 0.923 1.425

Greater cultural 

competency prior to AC 

factor score

0.030 1.237 0.876 1.200 0.999 0.804

More positive careeroriented self-efficacy prior 

to AC factor score

-0.067 0.888 1.008 0.940 1.100 0.893

Service Experience

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with same program 

(versus one term only)

0.079 0.699 1.391 1.694 1.087 1.199

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with multiple 

programs (versus one 

term only)

-0.067 1.034 2.006 1.746 1.323 0.761

Overall high satisfaction 

with AC experience 0.348 1.175 1.162 0.766 1.211 2.381
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

33-35: Career 

Pathways

Scale

36: How did 

AmeriCorps fit 

into how your 

career path has 

unfolded? (1= 

Aligned, 0=Did 

not align)

37: After your 

AmeriCorps 

service, did you 

stay in the 

community in 

which you were 

serving? 

(1=Stayed, 0=Left)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? To 

pay for School 

(eduaward_school)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? To 

repay loans or to 

transfer award to family 

member 

(eduaward_repay)

40: How did you use 

your AmeriCorps 

education award? Not 

Used. 

(eduaward_notused)

More positive service 

experience regarding self 

and service factor score

0.499 0.933 1.186 1.645 0.910 0.510

More positive service 

experience regarding 

others factor score

0.020 0.986 1.013 1.009 0.880 0.625

Area Focus

Education was a main 

focus of R's AC service 0.124 1.851 0.783 1.316 0.981 0.350

Healthy Futures was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

0.096 1.467 0.877 0.490 1.096 1.416

Disaster Services was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

0.009 0.649 0.968 1.376 1.196 1.283

Veterans and Military 

Families was a main focus 

of R's AC service

0.074 3.745 1.024 0.763 1.631 7.226

Environmental 

Stewardship was a main 

focus of R's AC service

0.123 0.735 0.447 0.983 1.235 1.285

Economic Opportunity was 

a main focus of R's AC 

service

-0.010 1.140 1.506 0.657 1.612 1.631

Capacity Building was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

0.069 1.580 1.235 0.825 1.270 2.041

Main focus of R's AC 

service was not clear to R, 

or was not applicable

0.062 1.636 0.965 0.285 1.686 1.649

(Constant) -1.353

Adjusted R-Squared 0.654 0.1909 0.2075 0.3978 0.3883 0.6222
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Table D2: Career Pathways (Questions 41 to 42)

Career Pathways: 

Predictors

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? 

Unemployed. 

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? Working 

in the Private 

Sector

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service?

Continuing 

Education

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? Service 

Experience

41: What did you do in 

the six months after your 

AmeriCorps service? 

Working in the 

Public/Government 

Sector

42. If you got a job in 

the six months after 

your AmeriCorps 

service, was it a 

position in, or directly 

connected to, the 

organization or agency 

in which you served? 

(1=Yes, 0=No)

Model Predictor 

Estimates

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Demographic/Service 

Factors

R was male (Female was 

reference) 0.730 1.235 0.623 0.716 1.145 2.160

R was other gender 

(female was reference 

group

<0.001 <0.001 0.976 2.644 0.529 4.248

R was White (versus 

nonwhite, mixed) 1.376 2.061 0.865 1.152 1.316 0.900

R had less than 4 year 

degree at the time of the 

survey

1.593 1.060 7.413 0.452 0.652 0.319

R completed last term of 

service 3.148 0.817 1.800 0.623 0.935 2.702

R was a full-time volunteer 

last term of service 0.605 0.567 0.677 0.574 2.298 2.167

Used any education award 

amount 0.629 0.738 2.049 0.712 1.165 0.992

Email address was 

updated after service 0.407 1.104 0.461 1.102 2.219 1.591

R was in ASN 2 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

3.124 0.291 0.868 1.765 1.091 0.984

R was in ASN 5 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

1.299 0.380 1.818 1.561 0.904 0.799
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? 

Unemployed. 

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? Working 

in the Private 

Sector

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service?

Continuing 

Education

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? Service 

Experience

41: What did you do in 

the six months after your 

AmeriCorps service? 

Working in the 

Public/Government 

Sector

42. If you got a job in 

the six months after 

your AmeriCorps 

service, was it a 

position in, or directly 

connected to, the 

organization or agency 

in which you served? 

(1=Yes, 0=No)

R was in ASN 10 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.302 0.605 1.061 2.050 1.974 1.235

R was in NCCC 2 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

1.968 0.319 1.736 0.337 0.437 0.465

R was in NCCC 5 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

1.636 0.210 3.309 0.331 0.420 0.158

R was in NCCC 10 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.796 0.298 3.242 0.463 0.428 0.502

R was in VISTA 2 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

1.899 0.531 1.322 0.691 1.074 0.940

R was in VISTA 5 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

2.085 0.572 1.951 0.870 1.022 1.340

Life Stage 1.013 1.000 0.961 0.953 0.986 0.986

Age as of 2015 (2015 

minus year of birth) 3.371 1.788 0.517 1.006 0.797 0.571

Unemployed prior to AC 

(versus not=0) 0.561 3.024 1.405 1.569 0.777 0.866

Working in the private 

sector prior to AC (versus 

not=0)

2.023 1.272 1.774 2.353 0.653 0.631

In school prior to AC 

(versus not=0) 0.132 1.029 0.050 0.073 5.361 2.060

Was engaged in a service 

experience or the military 

prior to AC (versus not=0)

1.511 1.055 1.153 1.140 1.881 1.468
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? 

Unemployed. 

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? Working 

in the Private 

Sector

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service?

Continuing 

Education

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? Service 

Experience

41: What did you do in 

the six months after your 

AmeriCorps service? 

Working in the 

Public/Government 

Sector

42. If you got a job in 

the six months after 

your AmeriCorps 

service, was it a 

position in, or directly 

connected to, the 

organization or agency 

in which you served? 

(1=Yes, 0=No)

Was working in the public 

sector (nonprofit/govt) prior 

to AC (versus not=0)

1.089 0.585 0.633 1.670 0.545 3.172

R was a parent/caregiver 

during service, (versus has 

not been a 

parent/caregiver)

0.450 0.730 0.903 0.438 1.995 1.895

R became a 

parent/caregiver after 

service, (versus has not 

been a parent/caregiver)

1.103 0.913 1.241 1.019 1.071 1.030

More positive sense of 

community prior to AC 

factor score

0.860 0.762 0.963 1.240 1.162 0.950

Greater cultural 

competency prior to AC 

factor score

1.110 1.322 0.992 0.625 0.943 0.929

More positive careeroriented self-efficacy prior 

to AC factor score

0.794 0.846 1.371 13.370 0.783 2.088

Service Experience 0.344 0.391 1.985 23.900 1.275 1.157

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with same program 

(versus one term only)

0.498 1.580 0.757 1.254 1.004 1.160

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with multiple 

programs (versus one term 

only)

0.839 0.874 1.223 0.939 1.039 1.757

Overall high satisfaction 

with AC experience 1.516 0.794 1.093 1.545 1.101 1.215
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? 

Unemployed. 

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? Working 

in the Private 

Sector

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service?

Continuing 

Education

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? Service 

Experience

41: What did you do in 

the six months after your 

AmeriCorps service? 

Working in the 

Public/Government 

Sector

42. If you got a job in 

the six months after 

your AmeriCorps 

service, was it a 

position in, or directly 

connected to, the 

organization or agency 

in which you served? 

(1=Yes, 0=No)

More positive service 

experience regarding self 

and service factor score

0.894 1.107 1.210 1.517 0.844 0.493

More positive service 

experience regarding 

others factor score

0.543 1.297 1.054 1.158 1.540 0.821

Area Focus 1.103 1.417 0.883 0.706 2.011 0.829

Education was a main 

focus of R's AC service 0.879 3.990 0.949 <0.001 0.080 0.098

Healthy Futures was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

1.821 2.099 0.607 4.788 0.803 0.390

Disaster Services was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

1.565 0.912 0.880 3.301 1.083 0.642

Veterans and Military 

Families was a main focus 

of R's AC service

1.086 0.803 0.853 1.967 1.069 0.815

Environmental 

Stewardship was a main 

focus of R's AC service

0.819 2.680 0.412 0.710 0.712 0.659

Economic Opportunity was 

a main focus of R's AC 

service

Capacity Building was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

0.1888 0.1915 0.2287 0.3708 0.1748 0.2754

Main focus of R's AC 

service was not clear to R, 

or was not applicable

0.730 1.235 0.623 0.716 1.145 2.160

(Constant) <0.001 <0.001 0.976 2.644 0.529 4.248
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? 

Unemployed. 

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? Working 

in the Private 

Sector

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service?

Continuing 

Education

41: What did you 

do in the six 

months after your 

AmeriCorps 

service? Service 

Experience

41: What did you do in 

the six months after your 

AmeriCorps service? 

Working in the 

Public/Government 

Sector

42. If you got a job in 

the six months after 

your AmeriCorps 

service, was it a 

position in, or directly 

connected to, the 

organization or agency 

in which you served? 

(1=Yes, 0=No)

Adjusted R-Squared 1.376 2.061 0.865 1.152 1.316 0.900
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Table D3: Career Pathways (Questions 43 to 44)

Career Pathways: 

Predictors

43: What are 

you doing now? 

Unemployed.

43: What are you 

doing now? 

Working in 

Private Sector

43: What are you 

doing now? 

Continuing 

education

43: What are 

you doing now? 

Service 

experience

43: What are you 

doing now? Working 

in Public/Nonprofit

sector

44. If you are working now, 

does your current job involve 

any of the organizations or 

AmeriCorps programs that you 

worked with during your 

AmeriCorps service? (1=Yes, 

0=No)

Model Predictor Estimates Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient Regression Coefficient

Demographic/Service 

Factors

R was male (Female was 

reference) 0.403 1.368 0.946 0.602 1.079 1.508

R was other gender (female 

was reference group <0.001 3.604 3.417 0.823 0.330 0.680

R was White (versus 

nonwhite, mixed) 0.995 0.645 0.637 1.603 1.214 0.804

R had less than 4 year 

degree at the time of the 

survey

6.017 0.923 3.625 1.365 0.309 0.335

R completed last term of 

service 1.443 0.531 1.210 0.384 1.225 5.480

R was a full-time volunteer 

last term of service 1.516 1.092 1.295 0.531 1.157 3.201

Used any education award 

amount 0.908 0.894 0.869 0.884 0.879 1.045

Email address was updated 

after service 1.323 1.401 1.265 0.872 0.556 1.056

R was in ASN 2 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 3.230 0.782 1.408 1.305 0.865 1.279

R was in ASN 5 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 2.235 1.102 0.772 1.823 0.948 0.632

R was in ASN 10 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 4.345 1.107 1.760 0.859 0.941 0.704

R was in NCCC 2 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 1.075 0.398 8.431 11.374 0.481 1.497

R was in NCCC 5 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 0.618 0.986 3.386 15.624 0.760 1.465
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

43: What are 

you doing now? 

Unemployed.

43: What are you 

doing now? 

Working in 

Private Sector

43: What are you 

doing now? 

Continuing 

education

43: What are 

you doing now? 

Service 

experience

43: What are you 

doing now? Working 

in Public/Nonprofit

sector

44. If you are working now, 

does your current job involve 

any of the organizations or 

AmeriCorps programs that you 

worked with during your 

AmeriCorps service? (1=Yes, 

0=No)

R was in NCCC 10 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.666 1.134 2.543 4.329 0.520 0.856

R was in VISTA 2 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 0.879 0.520 0.990 1.295 1.442 1.829

R was in VISTA 5 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 0.829 0.892 1.111 1.640 1.028 1.647

Life Stage 1.006 1.010 0.984 1.077 0.976 1.008

Age as of 2015 (2015 minus 

year of birth) 0.696 2.538 1.732 1.250 0.685 1.870

Unemployed prior to AC 

(versus not=0) 1.866 3.070 0.848 1.189 0.781 0.871

Working in the private sector 

prior to AC (versus not=0) 0.966 1.510 1.567 2.942 0.701 1.067

In school prior to AC (versus 

not=0) 0.073 1.129 0.032 0.388 25.679 9.897

Was engaged in a service 

experience or the military 

prior to AC (versus not=0)

1.084 0.853 1.467 1.608 1.907 3.409

Was working in the public 

sector (nonprofit/govt) prior to 

AC (versus not=0)

1.068 0.241 0.387 0.219 1.503 3.985

R was a parent/caregiver 

during service, (versus has 

not been a parent/caregiver)

2.192 0.869 0.444 0.524 1.038 1.454

R became a parent/caregiver 

after service, (versus has not 

been a parent/caregiver)

1.127 1.013 0.951 1.240 0.905 0.961

More positive sense of

community prior to AC factor 

score

0.817 0.914 0.979 1.322 1.015 0.772

Greater cultural competency 

prior to AC factor score 1.156 1.148 1.065 0.765 0.996 0.880
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

43: What are 

you doing now? 

Unemployed.

43: What are you 

doing now? 

Working in 

Private Sector

43: What are you 

doing now? 

Continuing 

education

43: What are 

you doing now? 

Service 

experience

43: What are you 

doing now? Working 

in Public/Nonprofit

sector

44. If you are working now, 

does your current job involve 

any of the organizations or 

AmeriCorps programs that you 

worked with during your 

AmeriCorps service? (1=Yes, 

0=No)

More positive career-oriented 

self-efficacy prior to AC factor 

score

1.194 0.859 1.472 0.628 0.963 2.257

Service Experience 2.830 0.242 1.064 0.326 5.042 2.344

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with same program 

(versus one term only)

0.654 0.856 0.691 0.963 1.464 1.064

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with multiple programs 

(versus one term only)

0.919 0.885 1.182 0.666 1.051 1.367

Overall high satisfaction with 

AC experience 0.979 1.226 1.055 1.578 0.797 1.313

More positive service 

experience regarding self and 

service factor score

0.384 0.870 1.252 2.508 1.344 0.944

More positive service 

experience regarding others 

factor score

2.295 2.260 1.433 2.178 0.773 0.718

Area Focus 2.140 0.887 0.288 0.558 1.156 0.408

Education was a main focus 

of R's AC service 0.580 2.366 0.372 0.328 0.450 0.403

Healthy Futures was a main 

focus of R's AC service 1.134 1.461 0.987 0.540 0.860 1.109

Disaster Services was a main 

focus of R's AC service 1.560 0.935 0.738 1.878 0.812 0.629

Veterans and Military 

Families was a main focus of 

R's AC service

1.348 0.714 2.003 1.384 1.163 1.095

Environmental Stewardship 

was a main focus of R's AC 

service

0.637 0.924 0.608 1.474 0.763 1.587

Economic Opportunity was a 

main focus of R's AC service
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

43: What are 

you doing now? 

Unemployed.

43: What are you 

doing now? 

Working in 

Private Sector

43: What are you 

doing now? 

Continuing 

education

43: What are 

you doing now? 

Service 

experience

43: What are you 

doing now? Working 

in Public/Nonprofit

sector

44. If you are working now, 

does your current job involve 

any of the organizations or 

AmeriCorps programs that you 

worked with during your 

AmeriCorps service? (1=Yes, 

0=No)

Capacity Building was a main 

focus of R's AC service 0.2311 0.1801 0.1696 0.2247 0.1813 0.2724

Main focus of R's AC service 

was not clear to R, or was not 

applicable

0.403 1.368 0.946 0.602 1.079 1.508

(Constant) <0.001 3.604 3.417 0.823 0.330 0.680

Adjusted R-Squared 0.995 0.645 0.637 1.603 1.214 0.804
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Table D4: Career Pathways (Questions 45 to 46)

Career Pathways: 

Predictors

45. Do you include 

your AmeriCorps 

experience on your 

resume? (1=Always 

to 5=Never)

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Work only

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Volunteer only

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Both work and 

volunteer

Model Predictor Estimates Odds Ratio Regression Coefficient Regression Coefficient Regression Coefficient

Demographic/Service 

Factors

R was male (Female was 

reference) 0.007 1.648 1.381 0.500

R was other gender (female 

was reference group -1.071 0.280 6.238 0.941

R was White (versus 

nonwhite, mixed) 0.317 1.528 0.325 1.173

R had less than 4 year degree 

at the time of the survey 0.202 0.473 1.796 1.334

R completed last term of 

service 0.116 0.620 0.805 2.234

R was a full-time volunteer 

last term of service 0.654 1.648 0.418 1.088

Used any education award 

amount 0.195 1.297 0.477 1.182

Email address was updated 

after service -0.028 1.113 1.496 0.718

R was in ASN 2 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 0.395 0.829 0.749 1.251

R was in ASN 5 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) -0.038 0.797 1.359 0.965

R was in ASN 10 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) -0.156 1.021 1.039 1.025

R was in NCCC 2 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 0.243 0.979 0.861 0.819

R was in NCCC 5 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 0.179 0.720 1.849 0.792
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

45. Do you include 

your AmeriCorps 

experience on your 

resume? (1=Always 

to 5=Never)

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Work only

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Volunteer only

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Both work and 

volunteer

R was in NCCC 10 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.108 0.635 2.486 0.859

R was in VISTA 2 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 0.397 1.091 0.733 0.885

R was in VISTA 5 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is reference) 0.247 0.964 0.897 1.024

Life Stage -0.009 0.987 1.033 0.990

Age as of 2015 (2015 minus 

year of birth) 0.033 1.288 0.153 1.638

Unemployed prior to AC 

(versus not=0) 0.283 0.904 0.354 1.844

Working in the private sector 

prior to AC (versus not=0) 0.065 0.961 1.112 1.033

In school prior to AC (versus 

not=0) 0.390 1.980 0.078 1.047

Was engaged in a service 

experience or the military prior 

to AC (versus not=0)

-0.077 0.779 0.463 1.884

Was working in the public 

sector (nonprofit/govt) prior to 

AC (versus not=0)

0.006 0.538 1.305 2.018

R was a parent/caregiver

during service, (versus has 

not been a parent/caregiver)

-0.046 1.089 1.135 0.763

R became a parent/caregiver 

after service, (versus has not 

been a parent/caregiver)

0.087 0.771 1.046 1.329

More positive sense of 

community prior to AC factor 

score

-0.030 0.968 0.957 0.989

Greater cultural competency 

prior to AC factor score -0.069 1.250 0.837 0.857
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

45. Do you include 

your AmeriCorps 

experience on your 

resume? (1=Always 

to 5=Never)

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Work only

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Volunteer only

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Both work and 

volunteer

More positive career-oriented 

self-efficacy prior to AC factor 

score

0.124 1.202 0.647 0.902

Service Experience -0.236 1.819 1.139 0.410

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with same program 

(versus one term only)

0.203 1.029 1.002 0.999

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with multiple programs 

(versus one term only)

0.254 0.993 0.923 1.051

Overall high satisfaction with 

AC experience 0.037 0.989 0.727 1.259

More positive service 

experience regarding self and 

service factor score

-0.093 0.639 1.211 1.523

More positive service 

experience regarding others 

factor score

0.205 0.755 2.297 0.895

Area Focus -0.154 0.450 0.946 3.042

Education was a main focus of 

R's AC service -0.064 0.616 1.250 1.661

Healthy Futures was a main 

focus of R's AC service 0.197 0.758 1.352 1.188

Disaster Services was a main 

focus of R's AC service 0.076 1.282 0.435 1.120

Veterans and Military Families 

was a main focus of R's AC 

service

0.119 1.479 0.498 0.804

Environmental Stewardship 

was a main focus of R's AC 

service

-0.031 0.899 0.878 1.350

Economic Opportunity was a 

main focus of R's AC service 2.421
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Career Pathways: 

Predictors

45. Do you include 

your AmeriCorps 

experience on your 

resume? (1=Always 

to 5=Never)

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Work only

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Volunteer only

46: If and when you do include 

AmeriCorps on your resume, do 

you include it in the “work 

experience” section or in the 

“volunteering or community 

service” section? Both work and 

volunteer

Capacity Building was a main 

focus of R's AC service 0.2833 0.1743 0.291 0.1519

Main focus of R's AC service 

was not clear to R, or was not 

applicable

0.007 1.648 1.381 0.500

(Constant) -1.071 0.280 6.238 0.941

Adjusted R-Squared 0.317 1.528 0.325 1.173
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Table D5: Civic Engagement (Questions 22-25, 28-31)

Civic Engagement: 

Predictors

22: Civic 

Engagement 

Past 12 

months

23: Civic 

Engagement 

Related to 

AmeriCorps

24: Political and 

Community 

Engagement -

discuss/think 

about political 

issues

24: Political and 

Community 

Engagement -

Encourage 

Involvement by 

Others

31: Civic Selfefficacy

28-30: Civic 

Engagement 

Index (Voting)

25: In the last 12 

months, have you 

boycotted a product 

or service because of 

the social or political 

values of the company 

that provides it? 

(1=Yes, 0=No)

Model Predictor Estimates Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient Odds Ratio

Demographic/Service 

Factors

R was male (Female was 

reference) -0.006 0.103 0.180 0.009 0.170 -0.121 0.709

R was other gender (female 

was reference group 0.285 0.156 0.033 -0.249 0.385 -0.068 17.288

R was White (versus 

nonwhite, mixed) -0.093 -0.202 0.089 -0.005 -0.055 0.115 1.093

R had less than 4 year 

degree at the time of the 

survey

-0.338 0.186 -0.310 0.317 -0.225 -0.170 0.450

R completed last term of 

service -0.049 0.309 -0.022 -0.101 -0.108 -0.012 0.715

R was a full-time volunteer 

last term of service -0.280 -0.130 0.117 -0.154 0.200 -0.190 2.279

Used any education award 

amount -0.177 -0.356 0.018 -0.056 -0.167 -0.048 1.092

Email address was updated 

after service -0.075 -0.015 -0.087 -0.086 -0.019 -0.082 0.890

R was in ASN 2 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.255 -0.234 -0.122 0.098 -0.249 -0.086 0.568

R was in ASN 5 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.205 -0.054 -0.135 0.156 -0.189 -0.010 1.016

R was in ASN 10 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.137 -0.021 -0.237 -0.038 -0.095 -0.098 1.852
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Civic Engagement: 

Predictors

22: Civic 

Engagement 

Past 12 

months

23: Civic 

Engagement 

Related to 

AmeriCorps

24: Political and 

Community 

Engagement -

discuss/think 

about political 

issues

24: Political and 

Community 

Engagement -

Encourage 

Involvement by 

Others

31: Civic Selfefficacy

28-30: Civic 

Engagement 

Index (Voting)

25: In the last 12 

months, have you 

boycotted a product 

or service because of 

the social or political 

values of the company 

that provides it? 

(1=Yes, 0=No)

R was in NCCC 2 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.614 -0.132 -0.554 0.118 -0.180 -0.381 0.253

R was in NCCC 5 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.445 -0.142 -0.677 0.294 -0.356 0.038 0.303

R was in NCCC 10 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.233 -0.062 -0.705 0.170 -0.295 0.142 0.406

R was in VISTA 2 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.191 -0.146 -0.198 -0.052 -0.232 -0.092 0.354

R was in VISTA 5 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

0.230 -0.119 -0.104 0.070 -0.180 0.042 0.882

Life Stage

Age as of 2015 (2015 minus 

year of birth) 0.011 -0.014 -0.005 -0.001 -0.001 0.001 0.976

Unemployed prior to AC 

(versus not=0) 0.075 -0.189 -0.110 0.101 0.116 -0.126 0.554

Working in the private 

sector prior to AC (versus 

not=0)

-0.188 -0.107 0.026 0.007 0.093 -0.006 1.913

In school prior to AC (versus 

not=0) -0.064 -0.102 0.071 -0.026 0.108 0.115 1.290

Was engaged in a service 

experience or the military 

prior to AC (versus not=0)

0.145 0.162 0.769 0.416 -0.141 -0.381 0.434

Was working in the public 

sector (nonprofit/govt) prior 

to AC (versus not=0)

0.019 0.022 0.141 -0.034 -0.037 0.155 1.120
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Civic Engagement: 

Predictors

22: Civic 

Engagement 

Past 12 

months

23: Civic 

Engagement 

Related to 

AmeriCorps

24: Political and 

Community 

Engagement -

discuss/think 

about political 

issues

24: Political and 

Community 

Engagement -

Encourage 

Involvement by 

Others

31: Civic Selfefficacy

28-30: Civic 

Engagement 

Index (Voting)

25: In the last 12 

months, have you 

boycotted a product 

or service because of 

the social or political 

values of the company 

that provides it? 

(1=Yes, 0=No)

R was a parent/caregiver 

during service, (versus has 

not been a parent/caregiver)

0.254 0.097 -0.050 0.381 0.095 0.153 0.631

R became a 

parent/caregiver after 

service, (versus has not 

been a parent/caregiver)

-0.022 -0.008 -0.050 0.255 0.049 0.065 0.702

More positive sense of 

community prior to AC 

factor score

0.119 -0.007 0.185 0.113 0.202 0.065 1.211

Greater cultural competency 

prior to AC factor score 0.087 0.052 0.135 0.103 0.092 0.016 1.096

More positive careeroriented self-efficacy prior to 

AC factor score

-0.014 -0.040 -0.076 0.082 0.055 -0.049 0.999

Service Experience

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with same program 

(versus one term only)

-0.067 0.084 -0.108 -0.075 -0.020 -0.044 0.695

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with multiple 

programs (versus one term 

only)

-0.120 0.259 0.006 0.135 -0.066 0.189 0.752

Overall high satisfaction 

with AC experience 0.029 0.157 -0.090 0.191 -0.024 0.094 0.711

More positive service

experience regarding self 

and service factor score

0.116 0.390 0.194 0.129 0.222 0.025 1.551

More positive service 

experience regarding others 

factor score

0.053 -0.046 0.006 -0.092 0.070 -0.048 1.327

Area Focus
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Civic Engagement: 

Predictors

22: Civic 

Engagement 

Past 12 

months

23: Civic 

Engagement 

Related to 

AmeriCorps

24: Political and 

Community 

Engagement -

discuss/think 

about political 

issues

24: Political and 

Community 

Engagement -

Encourage 

Involvement by 

Others

31: Civic Selfefficacy

28-30: Civic 

Engagement 

Index (Voting)

25: In the last 12 

months, have you 

boycotted a product 

or service because of 

the social or political 

values of the company 

that provides it? 

(1=Yes, 0=No)

Education was a main focus

of R's AC service 0.402 0.132 0.100 0.120 0.165 0.056 0.820

Healthy Futures was a main 

focus of R's AC service 0.001 0.157 0.053 -0.055 0.063 -0.050 1.096

Disaster Services was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

-0.200 0.031 0.072 -0.203 0.153 -0.179 0.580

Veterans and Military 

Families was a main focus 

of R's AC service

0.062 -0.375 -0.767 -0.324 -0.275 -0.160 0.106

Environmental Stewardship 

was a main focus of R's AC 

service

-0.083 0.204 0.237 0.008 -0.023 -0.062 3.404

Economic Opportunity was 

a main focus of R's AC 

service

0.173 0.050 0.186 0.082 -0.005 -0.020 1.056

Capacity Building was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

0.018 0.038 0.018 0.151 0.293 0.032 1.731

Main focus of R's AC 

service was not clear to R, 

or was not applicable

-0.250 -0.239 -0.202 -0.160 -0.431 0.157 1.461

(Constant) -0.363 0.019 0.464 -0.732 0.194 2.328

Adjusted R-Squared 0.152 0.318 0.1171 0.166 0.199 0.06164 0.2292
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Table D6: Career-oriented Soft Skills (Questions 18-19, 47-48)

Career-oriented Soft Skills: Predictors

18: Cultural 

Competency After 

AC

19: Self-efficacy 

After AC

47: Career Specific Skills 

Current -- Internal Locus of 

Control

47: Career Specific Skills 

Current -- External Locus of 

Control

48: Career Specific 

Skills Related to AC

Model Predictor Estimates Regression 

Coefficient

Regression 

Coefficient Regression Coefficient Regression Coefficient Regression Coefficient

Demographic/Service Factors

R was male (Female was reference) 0.156 0.089 0.081 0.065 -0.022

R was other gender (female was 

reference group

0.405 0.587 0.021 0.210 -0.860

R was White (versus nonwhite, mixed) -0.030 -0.023 -0.079 0.201 -0.097

R had less than 4 year degree at the time 

of the survey -0.156 0.073 0.085 -0.001 0.124

R completed last term of service -0.083 -0.249 -0.249 -0.127 0.109

R was a full-time volunteer last term of 

service -0.029 -0.089 0.112 0.106 0.003

Used any education award amount 0.033 0.028 -0.125 -0.055 -0.097

Email address was updated after service 0.043 0.117 0.124 -0.236 0.037

R was in ASN 2 Year group (VISTA 10 

year is reference) -0.172 -0.135 -0.213 -0.304 -0.269

R was in ASN 5 Year group (VISTA 10 

year is reference) -0.170 -0.071 -0.237 -0.091 -0.312

R was in ASN 10 Year group (VISTA 10 

year is reference) -0.198 -0.001 0.111 -0.263 -0.207

R was in NCCC 2 Year group (VISTA 10 

year is reference) -0.352 -0.197 -0.240 -0.431 -0.328

R was in NCCC 5 Year group (VISTA 10 

year is reference) -0.409 -0.112 -0.244 -0.147 -0.235

R was in NCCC 10 Year group (VISTA 10 

year is reference) -0.193 -0.124 -0.112 -0.258 -0.264

R was in VISTA 2 Year group (VISTA 10 

year is reference) -0.288 -0.251 -0.248 -0.133 -0.174

R was in VISTA 5 Year group (VISTA 10 

year is reference) -0.189 -0.196 -0.163 -0.056 -0.044

Life Stage

Age as of 2015 (2015 minus year of birth) -0.009 -0.016 -0.005 -0.016 -0.003

Unemployed prior to AC (versus not=0) -0.151 0.308 0.117 0.212 0.191

Working in the private sector prior to AC 

(versus not=0) -0.043 0.026 -0.114 -0.114 0.157
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Career-oriented Soft Skills: Predictors

18: Cultural 

Competency After 

AC

19: Self-efficacy 

After AC

47: Career Specific Skills 

Current -- Internal Locus of 

Control

47: Career Specific Skills 

Current -- External Locus of 

Control

48: Career Specific 

Skills Related to AC

In school prior to AC (versus not=0) -0.026 0.030 -0.111 -0.028 0.031

Was engaged in a service experience or 

the military prior to AC (versus not=0) 0.045 -0.033 -0.003 -0.548 -0.045

Was working in the public sector 

(nonprofit/govt) prior to AC (versus not=0) -0.157 -0.046 0.016 -0.032 0.017

R was a parent/caregiver during service, 

(versus has not been a parent/caregiver) 0.156 0.379 -0.013 0.208 -0.214

R became a parent/caregiver after 

service, (versus has not been a 

parent/caregiver)

-0.091 0.090 0.110 0.023 -0.011

More positive sense of community prior to 

AC factor score -0.051 0.003 0.049 0.014 -0.007

Greater cultural competency prior to AC 

factor score 0.666 0.047 0.136 0.034 0.076

More positive career-oriented self-efficacy 

prior to AC factor score -0.083 0.465 0.304 0.287 -0.088

Service Experience

Dosage, R served multiple terms with 

same program (versus one term only) 0.023 0.115 0.052 -0.053 0.182

Dosage, R served multiple terms with 

multiple programs (versus one term only) 0.041 0.026 0.064 0.014 0.040

Overall high satisfaction with AC 

experience 0.046 0.052 0.126 0.063 0.291

More positive service experience 

regarding self and service factor score 0.234 0.281 0.206 0.244 0.507

More positive service experience 

regarding others factor score 0.098 0.062 0.036 0.034 -0.026

Area Focus

Education was a main focus of R's AC 

service 0.176 0.213 0.156 0.247 0.091

Healthy Futures was a main focus of R's 

AC service 0.141 0.127 0.145 -0.112 0.071

Disaster Services was a main focus of R's 

AC service 0.188 0.282 0.239 0.121 -0.109

Veterans and Military Families was a 

main focus of R's AC service -0.084 -0.155 0.272 0.373 0.463
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Career-oriented Soft Skills: Predictors

18: Cultural 

Competency After 

AC

19: Self-efficacy 

After AC

47: Career Specific Skills 

Current -- Internal Locus of 

Control

47: Career Specific Skills 

Current -- External Locus of 

Control

48: Career Specific 

Skills Related to AC

Environmental Stewardship was a main 

focus of R's AC service 0.038 0.043 -0.020 0.000 0.057

Economic Opportunity was a main focus 

of R's AC service 0.116 -0.056 -0.084 -0.169 -0.081

Capacity Building was a main focus of R's 

AC service 0.176 0.212 0.228 0.078 0.123

Main focus of R's AC service was not 

clear to R, or was not applicable 0.142 0.030 -0.208 0.056 -0.057

(Constant) 0.121 0.181 -0.153 0.449 -1.120

Adjusted R-Squared 0.4641 0.3978 0.3085 0.1911 0.5474
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Table D7: Sense of Community (Questions 26-27, 32)

Sense of Community: 

Predictors

32: Sense of 

Community 

After AC

26: Generally speaking, 

would you say that you can 

trust all the people, most of 

the people, some of the 

people, or none of the people 

in your neighborhood? (4=All 

of the people, 1=None of the 

people)

27a: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in them 

to do what is right? 

Corporations

27b: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in 

them to do what is right? 

Media

27c: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in 

them to do what is right? 

Public Schools

Model Predictor 

Estimates

Regression 

Coefficient Regression Coefficient Regression Coefficient Regression Coefficient Regression Coefficient

Demographic/Service 

Factors

R was male (Female was 

reference) 0.003 -0.001 -0.104 -0.113 0.090

R was other gender 

(female was reference 

group

0.651 0.260 -0.448 0.114 0.341

R was White (versus 

nonwhite, mixed) 0.066 0.310 -0.050 0.191 0.155

R had less than 4 year 

degree at the time of the 

survey

-0.202 0.029 0.048 0.137 -0.067

R completed last term of 

service -0.026 0.036 -0.028 0.150 0.421

R was a full-time volunteer 

last term of service -0.026 -0.067 -0.241 0.122 0.063

Used any education award 

amount -0.271 -0.042 -0.092 -0.040 -0.105

Email address was updated 

after service 0.148 0.055 -0.047 0.139 -0.032

R was in ASN 2 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.215 -0.040 0.158 -0.005 0.013

R was in ASN 5 Year group 

(VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.068 -0.094 0.225 0.091 0.076
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Sense of Community: 

Predictors

32: Sense of 

Community 

After AC

26: Generally speaking, 

would you say that you can 

trust all the people, most of 

the people, some of the 

people, or none of the people 

in your neighborhood? (4=All 

of the people, 1=None of the 

people)

27a: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in them 

to do what is right? 

Corporations

27b: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in 

them to do what is right? 

Media

27c: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in 

them to do what is right? 

Public Schools

R was in ASN 10 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.018 0.044 0.007 0.191 0.027

R was in NCCC 2 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.105 -0.066 0.518 -0.164 -0.031

R was in NCCC 5 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.042 -0.076 0.600 -0.127 -0.089

R was in NCCC 10 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.033 -0.007 0.411 -0.039 0.006

R was in VISTA 2 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.140 0.005 0.205 -0.072 0.015

R was in VISTA 5 Year 

group (VISTA 10 year is 

reference)

-0.078 -0.023 0.135 -0.001 0.083

Life Stage

Age as of 2015 (2015 

minus year of birth) -0.003 0.002 0.006 0.012 0.000

Unemployed prior to AC 

(versus not=0) -0.017 -0.148 0.284 0.313 -0.059

Working in the private 

sector prior to AC (versus 

not=0)

-0.040 0.054 0.011 -0.015 0.021

In school prior to AC 

(versus not=0) -0.036 0.000 0.040 0.072 -0.123

Was engaged in a service 

experience or the military 

prior to AC (versus not=0)

0.208 -0.132 0.246 0.444 -0.534
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Sense of Community: 

Predictors

32: Sense of 

Community 

After AC

26: Generally speaking, 

would you say that you can 

trust all the people, most of 

the people, some of the 

people, or none of the people 

in your neighborhood? (4=All 

of the people, 1=None of the 

people)

27a: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in them 

to do what is right? 

Corporations

27b: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in 

them to do what is right? 

Media

27c: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in 

them to do what is right? 

Public Schools

Was working in the public 

sector (nonprofit/govt) prior 

to AC (versus not=0)

0.017 -0.020 -0.055 0.060 0.017

R was a parent/caregiver 

during service, (versus has 

not been a 

parent/caregiver)

0.198 -0.124 0.138 -0.066 0.018

R became a 

parent/caregiver after 

service, (versus has not 

been a parent/caregiver)

0.037 -0.056 0.203 0.172 0.063

More positive sense of 

community prior to AC 

factor score

0.416 0.052 0.003 -0.022 -0.010

Greater cultural 

competency prior to AC 

factor score

0.051 0.064 -0.038 0.043 0.075

More positive careeroriented self-efficacy prior 

to AC factor score

-0.080 -0.008 0.089 -0.002 0.017

Service Experience

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with same program 

(versus one term only)

0.000 -0.020 -0.039 0.088 0.054

Dosage, R served multiple 

terms with multiple 

programs (versus one term 

only)

0.021 0.051 0.374 0.093 0.058

Overall high satisfaction 

with AC experience 0.099 0.001 -0.055 -0.082 0.031
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Sense of Community: 

Predictors

32: Sense of 

Community 

After AC

26: Generally speaking, 

would you say that you can 

trust all the people, most of 

the people, some of the 

people, or none of the people 

in your neighborhood? (4=All 

of the people, 1=None of the 

people)

27a: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in them 

to do what is right? 

Corporations

27b: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in 

them to do what is right? 

Media

27c: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in 

them to do what is right? 

Public Schools

More positive service 

experience regarding self 

and service factor score

0.381 0.125 0.066 0.115 0.066

More positive service 

experience regarding 

others factor score

0.034 0.043 0.112 0.078 0.075

Area Focus

Education was a main 

focus of R's AC service 0.121 0.031 0.040 -0.015 -0.048

Healthy Futures was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

0.058 -0.048 0.074 0.040 0.143

Disaster Services was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

-0.037 -0.086 -0.081 0.011 0.055

Veterans and Military 

Families was a main focus 

of R's AC service

-0.720 0.235 0.610 0.537 0.168

Environmental Stewardship 

was a main focus of R's AC 

service

-0.092 0.159 -0.210 0.003 -0.049

Economic Opportunity was 

a main focus of R's AC 

service

0.233 -0.037 0.010 -0.053 -0.080

Capacity Building was a 

main focus of R's AC 

service

0.176 0.078 -0.007 0.132 0.095

Main focus of R's AC 

service was not clear to R, 

or was not applicable

-0.161 -0.203 0.119 -0.039 -0.431

(Constant) -0.235 2.466 2.420 1.581 2.467
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Sense of Community: 

Predictors

32: Sense of 

Community 

After AC

26: Generally speaking, 

would you say that you can 

trust all the people, most of 

the people, some of the 

people, or none of the people 

in your neighborhood? (4=All 

of the people, 1=None of the 

people)

27a: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in them 

to do what is right? 

Corporations

27b: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in 

them to do what is right? 

Media

27c: For each of the 

following institutions, 

would you say you have a 

great deal of confidence, 

only some confidence, 

hardly any confidence, or 

no confidence at all in 

them to do what is right? 

Public Schools

Adjusted R-Squared 0.4461 0.12 0.1037 0.09728 0.1566