Options Other than College Options Other than College Gap Year, Travel, Volunteerism, Taking Time Off Programs Local Volunteer Opportunities abound on CUVolunteer.org . A partnership with the United Way, U of I, and others, this site will help those looking for volunteer opportunities. Remember that more and more employers, colleges, and scholarship agencies are asking what volunteer service an applicant has done. This is a factor with growing importance, and this site will help you locate service opportunites. AmeriCorps is for people at least 17 years of age who wish to learn new skills, acquire leadership, and gain a sense of satisfaction from taking on responsibilities that directly affect peoples' lives.
Members receive a modest living allowance and health coverage while in the program.
City Year is one of over 1,000 local and national AmeriCorps programs across the country. City Year brings together young adults, ages 17 to 24, from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds for a demanding year of full-time community service, leadership development, and civic engagement to meet the nation's critical need in areas of education, public safety, the environment, and other human services in cities throughout the United States. There are many, and the Rotary Youth Exchange program is open to students ages 15 - 19. It's an active program in Urbana, with UHS students being regular participants. Another exchange program, AFS Intercultural Programs offers student exchange programs and community service programs in foreign countries.