AmeriCorps is also an excellent opportunity for individuals to incorporate learning experiences with community service activities. The education award received upon the completion of service may be used to pay off guaranteed student loans or to pay for future costs at a college or vocational school of the Member's choice.
Members also receive a living allowance while they are providing service.
While specific activities vary according to site, Human Needs Members focus on services designed to help individuals and families in becoming more self-sufficient and able to live independently. These services may include case management, advocacy, information and referral, life skills training, and community organization. One team of AmeriCorps-UTA Members will serve on a construction crew building houses for Habitat for Humanity. Populations served include the homeless, immigrants and refugees, and very low-income families. The ideal Member for a Human Needs assignment will be working toward or have completed a degree in human services or a related field, have good communication skills, and work well with people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, have the ability to work independently and as a part of a team, and be flexible.