Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Vermont Community Stewardship Program?

VCSP is a statewide AmeriCorps project of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB). VCSP places 28 AmeriCorps members with sponsoring non-profit affordable housing and land conservation organizations around the state. Our dual goals are to create more stable affordable housing opportunities for Vermont residents while preserving the natural and working landscape by fostering a greater appreciation of and responsibility for the environment.

What Is AmeriCorps?

-AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.

AmeriCorps members serve with more than 2,000 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based and community organizations. Since 1994, more than 400,000 men and women have provided needed assistance to millions of Americans across the nation through their AmeriCorps service.

AmeriCorps is made up of three programs: AmeriCorps*State and National, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). The Vermont Community Stewardship Program is an AmeriCorps State Program.

For More information, visit www.americorps.org

What Do VCSP Members Do?

-VCSP Members work with Non-profit organizations throughout the state of Vermont in a variety of settings. Some examples are:

Housing Members:
-provide activities for youth residing in subsidized housing developments; create programming for children and families
-assist homeless individuals and families, helping to find suitable housing, build lifeskills, develop resumes and obtain services
-support Vermont's HomeOwnership Centers by aiding first-time homebuyers though the process of obtaining affordable homes
-contribute to the construction of playgrounds, wheelchair ramps, homes and rehabilitation projects
-educate tentants on issues of rights and responsibilities, help to convene groups of residents and citizens to foster associative relationships

Conservation Members:
-provide environmental education and service opportunities for school-age youth
-take stewardship actions to conserve Vermont's working and native landscape
-recruit volunteers and raise awareness about conservation issues
-participate in wild land asessments, extract invasive plants and implement land management plans
-maintain trails and educate hikers on the "leave no trace" philosophy

For more detailed information on what VCSP Members do, see our list of position Descriptions at http://www.vhcb.org/vcspsponsors.htm

What Benefits Do VCSP Members Receive?

-AmeriCorps members do not receive a salary. They receive a living allowance of up to $12,825 (starting in fall of 2007) for a full-time, 1,700 hour term of service. During their 11-month term of service, members receive basic health insurance, student loan forbearance and numerous training opportunities. At the completion of their term of service, they receive an education award valued at $4,725 for full-time members that can be applied to most outstanding student loans or future college or training.

Does VCSP Provide Housing?

The Vermont Community Steardship Program does not provide housing for its members. Members will need to provide thier own accommodations while serving with VSCP. However a few sponsoring organizations may provide housing, or may be able to help the member locate housing. Read through our position descriptions to see which organizations offer housing. http://www.vhcb.org/vcspsponsors.htm

What Is The Education Award?

After successfully completing a term of service, AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award. You can use your AmeriCorps Education Award to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans. The award is $4,725 for a year of full-time service, and is prorated for part-time. You can access the award in full or in part, and you can take up to seven years after your term of service has ended to claim the award.

How Do I Apply?

You can download the application here. First, you will need to choose which positions you wish to apply for from our Position Description List. Return the application either directly to the position you are applying for (you will find this information in the description), or return it to the VCSP office at the address below. If you are applying to more than one position, send only one application to the following address with a list of positions you are applying to.

Francis Sharpstene
VCSP
149 State St.
Montpelier, VT 05602

Another way to apply is to visit the National AmeriCorps website at www.americorps.org. Here, you can apply online.

Is There An Age Limit?

You must be at least 17 years old to join the Vermont Community Stewardship Program. There is not upper age limit to participate.

The VCSP is an Equal Opportuniy Employer.