AmeriCorps NCCC: Strengthening Communities and Developing Leaders

The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is one of the three programs that form AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs that engage Americans in service to address critical community needs within the United States. AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women ages 18-25.

The mission of NCCC is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service. Drawn from the successful models of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and the U.S. military, AmeriCorps NCCC is built on the belief that civic responsibility is an inherent duty of all citizens and that national service programs work effectively with local communities to address pressing needs.

Members are stationed at one of five campuses, located in Denver, CO; Perry Point, MD; Sacramento, CA; Vinton, IA; and Vicksburg, MS. AmeriCorps NCCC requires an intensive, 10-month commitment, and members complete a variety of projects throughout a multi-state region. NCCC members are trained in CPR, first aid, public safety, and other skills before beginning their first service project.

Service projects, which typically last from six to eight weeks, meet urgent community needs in disaster relief, the environment, education, public safety, and unmet human needs. Teams work on projects throughout the country with non-profit programs, state and local agencies, and other community and faith-based groups. Members tutor students, construct and rehabilitate low-income housing, respond to natural disasters, clean up streams, help communities develop emergency plans, and address countless other local needs.

AmeriCorps NCCC members are provided with housing, food, health benefits, transportation to projects, and qualified student loan forbearance. They earn a modest living stipend of about $200 every two weeks, before taxes. Upon successful completion of the program, they also earn a $5,350 education award that can be applied to future schooling or pay off existing student loans.

To learn more about NCCC, please visit: http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/nccc.asp