AmeriCorps: What We Really Talk About When We Visit High Schools

If you work with high school students, you know one of the biggest questions on their minds is…what’s next?

College? A job? A break?

AmeriCorps offers another option that many students haven’t even heard of yet: service that builds skills, helps pay for school, and gives young people a chance to figure out who they are and what they want to do.

That’s why we offer short, engaging presentations at high schools. Here's what really happens when AmeriCorps comes to campus, and why it matters.

We Introduce Students to a Different Kind of Path

Not every student is college-bound, and not every career starts with a four-year degree. AmeriCorps provides structured, full-time service opportunities where young adults gain work experience, grow their confidence, and explore their interests—all while giving back to their communities.

We Talk About Real Benefits

Students learn that AmeriCorps is more than volunteering. We cover:

• Job-ready skills like teamwork, leadership, communication, and project planning
• Education awards that help pay for college or student loans
• Living stipends, and sometimes housing or meals
• Hands-on experience that employers and colleges value
  
  

We Keep It Short, Accessible, and Inspiring

Our presentations are flexible. We can present in a class, during advisory, or at a career day. We don’t lecture or pressure students. Instead, we share stories, answer questions, and connect students to resources so they can decide what’s right for them.

Sometimes, a 10-minute presentation is all it takes for a student to realize:
"I could do that."

For students who feel stuck, unsure, or overlooked, AmeriCorps can be a turning point. Our goal is to plant that seed and open up a new path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions about AmeriCorps