Outreach program is taking applications

   The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach program has opened the host site application for the 2024-25 program year.

   Government, faith-based, nonprofit or community-based organizations that focus on youth programming are encouraged to apply. The deadline for giving priority to applicants has been extended to Aug. 1.

   The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach program is a unique partnership between AmeriCorps and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development, said Teri Mash, AmeriCorps 4-H program director.

   “The program places AmeriCorps service members in host organizations across the state. AmeriCorps service members build capacity, helping their host organization bring new youth curricula to their community or deliver current programming to new youth audiences,” Mash said.

   Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach members spearhead community and organizational efforts to provide youth with positive development experiences through youth-adult partnerships and research-based experiences. The members’ work plan can focus on project leadership and organization, volunteer development, building local capacity and direct service.

   These members lead efforts to recruit and mobilize volunteers for various educational activities and programs, coordinate community youth leadership initiatives, develop new partnerships between private organizations and youth-serving programs, and design and develop service-learning projects. Members provide programmatic leadership and direct service, allowing youth to develop valuable life skills and discover their passion.

   In exchange for their service, the AmeriCorps members develop skills that build strong resumes, earn a monthly living allowance, and receive a post-service education award to finance higher education or pay toward qualified student loans. Members serving a full-time term can apply for insurance and childcare subsidies.

   Host sites accepted into the Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach program are expected to invest in the partnership by providing a non-federal cash match. The contribution covers a portion of the total grant cost and the cost of the member serving at a site.

   “The match for a full-time member serving 1,700 hours is $7,800, which is a great value as the total cost to support each member is over $40,000,” said Mash.

   The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach program is a $1.5 million grant funded through AmeriCorps, Volunteer Iowa, ISU Extension and Outreach and private matching funds.

   For information, contact Teri Mash, AmeriCorps 4-H program director, at terimash@iastate.edu or 515-943-9063, or visit the website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/americorps. An informational guide on becoming a host site is available online.