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.:Resource Guides:Year of Service Programs-Introduction
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Year of Service Programs
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Jon McConnell, Student Development Programs Director
Haas Center for Public Service, Stanford University
Alice Bergman, Former Director
Career Center, Reed College
Photo: Merrill Black, Support Center for Nonprofit Management
Introduction
The luckiest people in the world are those who get to do all year round what they most like to do during their summer vacation.
- Mark Twain
From teaching overseas or on a Sioux Tribe reservation, to living on a rural farm working with people with disabilities, you will find that there are thousands of interesting ways to spend a year serving while gaining experience and learning more about yourself and your
world. Unique learning, life enriching and service-related opportunities exist throughout the world. This guide will help you consider if a Year of Service program is right for you and connect you with the resources to explore possible options.
Value of Service Programs
A Year of Service experience can provide a chance for you to:
- Learn about yourself and your world
- Make an impact within an organization or community
- Test the waters of a possible career
- Make a difference in an individual's life
- Gain practical, hands-on, "real life" experience
- Explore what it means to serve
- Pursue an interest or a dream
- Develop new skills
- Take a break from school or before starting graduate school
- Experience something you may not have the opportunity to later in life
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
- Winston Churchill
Who Participates in Service Programs
Anyone can benefit from a Year of Service program and should be able to find one that is appropriate for their needs and interests. Some service programs will have specific requirements or pre-requisites including: college experience or degree, specific skills or
experience, particular faith background, etc. However, most programs are open to anyone over the age of 18 who has the interest and commitment to serve.
College students and recent college graduates tend to be a large percentage of the participants in these programs. Students will often take a year off from their studies to take part in one of these programs or will participate after completing their degree. These
programs are popular with students upon graduation since they can provide a great entry-level experience in a variety of fields or provide a transitional year before continuing further studies.
Types of Programs
Year of Service programs vary greatly. Some programs address a single community issue or need and are located in a specific community or geographic region. Other programs offer placements addressing a range of issues throughout a broad geographic area.
Some programs select one or two participants each year, while others select large groups or corps that typically train and in some cases work and even live together. Whether you want an individual placement in a rural town or a group service and learning experience in a
major city, you should be able to find a program that fits your interests.
A large percentage of Year of Service programs receive some funding from the federal government through the Corporation for National Service and carry the AmeriCorps name. AmeriCorps related opportunities are available throughout the country serving in many different
capacities and addressing numerous community issues. For more information on the range of opportunities available through and sponsored by AmeriCorps, spend some time on their website listed under Exploring Opportunities.
In addition, a significant number of Year of Service programs are sponsored by faith-based organizations. There are hundreds of these programs with placement sites throughout the world. Some require a specific faith background while others are ecumenical in nature. Some
of the larger faith-based programs include: Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps, and Brethren Volunteer Service.
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