Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation 2010
1. How old do I have to be to join?
To be considered for a position on the A*C Leadership and Conservation Crew, you
must be between 19-24 years old at the beginning of orientation. Applicants who
will turn 25 during the program can still apply.
2. Where are you located?
Our crews operate out of our headquarters office at 1801 Federal Blvd, across from
Invesco Field at Mile High (on the #31 bus route). Corpsmembers meet at the office
each morning at 7:30 a.m. and travel in company vehicles to service projects. They
return to headquarters at the end of each workday.
3. Is housing provided?
No. MHYC does not have the capacity to house Corpsmembers. It is up to you to
secure a place that meets your needs in terms of cost, location, and desired living
environment. We encourage you to spend time researching housing options before
you get here, or arrive early and spend some quality time looking for a place. We
will provide you with the contact information for other incoming Corpsmembers
whom you could possibly find housing with. Once orientation starts, your free time
to go house hunting will be limited to nights and weekends.
4. How will I be paid?
AmeriCorps members are not “paid,” they receive a “living allowance.” The
AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Crew living stipend totals $11,400 before
taxes. Basically, you will receive a check for about $450 every two weeks during the
program.
5. Will I be able to save money while I serve?
The living stipend is to help with rent, food, gas if you have a car, and maybe a little
entertainment. This is not meant to be a salary. AmeriCorps members are serving,
not working, so you need to think of this as a service year. Service usually means
sacrifice in some way, so be prepared to live simply or save beforehand.
6. What if I find I can’t make it a full year?
You need to think hard about the commitment you make. The communities being
served and your crew rely on a 10-month commitment by each Member. Many
aspects of the program are negatively affected when someone decides not to fulfill
their commitment. We expect that by accepting a position, you will serve the
complete term.
7. What benefits do AmeriCorps members receive?
Members receive a modest living allowance of $11,400 for 10 months of service, as
well as health care coverage, worker’s compensation coverage, child care assistance
(if eligible), and student loan forbearance (if applicable). After completing 10 months
and 1,700 hours of service, Members are eligible for an education award of $4,725.
8. What is the education award?
The education award is a scholarship that can be used to repay qualified existing or
future student loans; to pay all or part of the cost of attending a qualified institution
of higher education (including certain vocational programs); and to pay expenses
incurred while participating in an approved school-to-work program. Upon
successful program completion, the award goes into the Corporation for National
Service Trust Fund in D.C. When you decide you are ready to use it, the Trust pays
the school or bank directly. The scholarship is considered taxable income and is good
for seven years.
9. What kinds of projects do you do?
Most of our work involves environmental conservation and restoration, community
improvement, and affordable housing. During the spring and fall, the AmeriCorps
Leadership and Conservation Crew works on the Energy Conservation Project
helping low-income residents cut down their monthly utility bills and save energy. In
the summer, you get the chance to use a chainsaw and/or build trails and work with
Denver youth improving the community. Many of our projects are labor-intensive
and physical in nature.
10. What if I don’t have any experience with energy conservation or working
outside?
No problem. Many of our Corpsmembers don’t have these skills when they start, but
learn them while serving here. We look for people who are not afraid to work hard,
get dirty, and who care about the planet. We will provide any necessary training to
keep you and your teammates safe.
11. Do I need to have any special skills or training?
The only absolute requirement is a High School Diploma or GED, but be sure to let us
know if you have other relevant skills or experience. We are always looking for
members with a valid driver’s license and members who are bilingual in Spanish.
Make sure you include this information on your application.
12. Do you work outside if it’s raining or snowing?
Yes, but only if it is safe. We generally continue working in the rain unless there is
lightening or a severe storm. MHYC will provide you with a rain jacket and rain
pants. We try to schedule indoor projects during winter months to avoid working in
the snow. Occasionally, it does snow in the spring and fall during our outdoor
projects. In these cases, we continue working only if it is safe and productive. MHYC follows the same inclement weather procedures as Denver Public School (DPS) and
is closed whenever there is a weather-related DPS school closure.
13. What do Corpsmembers wear to work?
You will receive an MHYC uniform when you start the program. The uniform
consists of: t-shirt, BDU cargo pants, sweatshirt, baseball hat, Rain jacket/pants and
a winter hat. You are required to be in uniform whenever you are working.
MHYC will also supply you with these items: Protective gear including hard-hats,
gloves, and eye-protection. These mandatory protections prevent the majority of
safety hazards found in our work.
Gear Corpsmembers Provide for Themselves:
• Hiking or work boots that cover the anklebone and are approved by MHYC (no
sneakers)
• A backpack/bookbag to carry layers, water, and lunch
14. Can I work or go to school while serving with Mile High Youth Corps ACLC?
Yes. Part-time work or school outside of your service is permitted, as long as it
doesn’t interfere with our daily schedule. We are a full-time program. Our hours
are from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m-4 p.m.
During the summer, some crews work a 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. schedule and have most
Fridays off.
15. How do I get a job at MHYC?
First, complete an application for the AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation
Program. You can do this online or in person at our office. If you provide an email
address on your application, please check that account regularly for updates.
Qualified applicants will be called for a series of interviews. In addition, all
Corpsmembers must pass a pre-employment background check and drug test. We
will help you through these steps when it is appropriate to do so.
16. I’d be coming from out of state; will I need a car?
No. Denver can be navigated easily using public transportation for nominal fees
(buses, light rail) and safely using various forms of alternate transportation (foot,
bike, and skateboard). Since MHYC strives to “be green,” we encourage
Corpsmembers to carpool and/or use alternate modes of transportation during their
service with us.
17. What if I have a specific question not answered here?
Feel free to call us at 303.433.1206 opt 1 ext 333 or email youthjobs@mhyc.net.
If you are out of state, call us toll-free at 866-581-0627.
