Using Your Education Award

After successfully completing a term of service, AmeriCorps Members are eligible to receive a Segal Education Award. This education award can be used to pay education costs at colleges and universities, to pay for educational training, and to repay qualified student loans. The amount of the educational award is tied to the Department of Education's Pell Grant and will vary based on the year and program in which you served, but once you earn you award its value doesn't change. 

Limitations of the Education Award
  1. It expires seven years from the date it was earned.
  2. It is counted as taxable income in the year(s) you use all or part of the education award.
  3. If you are convicted of possessing or distributing a controlled substance, your award will be revoked or put on hold until you meet certain requirements, per CFR 2526.30.
  4. You can earn the equivalent of two full-time education awards (most AmeriCorps programs are one year, Teach for America is two years, Summer VISTA is about 20% of a year).
Using Your Education Award
  1. To use your education award (and other AmeriCorps benefits) you'll first need to create a MyAmeriCorps Account. Create an account, here. 
  2. Login and select "Create Education Award Payment Request" in the left navigation bar.
  3. Follow the steps, selecting the type of payment request, academic term, and institution.
  4. If your loan holder doesn't appear, you can type in their information. If your school doesn't appear, you can request a paper voucher and submit it to your financial aid office.
  5. Be aware: The total amount you request to be dispersed to a school will be sent in two equal disbursements - one immediately and one in the middle of the term.
Other Benefits
  1. While you are serving, if your loans aren't already in deferment, you can place your eligible loans in forbearance (on pause) and the National Service Trust will pay a portion of the interest that accumulates (100% for full-time members,
    17-20% for part-time members).
  2. Many colleges and universities will match your education award or provide special scholarships for AmeriCorps alums.
    A current list is available, here.  
Other Education Award Resources
  • Find in depth information on how to maximize your award, taxes, and more, here.  
  • Learn about outdoor programs that accept the education award, here. 
  • Explore non-traditional uses of the Education Award, here.