Putting the Post-Service Benefit to Good Use
In the most recent alumni surveys, 80 percent of Volunteer Maryland reported that they had utilized a portion or all of their post-service benefit since they completed their term of service. The post-service benefits were used to pay off existing student loans and cover college or university tuition at a variety of schools across the country.
A Lifetime of Commitment to Service
Volunteer Maryland Coordinators take on the challenge of AmeriCorps service because they are committed to helping solve the critical human and environmental needs of our times. It is no surprise, then, that after the VM year of service, alumni continue to be active citizens and participants in their local communities. Many alumni serve as members of Boards of Directors or as direct service volunteers. They may also follow professions that are service-based or begin degree programs that focus on human or environmental service. Whatever their particular interests, VM alumni consistently participate in the social and political activities of their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What do graduates of VM do after their AmeriCorps year(s)?
Like all AmeriCorps members, VM alumni may choose to attend college, get or return to a job, or retire after their year of national service. After the VM AmeriCorps year, many program alumni sign up for another term of AmeriCorps national service or participate in other local, national, or international service programs such as the Peace Corps.
Do alumni stay involved in their communities?
According to the most recent alumni surveys and annual follow-up, 95 percent of VM alumni stay involved in their communities as public servants, direct service volunteers, paid staff, or members of Boards of Directors.
Do alumni stay involved with their Service Sites?
Based on recent alumni evaluations and annual surveys, approximately 45 percent of alumni stay involved with their Volunteer Maryland Service Site after the AmeriCorps year ends.
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