Many college students, including Scholarship Foundation students, rely on part-time employment to cover college costs. Students work on-campus in work-study positions, but many also work off-campus, including through AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps, a federal agency of service and volunteerism, provides service member benefits, including the AmeriCorps Education Award, which can be used to cover educational expenses or repay student loans.
Unexpected cuts in late April have affected more than 40% of AmeriCorps grant funds and over 32,000 AmeriCorps members nationwide. These cuts have immediately resulted in the loss of income and the promise of education awards for AmeriCorps members. If you receive Scholarship Foundation funding and are directly affected by these cuts, we encourage you to consider the following actions:
- Scholarship Foundation students who submitted a renewal application for 2025-26 and have since had an AmeriCorps position terminated should contact their Student Advisor at the Foundation. Students may submit any anticipated change of income due to an AmeriCorps position loss for possible adjustment to the Foundation’s calculation for need.
- Scholarship Foundation students may also apply for a paid internship through the Edward Jones Financial Futures Internship Program. Applications are due May 9th!
Additionally, the Foundation encourages all students to take the following steps if they have been affected by AmeriCorps cuts:
- Maintain your records. Keep copies of your AmeriCorps hours, and any other documentation related to your position, in a safe place.
- Document your education award. If you have completed an AmeriCorps term and have an education award, document the amount through your MyAmeriCorps Portal.
- Engage in advocacy. If you are impacted by these cuts, consider contacting your legislative representatives to share your story. Find your representative and senators.
As always, The Scholarship Foundation stands in your corner. If these cuts directly affect you, please contact a Foundation Student Advisor to discuss options and identify resources.
