Hey! I tried to find the answer myself on the website, but it’s just not up yet. If you’re really curious you can call and ask or send an email. I’ll ask a friend who is currently serving, but that might be a long shot. Sorry! 

Most commonly asked question! :)

There is unfortunately no way of knowing when you will find out if you’ve been accepted. It depends on when NCCC finds out who has declined their offer and how far down the waitlist you are (which there is no way of knowing). Sorry for the inconvenience! Good luck, though. <3

It really depends!

On-campus during the first month (training) means a lot of getting up early and either doing work or sitting in lectures. They’ll be providing you with seriously boring presentations, but that have immensely valuable skills in them. Expect PT 3x/week, although I don’t remember if they started it right off the bat. Once your living situation is established, you’ll probably buy food with that group and making bag lunches. Each day is slightly different.

On spike differs too. It’s completely depends on your project. I do think you’ll probably always get up early, though. Expect that. You’ll get up, eat, pack lunch, hop in the van, head to your site, work, eat lunch, work, then go back. Nights often have activities, like team-meetings. Your TL and team will decide when PT happens. 

Average age varies too. I think my team’s average age was 22, not including TL.

Licenses are not important. I didn’t drive once the entire time I was with NCCC. Those on your team with good driving records can choose to take the short van-driving training and be certified to drive the team. I think we had 4 drivers, plus our TL.

YES! Great question.

I did a year of college before NCCC and was so glad to have done it. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life and AmeriCorps was a great way to travel, learn about people’s needs, and grow. It’s a really fantastic opportunity (albeit not perfect). I highly suggest it if it feels right for you.

If you don’t go back to finish you degree, then you weren’t meant to and you have better things to do with you life. College degrees matter less now than ever, and some people find they have better paths open up after AmeriCorps. But you can totally go back if you want! It’s all up to you.

I wouldn’t let you parents stop you and I think it unfortunate that you think they wouldn’t support you to do 10 months of incredible service work!! It looks great on a resume and you’ll get so much experience. You’ll also be making a little bit of stipend money AND get a $5,000 Education Award to put toward going back to school! But follow your gut- you know what’s right for you. 

For the record, I discovered my passion for Midwifery during my term and just finished my second year toward getting my BS in Midwifery. 

Hey! Glad the blog has been informative! 

There is no solid answer on when you might find out if you’ve been accepted. It could happen anytime between now and the day of the new term. Sorry about that!

As for being accepted before the medical and finger print cards, I don’t know! SHOUT OUT: Anyone been accepted before they turned those in? 

Yes, you can still have your other, personal bank account(s). I think a sleeping bag is nice because it has more uses, but I brought sheets and I believe AmeriCorps loaned me a sleeping bag. They definitely have them, because sometimes teams sleep in tents for a project. It was cold when I arrived in Maryland, so it was nice to have the sheets and blankets, but I often left them on campus during spikes. Just figure out what works for you- everyone is different. Also, remember you can eventually buy stuff out there if you want to limit what you’re packing.

Hey! NCCC will make some accommodations, but I think they air on the side of accepting people who can do some physical work. I would be more worried about you pushing yourself and making your scoliosis worse, or any judgement from your team. If you’re accepted, I would suggest finding ways to work just as hard as the rest of your team (or more) in ways that don’t require heavy lifting. I think one could make it work, but I’d definitely sit down with the TL and/or the team and let them know what you are and are not capable of. I hope they would be very supportive!

Hey! Seems like a bit of sticky situation. Waitlist statuses can become accepted statuses at any time. You could get in contact with AmeriCorps, but I’m not sure there is much they can do expedite the process. I’d just pick a day by which, if you status hasn’t changed, you will confirm your space at that college and choose classes. You may find out you are accepted before that, or not, but no sense in loosing you college spot for something that isn’t certain. I hope you find out before that date!!

Hey! This is an Awesome question!

Yes, I do believe they accept people somewhat according to race. AmeriCorps wants a good image and wants diversity, so they pick and choose somewhat based on what may seem to be unfair factors. While I believe those people who are most passionate about service work should receive top priority, I absolutely value the intention to create balanced groups. Still, during my term and at my campus, the majority of Corps members were Caucasian. The teams were mixed though, with, I’d say, at least 2 non-white people per team of 10. I think the overall aim is to have more diversity, but I’m not entirely sure. Wish it were better!

Take care :)

Well, it’s random as can be, I’m afraid. Could be tomorrow, could be the day the term starts. Sorry about that, but they’re constantly dealing with dropouts. I hope you find out soon!

If you can clearly apply for Winter Term separately, I don’t think it would hurt. Just a guess though! Stay positive :)

I wouldn’t think so. Just get in touch with them about it. They should still formally deny you as a TL, I believe. Did you interview/answer questions over the phone for both?

Congrats, friend!!

I have no clue as to whether or not declining Fema will affect your ability to be accepted into NCCC. But NCCC isn’t without it’s serious downsides too. No program is perfect, especially a government program! Trust your gut on this one and know that service work is awesome no matter who it’s with.