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AmeriCorps

Davenport AmeriCorps Logo 

Davenport AmeriCorps Program

WHAT IS AMERICORPS?

AmeriCorps, founded in 1993 by the National and Community Service Trust Act and signed by President Bill Clinton, is a federal agency and network of national service programs in the United States where individuals commit their time to work on community service projects. AmeriCorps programs connect over 70,000 Americans each year in service to meet community needs in education, public safety, health and homeland security. AmeriCorps members serve more than 2,000 non-profits, public agencies, and community organizations across the country.

Mission Statement: To improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

4 Types of AmeriCorps Programs

1. AmeriCorps State and National
o Partners with nonprofits, schools, and public agencies.
o Members work on education, disaster response, public health, and more.
o Service terms can vary in level of commitment ranging from 1700 hours to 300 hours over a year. 
2. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America)
o Focuses on alleviating poverty.
o Members serve in capacity-building roles—such as developing programs or managing volunteers.
o Typically involves working in nonprofits or public agencies.
3. AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps)
o A team-based, residential program for 18–26-year-olds.
o Members travel together on short-term projects around the U.S., often related to disaster relief, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.
4. AmeriCorps Seniors
o For adults 55 and older.
o Includes Foster Grandparents, RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), and Senior Companions.

Benefits of Serving in AmeriCorps

  • Living stipend (modest)
  •  Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (used to pay for college or student loans)
  •  Loan forbearance
  •  Professional development
  •  Alumni network
  •  Health insurance (in some programs)
  •  Childcare assistance (if eligible)

Who Can Serve

  • U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents
  • 17 years or older (varies by program)
  • No specific degree or background required—training is usually provided
Davenport AMericorps Program

The City of Davenport program, established in 2011, aims to foster civic engagement and provide mentorship and support for K-12 students during out-of-school time, ultimately reducing dropout rates and aiding in positive youth development. The program strives to be a catalyst for positive change within the city's educational system and community by empowering youth and fostering a sense of civic responsibility. Specifically, the program provides dedicated time for AmeriCorps members to work with and mentor Davenport youth during their out-of-school time and support youths' emotional, academic, and social development. 

  • Focus on Youth: The program directly addresses the needs of Davenport's K-12 students. 
  • Mental Health Skill Building: Specially trained youth mental health corps members work directly with participants in a mental health skills program supporting teens 12-15 with building coping skills, communication techniques and introspection. 
  • Civic Engagement: AmeriCorps members are tasked with fostering civic engagement among young people. 
  • Mentorship and Support: The program provides valuable mentorship and academic/social support to students. 
  • Community Impact: The program aims to improve the lives of Davenport students and strengthen the community through service. 

Why Serve in Davenport?

  • Give back to your local community
  • Get unique, hands-on experience in the social and human services
  • Receive funding for educational expenses
  • Professional development
  • Networking and fostering connections in the community
  • Build your resume
  • Earn internship credit
  • Explore career opportunities

 

Member Benefits of Service

Living Stipend 
All AmeriCorps members receive a living stipend throughout their service to help cover basic expenses. This stipend ranges from $4,050 to $16,200 depending on how many service hours are required and is divided and paid out as equal bi-weekly direct deposits. 

Education Award 
Upon successful completion of their service term, AmeriCorps members receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which can be used to pay for qualified student loans or educational expenses at eligible institutions. This award ranges from $1,565 to $5,176 depending on how many service hours are required. 
Student Loan Forbearance
While members are serving in AmeriCorps, they may qualify for forbearance on eligible student loans, which means they can temporarily pause payments without penalty. For more information, please visit: Forbearance Overview

Hands-On Experience and Professional Development 
AmeriCorps is a great opportunity to build your resume, gain transferable skills, and explore new career paths. There are daily training opportunities at AmeriCorps sites, as well as three professional development trainings hosted by the AmeriCorps Program Staff that are scheduled throughout the service term. 

Member Assistance Program (MAP) 
Members have free, confidential access to the Member Assistance Program, which includes: 
Website and mobile app resources & scheduling
Text/chat counseling & coaching
Video counseling & coaching
Medical advocacy
Life coaching
Personal concierge for everyday needs
Work/life resources & referrals
Legal & financial assistance  

Flexibility to Serve in Davenport

The City of Davenport AmeriCorps program places members with local partners such as Davenport Parks and Recreation, Common Chord, and the Putnam Museum and Science Center. Members serve their community through a variety of avenues, including developing youth education activities and mentoring students, creating adaptive community programming, designing STEM learning experiences, and supporting volunteer outreach and community engagement.

AmeriCorps offers flexible, purpose-driven service opportunities that allow individuals to support their community while gaining valuable experience. Members serve in structured roles with defined slot types, each with different service hour commitments and weekly expectations designed to fit a variety of schedules.

Member Service Commitments
Three Quarter Time (TQT):  1200 total hours (approximately 29 hours per week)
Half Time (HT): 900total hours (approximately 22 hours per week)
Reduced Half Time (RHT): 675 total hours (approximately 16 hours per week)
Quarter Time (QT): 450 total hours (approximately 11 hours per week)

The City of Davenport AmeriCorps program welcomes individuals from all walks of life, whether you’re looking to grow, give back, or gain momentum.

It’s a perfect fit for:
College students or recent graduates seeking experience in fields such as education, public service, or nonprofit work
Career changers or individuals returning to the workforce to build skills, make connections, and gain references
Gap year students looking for meaningful, hands-on experience before continuing school
Retirees who want to stay engaged and make a lasting community impact
Parents or caregivers with flexible schedules looking to give back part-time

Whether you are building your resume, discovering a new career path, or simply wanting to make a difference, AmeriCorps has a place for you! 

Who Can Serve in Davenport?

Applicants must: 

Certify that they have or will obtain a high school diploma or GED before the service contract start date
Be 18 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit)
Pass a National Service Criminal History Check prior to the first day of service
Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: 
o U.S. Citizen
o U.S. National
o Lawful Permanent Resident 

What to Expect During the Application Process

  1. Submit Your Application: Start by filling out our online application form
  2. Phone Screen Request: After reviewing your application, our Program Supervisor will text you to schedule a quick phone screen to learn more about you and answer any questions you may have. 
  3. Phone Screen Interview: This short conversation helps us learn more about your interests and availability. 
  4. Pre-interview Activity: You will complete a short activity to showcase how you think and approach service-related tasks. 
  5. Application Materials Reviewed: Your application, phone screen notes, pre-interview activity, and resume are shared with the site supervisor at your potential service site. 
  6. In-Person Interview: The site supervisor will reach out to schedule a face-to-face interview with you. 
  7. Final Selection: The site supervisor makes their selection and shares it with the Program Supervisor. You’ll be contacted either way to let you know the outcome. 

Ready to get started with Davenport?

1) Complete the online interest form 
2) Email your resume to: [email protected] 

Have questions before applying? Reach out via text or call: (563) 349-0530 or email [email protected]

 

CURRENT AmeriCorps Positions

2026-2027 Program Year Recruitments

TERM OF SERVICE:

October 2026 - August 2027

HOST SITE & POSITION INFORMATION

Common Chord creates musical experiences that help connect Quad Citizens with each other and build a stronger community where all can thrive. Through prioritizing highlighting local musicians, Common Chord builds an economy and culture that values local talent and creates more opportunities for musicians to build lasting careers.

Youth Music Program & Community Engagement Specialist   - expands access to music education by coordinating instrument donations, supporting youth music enrichment programs, creating outreach content, and engaging the community through events and partnerships. 

Davenport Parks and Recreation (DPR) offers a variety of recreation programs throughout the year, including seasonal events, activities, and classes for the entire family. There are several programs under DPR that are host sites for AmeriCorps members to serve at:

DPR AmeriCorps supports local youth by committing an AmeriCorps member's time to foster civic engagement, mentorship, academic, and social supports.

AmeriCorps Program Mentor - enhances youth development programming by mentoring AmeriCorps members, supporting social-emotional learning and recreation activities, ensuring high-quality program implementation, and documenting program impact.
Youth Mental Health Corps Programmer - facilitates recreational programming that promotes social-emotional growth, emotional regulation, and community engagement for youth through group activities, service projects, and positive mentoring.

 DPR Roosevelt Community Center is a multi-purpose facility offering a gym, weight room, community rooms, computer lab, lending library, and a variety of classes and programs. 

Roosevelt Community Center Programmer - expands community recreation and learning opportunities by developing youth programming, enhancing digital learning resources, creating community outreach materials, and implementing innovative recreation initiatives.

DPR Fairmount Community Center offers a multi-purpose space with a half-court gym, drop-in and after-school programming, and is available for community rental and recreational activities. 

Fairmount Community Center Programmer - promotes youth engagement through sports and recreation by developing seasonal programming, creating community outreach materials, supporting special events, and expanding inclusive recreational opportunities. 

DPR Park Operations is responsible for maintaining and improving the city's parks, facilities, and green spaces to ensure they are clean, safe, and functional for public use and recreation.  

 Park Engagement Ambassador - enhances visitor experiences in Davenport parks by engaging park visitors, conducting park assessments, leading educational tours, and supporting community outreach events.

DPR Volunteer Management recruits, coordinates, and facilitates volunteer opportunities (one-time and ongoing) for the parks and recreation department.

 Volunteer Systems & Recruitment Coordinator - strengthens community volunteer engagement by recruiting and supporting volunteers, building partnerships with local organizations, coordinating volunteer orientations, and leading volunteer recognition initiatives.


Putnam Museum and Science Center
offers unique, immersive, hands-on learning experiences with the goal of educating people of all ages in lasting ways.

Museum Youth Learning Outreach Specialist - expands informal learning opportunities for youth by facilitating hands-on educational activities, developing museum programming, engaging visitors through community events, and creating enriching learning experiences.

 

upcoming AmeriCorps Positions

spring & summer 2027 service term Recruitments

Spring Service Terms: Applications open mid-January
Summer YouthCorps Term: Applications open early March

TERM OF SERVICE:

March - August 2027

HOST SITE & POSITION INFORMATION

Common Chord creates musical experiences that help connect Quad Citizens with each other and build a stronger community where all can thrive. Through prioritizing highlighting local musicians, Common Chord builds an economy and culture that values local talent and creates more opportunities for musicians to build lasting careers.

Youth Music Programming Specialist- expands access to music education by supporting instrument donation initiatives, developing youth music enrichment activities, creating community outreach content, and promoting music programs through community engagement.

Davenport Parks and Recreation (DPR) offers a variety of recreation programs throughout the year, including seasonal events, activities, and classes for the entire family. There are several programs under DPR that are host sites for AmeriCorps members to serve at:

DPR AmeriCorps supports local youth by committing an AmeriCorps member's time to foster civic engagement, mentorship, academic, and social supports.

Youth Corps Program Coordinator - develops future community leaders by mentoring Youth Corps members, facilitating leadership and professional development training, supporting service-learning experiences, and strengthening program impact through mentorship and reflection.

DPR Roosevelt Community Center is a multi-purpose facility offering a gym, weight room, community rooms, computer lab, lending library, and a variety of classes and programs. 

Creative Learning & Youth Enrichment Specialist  - enhances youth creativity and engagement by developing educational activity resources, facilitating hands-on enrichment experiences, supporting positive camp environments, and creating sustainable program materials for future use.
Recreational Games & Enrichment Specialist  - enhances youth engagement and camp experiences by developing interactive game resources, facilitating recreational activities, promoting inclusive group play, and strengthening youth programming through creative enrichment opportunities.

DPR Davenport Junior Theatre (DJT) strives to build self-confidence and offer creative opportunities by producing accessible theatre for kids by kids. DJT offers dance classes, as well as theatre camps, classes, and workshops year-round, and produces three mainstage productions during the school year.

Youth Theatre Camp Enrichment Specialist  - enhances youth theatre experiences by developing creative enrichment activities, facilitating group engagement opportunities, supporting camper collaboration and communication, and strengthening theatre programming through resource development and reflection.

Putnam Museum and Science Center offers unique, immersive, hands-on learning experiences with the goal of educating people of all ages in lasting ways.

Youth Program Engagement & Enrichment Specialist- enhances youth camp experiences by facilitating engaging educational activities, adapting programming to support diverse learners, developing creative enrichment resources, and strengthening museum youth programming through positive camper engagement.

Youth Corps 

May - August 2027
Over a 14-week term, Youth Corps Members participate in structured service projects across the community, hands-on learning experiences, and workforce readiness training designed to support their transition into employment, further education, or vocational pathways. Members will gain practical skills through project-based service, explore career interests, and develop professional competencies such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and responsibility.

Ready to Get Started with youthcorps?

1) Complete the online application form available March 2027.
2) Email your resume to: [email protected] 

Have questions before applying? Reach out via text or call: (563) 349-0530 or email [email protected]

                                                         

 

Contact

AmeriCorps General Information
700 W River Drive, Davenport
Davenport, IA 52802
Phone:
563-349-0530
Email:

Contact

Jordan Litton
AmeriCorps Program Manager
Phone:
563-888-3107
Email:

Contact

Christina Williams
AmeriCorps Program Assistant
Phone:
563-888-3116
Email: