Relay GSE has been an AmeriCorps program since 2014. As a Relay student, there is no major additional time commitment after you complete the enrollment process. Your current teaching experience and Relay coursework are your AmeriCorps service. AmeriCorps slots are limited and enrollment only happens once a year. 

 

Learn more about the national AmeriCorps program: What is AmeriCorps?

 

AmeriCorps at Relay 

When you choose to join AmeriCorps, you’ll gain access to tons of benefits, including a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (up to $7,395) after completing the 2025-26 teaching year. Many Relay students choose to use the education award to offset out-of-pocket Relay tuition expenses, or they save it for up to 7 years for future qualified student loans.  

 

AmeriCorps’ mission aligns with Relay’s commitment to service and the work you will do daily as a teacher. Depending on placement and program, students may be asked to complete an AmeriCorps application and will be enrolled if eligible. More information will be shared during orientation.

 

Relay is considered a Professional Corps program, which means our members:

• are employed by a non-parochial school in an instructional role;
• receive a full-time salary and benefits from their school;
• and earn service hours through their work as a teacher, serving high-needs communities.

 

AmeriCorps Eligibility

 

	Federal
Eligible	Individuals are eligible for two (2) Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards worth $7,395/year towards educational expenses like tuition AmeriCorps State and National programs are open to United States citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents age 17 and older —proof of citizenship will be required Successfully pass and satisfy the National Criminal History Check criteria
Ineligible	Anyone who refuses to consent to the National Service Criminal History Check Anyone who makes a false statement in connection with the National Service Criminal History Check Anyone who is registered, or required to be registered, on a state sex offender registry or the National Sex Offender Registry  A person convicted of murder Non-United States citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents

 

In addition to the federal agency list, participation in Relay AmeriCorps requires:

	Relay
Eligible	Enrollment in a degree or certification-seeking program (full or part-time) Secured full-time instructional role with a 9-hour workday, salary, and benefits at a non-parochial PK-12 school Signed Service Site Agreement between Relay and School Placement Site (the school where the student is teaching) Completion of all required registration steps before the enrollment date
Ineligible	Not enrolled at Relay for the entire academic year Hold a paraprofessional, substitute or non-teaching role

 

Preparing for AmeriCorps

• All Relay students who are invited to the AmeriCorps Enrollment process are required to submit an application. If you are eligible for AmeriCorps (depending on placement and program), you will receive clear application instructions.
• The first step in the enrollment process is to complete the AmeriCorps Enrollment Training. The virtual training will walk you through our 6-step enrollment process and provide a glimpse of the member experience should you join.
• Relay's AmeriCorps Team will guide you through the remaining application steps throughout the summer. You'll be invited to join AmeriCorps office hours for personalized support if you have questions along the way! 
• Check out the Relay AmeriCorps Enrollment Flowchart for a sneak peek of the 6-step process.

 

Return to Admissions and Prospective Students Homeà