If you're looking to participate in a service year, there are many different options to choose from. Each service year program offers a vastly different experience and can provide you with a chance to learn about the world around you while developing new skills. But what exactly is a service year, how do you find a program that is the right fit for you, and where can you search for service year opportunities? This post will answer all these questions and more to help you find a service year program that's right for you.
Photo Credits: Tampa Bay Estuary Program
Table of Contents
FAQs & What to Know About a Service Year
What is a service year?
A service year is an opportunity to dedicate a year of your time to national and community service while having some or all of your necessary expenses paid for.
What does a "paid service year" mean?
A "paid service year" means that several or all of your basic necessities are covered, such as; food, accommodation, travel, medical insurance, and/or a living stipend. Some programs also offer an education award after completing your term. The majority of service years tend to be paid service years.
What different types of service year programs are there?
There are many different types of service year programs that are offered by religious, private, public, non-profit, and government funded organizations. Each service year will focus on one or more service sectors/causes such as; education, poverty, environmental conservation, wildlife conservation, disaster response and recovery, clean energy, etc...
How long is a service year program?
Most service year programs are 10-11 months. However, there are shorter program options that range between 6-9 months. There are also programs under 6 months if you do not have a full 10 months to commit.
What are the qualifications to join a service year?
Each service year organization will have specific qualifications needed to join. Usually this means specific age requirements. However, there are opportunities for everyone no matter your age, it is just a matter of finding the right one.
When is the best time to complete a service year?
Most people complete a service year after they graduate from high school, between college semesters, after graduating college, or at a point in their life where they just need a change. You should join a service year when you do not have any other serious commitments, like work or full time classes. The best time is when you have the time.
What are the benefits of a service year?
A service year offers you the opportunity to gain tangible, hands on skills. You have the chance to give back to the community and make a positive lasting impact. Depending on the type of service year you choose, you also have the chance to travel, learn about different communities, meet new people, and develop various other skill sets. If you join a paid service year, most of your expenses will be covered and you wont need to worry about lodging or food.
Related Post: The Pros & Cons of a Service Year
How is a service year different than just volunteering?
"Volunteering" is usually short term and offers no support/assistance for those dedicating their time. A service year is a longer term opportunity that allows you to create a more lasting impact for the community you are serving. It also provides members with assistance such as; housing, meals, and more.
Photo Credits: Joel Muniz
How to Choose the Right Service Year for You
There are many things to consider when deciding on what service year is best for you. To help you choose the right program and help narrow down your search, consider the following;
What type of service work do you want to do?
There are many service sectors/causes you can serve. Are you looking to assist in; environmental conservation, youth development, education, poverty, homelessness, indigenous rights, urban development, disaster relief, healthcare, wildlife conservation, clean water initiatives, etc... Or, do you want a chance to work in multiple sectors?
What can you realistically and physically do?
A service year can be hard work. Be honest with yourself about what your body can physically do. If you are looking to work in environmental conservation or build houses, it's fair to say that that type of work is physically demanding. Make sure that you are able to safely complete the work you sign on to do. You can also aim for a service year less physically demanding, where you work indoors, with people, or behind a computer screen.
How much time do you have to commit?
A service year usually lasts between 10-11 months and many of them may require your complete attention through the year. If you can not commit this time, find a service opportunity that allows you to work part time, or for a shorter time span overall.
What support will you need throughout the year?
A service year program will provide their members certain support during the program. Decide if you need full support; housing, meals, a biweekly stipend, transportation, etc... or if you can work with partial support such as only housing and a small living stipend. Usually, the more support a program provides, the more of a time commitment they will expect from you.
Do you want to work with a team or individually?
There are service year opportunities where you complete your work with a team and there are others where you work individually. Do you want a program where you will be working, eating, and living with a team? Do you want to be a member of that team, or do you want to lead the team? Or would you prefer to work individually and not collaborate as much?
Where do you want to serve?
Are you looking to live and work in your current location, relocate to another state, or consistently travel during your year?
Are you looking for a religious aspect?
There are religion based service programs. Some will focus on religious aspects/causes and others are linked to religious organizations but have no focus on religion.
How will this effect your future?
Are you hoping that this opportunity will make a positive impact on your future career? If so, consider how it will look on a resume and if the experiences you will gain will serve as a stepping stone. Alternatively, it's okay if you want this to just be a fun experience, a chance to gain real life skills, help you give back to local communities, or figure out what is next.
Why do you want to do a service year?
Everyone has a different reason for completing a service year. Some people want to see what the non-profit world is like, others hope to travel, and many just want to give back to communities that need help. Whatever yours may be, make sure you choose a service year that aligns with your goals.
Photo Credits: Roman Synkevych
Websites to Find a Service Year
If you want to search for a service year, or look for short term volunteer opportunities, the following websites are great resources to help you in your search;
Service Year Organizations & Programs
There are well known and trusted organizations that offer service year opportunities. These are great places to begin your search when finding the right program for you;
AmeriCorps offers four core programs: VISTA, State/National, NCCC, and FEMA. Each program offers locations across the USA in various service sectors. The also offer a Senior Corps Program for ages 55+. Find more detailed information, here.
Learn More:
City Year offers programs that place you in one of 350 schools across the USA to support students as a tutor and mentor. Find more detailed information, here.
Habitat For Humanity is an organization that focuses on affordable housing across the USA and abroad. They offer long and short term programs in various departments of their organization; from building and construction to organizing things behind the scenes.
Food Corps members teach children how to successfully grow, cook, and understand the nutritional value of their food. They focus on food equality and education and have programs in over 230 schools in 17 US states.
The Student Conservation Association offers multiple programs in all 50 states that focus on environmental conservation and education. Find more detailed information, here.
Public Allies enables you to serve in a non-profit apprenticeship in one of 21 US states in various service sectors, such as; youth development, education, public health, economic development, and the environment. Find more detailed information, here.
Jesuit Volunteer Corps is a Christian organization that offers multiple programs in various serve sectors across the USA and abroad.
Urban Fellows is a fellowship program in New York City that focuses on educating their members on urban issues.
To find programs in environmental conservation view:
Conclusion
There are many things to consider when choosing a service year program. Hopefully this post was able to answer some questions regarding what a service year is, how to choose a program that's right for you, and where you can start your search. Have you completed a service year? If so, please feel free to share your experience in the comments below.