Community Service and College: How Helping Others Can Help Pay for College
Working or volunteering with a community service organization before, during or after attending college can help finance one’s education. There are scholarships, work-study programs and loan benefits associated with many community service organizations. Below are examples of a selection of these possibilities.
Before College
AmeriCorps is a federally run service organization in which members address critical needs in communities across America. Full-time AmeriCorps members will receive an award of approximately $5000 to pay for college or to repay student loans. Many other community service organizations offer scholarships to their volunteers so prospective college students who volunteer should ask about it. Other scholarships are awarded by companies and non-profits to those who have made a difference through volunteer work. Some examples are below:
- Disabled American Veterans Youth Volunteer Scholarship Awards – Several significant scholarships are given to those who volunteer at VA Medical Centers.
- Comcast Scholarships – Comcast gives away approximately $2 million a year in scholarships to recognize students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service as well as academic achievement.
- Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program – This program provides scholarships to those who’s volunteer work has made a difference in their community.
- The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards – It provides awards to honor students who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service to their communities.
During College
The Bonner Scholars Program provides about 1500 scholarships at 25 to 30 schools for low-income students who commit to ten hours per week of volunteer service and an internship during the summer.
Federal Work-Study
At least seven percent of federal work-study jobs must be community service jobs. Students may be offered work-study as part of their financial aid award package. America Reads and America Counts are two government programs that fall into this category. Work at a non-profit institution such as a library, public medical facility, social welfare agency or law enforcement agency also fit into this category.
After College
Peace Corps or AmeriCorps
Those who serve in the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps are eligible to reduce the amount of loans they have to repay. For those who have federal Perkins loans, the amount to be repaid is reduced for every year they serve up to 70% if they serve for four years. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program provides for elimination of remaining loan debt after ten years of public service as long as the borrower has made 120 payments, meets other conditions and obtained their loan through the Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP). There is also the option to defer loan payments while in the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps.
Public Service Jobs
Anyone working full-time in a public service organization for ten years may have their Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP) loan forgiven as long as 120 payments have been made and other conditions are met. Public service organizations include government agencies and entities (including public schools and colleges), public child or family service agencies, non-profit organizations, law enforcement, libraries, public health organizations among others.
Community Service Tips
- Ask about scholarships – Students should ask organizations they volunteer with if they offer any scholarships. Organizations don't always broadcast their availability.
- Consolidate FFEL loans - Federal Family Education Loan holders who plan to work in the public sector should consolidate their loans under the FDLP to qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
- Keep loan payments current – Loans can only be forgiven if they are not in default or payments are not delinquent.
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