AmeriCorps Frequently Asked Questions

Members

What are the minimum qualifications to be in the ASTAR program?
• You must be at least 18 years old to be in the ASTAR program


Do all AmeriCorps positions in ASTAR receive a living stipend?
• No, only the full-time and half-time positions have a living stipend attached to the position.
• The minimum time are education award only positions



How does the living stipend get dispersed and how often?
• The living stipend is equally divided between the pay periods and the contract year and is paid every two weeks. Those who start at the beginning of the program year (around August 14-20) will receive a full living allowance during their term of service. If you start later in the program year your living stipend is prorated based on the number of pay periods left in the program year.


Can I count my lunchtime as part of my AmeriCorps service hours?
• No, in most cases you cannot count your lunch or other breaks as AmeriCorps time.


Do I have to serve the entire contract period?
• As a full or half-time AmeriCorps member you are signing on to a contract period that begins on your assigned ‘start date’ and must be finished by August 14th of the following year. For example, the program starts August 15, 2023, and ends August 14, 2024, those enrolled as of 8/15/23 are expected to serve until 8/14/24. If you complete your hours early you are still expected to serve at your site until the end of your contract. If you choose to leave early your living stipend will be stopped at the time of your departure.


Can my education award be used by someone else in my family?
• The education award can be used or given to an immediate family member IF the AmeriCorps member earning the award is over 55 years of age at the time of enrolling in the program. If not, the answer is NO.
• The education award can be held in the My AmeriCorps portal for up to 7 years.

I still have questions. How do I contact someone?
Please email Lisa Clark at lclark@frostburg.edu or call her at 301-697-3359.

AmeriCorps ASTR logos

We are an AmeriCorps grantee and receive funds as part of their State and National Program as well as the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism 

National Days of Service

January 15, 2024
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
REGISTER HERE

April 21-27, 2024
National Volunteer Week

September 11
9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

October 26, 2024
Make a Difference Day

November 11
Veterans Day

 

Contact ASTAR

Photo of Lisa Clark

Lisa Clark
Director, ASTAR
lclark@frostburg.edu


ASTAR
University of System of Maryland - Hagerstown
32 W. Washington St, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 301.697.3359
Fax: 301.687.7049

Frostburg State University is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Persons with disabilities may request accommodation through the ADA Compliance Office: 301-687-4102 (VRO 1-800-735-2258). FSU is a smoke-free campus.