by: Courtney Remacle

Service has always been a big part of my life, but on Martin Luther King day I always make a special effort to reflect on what service really means. I have had the opportunity to serve with a great number of service organizations, and for wayward, idealist young people like myself I thought it might be useful to compile a list of paid or partially paid service opportunities for recent graduates, those taking a gap year, or anyone who wants to devote themselves full-time to making the world a better place! Please feel free to add any organizations I’m missing or your experience with service in the comments!

1) AmeriCorps: Probably the largest domestic service organization, AmeriCorps places people of all ages in volunteer and service capacities with a huge array of opportunities. I have often said to people that anything you want to do, you can do in AmeriCorps. Their website allows you to search available opportunities by state or service area, and their online application process is easily navigable. AmeriCorps provides a stipend to volunteers with an education award at successful completion of service to be used towards qualifying student loans or college tuition. Most positions require a minimum of a high school diploma.

2) Teach for America: TFA places volunteers in struggling schools to teach underprivileged children in an attempt to break the cycle of poverty and lack of a quality education. Teach for America offers a salary and benefits to all of its members, and in some situations AmeriCorps benefits like loan deferment and an education award may be available as well.

3) Student Conservation Association: For those who are more outdoor-minded, the SCA offers young people the opportunity to work in a challenging outdoor environment, either in a crew or as an individual, doing anything from trail work and restoration in the backcountry or national parks to sea turtle monitoring and conservation education. Older volunteers also have a multitude of leadership opportunities available. Benefits are tailored to individuals and programs and can include a stipend, travel reimbursement, academic credit, and some positions have AmeriCorps benefits available.

4) City Year: If working in a challenging urban environment or with youth is your passion, City Year might be the program for you! Spend a year in one of many large cities across the country working with an urban school district offering support, mentorship, and programming to at-risk youth. Benefits include a stipend, AmeriCorps education award, loan deferment, and childcare coverage.

5) Peace Corps: For those with a college degree or technical training, a desire to travel, and a willingness to commit to 2+ years of service, the Peace Corps is for you! Get placed almost anywhere in the world doing tasks ranging from teaching English, math or science to working with water irrigation and purification systems, doing health work, or community and economic development. Benefits include paid travel to and from site, living stipend, readjustment allowance, and health care coverage.