Natural resource management and public lands agencies/organizations are encouraged to submit an application by June 21, 2017 to receive a VetsWork intern at their site beginning February/March, 2018.

What is the VetsWork AmeriCorps Program?
VetsWork: Environment is a career development program for military Veterans interested in a career in natural resources management.  VetsWork participants engage in an 11 month-long internship at a federal, state or local natural resource organization that blends hands-on experience with specific career development training.  As a result, VetsWork participants increase their employment opportunities while improving public lands and other natural resources.  To learn more, view the VetsWork video.

VetsWork AmeriCorps prioritizes the following environmental areas: Improvement of Public Lands, Environmental Education, Increasing volunteerism (specifically veterans) in public lands management.

What is the Mt. Adams Institute? 
The Mt. Adams Institute’s mission is to strengthen the connection between people and the natural world through service learning, education, career development and research.  To meet this mission, we operate: outdoor education and recreation programs for youth (Cascade Mountain School), career development internships for military veterans (VetsWork) and young adults (Public Lands Stewards), facilitate wilderness stewardship projects, and host groups at our 44 bed campus in Trout Lake, Washington on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Mt. Adams Ranger District.

What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages more than 75,000 women and men in intensive service each year at more than 15,000 locations including nonprofits, schools and public agencies across the country. AmeriCorps Members help communities tackle pressing problems while mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve. Members gain valuable professional, educational, and life benefits, and the experience has a lasting impact on the Members and the communities they serve. www.nationalservice.gov

Who are MAI Project Partners?
Each year, VetsWork AmeriCorps staff and community select nonprofits and public agencies to be project partners via the Request for Proposal (RFP). Partners are natural resource/public lands management agencies and non-profit organizations with compelling project ideas that address unmet needs. Our partners identify strong supervisors who value mentoring, volunteerism and community service. Supervisors commit to coaching and positively influencing the career path of their VetsWork AmeriCorps Member. Eligible partners will:

• Create a well-defined project with realistic and measurable goals and outcomes
• Provide ongoing mentoring, training, direction and supervision
• Arrange Member workspace, resources and professional development opportunities

How Does MAI Support Our Partners?
MAI prides itself in operating a unique and exemplary program that equally supports the career transition goals of our AmeriCorps members and the unmet needs of our partner agencies and organizations in the natural resources field. Staff will support partners in the following ways:

• Guide supervisors through recruitment, interviewing and selection process
• Manage Member payroll, benefits and programmatic reporting
• Offer flexible invoicing plans
• Coordinate Sponsor Orientation Trainings in preparation for the program and the Supervisor Orientation Day with Members
• Build Member leadership via Community Action Project, Quarterly POD Meetings and focused professional development at Quarterly Trainings
• Retain Members via site visits, evaluations, recognition events and ongoing support
• Resolve conflict using a team focused problem solving approach

Who Are VetsWork AmeriCorps Members? 
VetsWork AmeriCorps staff and project partners collaboratively recruit for a diverse team of U.S. military veterans who bring a wide variety of experiences and interests from their military career and are passionate about transitioning to a career in the natural resources/public lands management arena. AmeriCorps Members commit to an 11-month term of service. AmeriCorps Members serve their sponsor organization while developing a strong, marketable skill set and professional network.

What is the VetsWork Term of Service? 
VetsWork AmeriCorps Members begin their term of service in early February or March and end in mid-December or January, depending on your regional cohort (see attached informational document). Members spend a minimum of 80% of their term with their supervisor and up to 20% of their term developing career oriented skills.

What are the AmeriCorps Member Benefits?
AmeriCorps Members serving full-time (1700 hours over 45 weeks) receive a taxable living allowance of approximately $12,530 ($278.44 weekly) and may be eligible for medical insurance, loan forbearance and child care reimbursement. Members also receive a Segal Education Award of $5,815 that may be used to help cover the costs of education or to repay qualified student loans. Members also receive quarterly professional workshops focused on transitioning their military and VetsWork experience into the civilian workforce.  Members have the opportunity to devote up to 20% of their term of service to learning activities including networking events, workshops, conferences, agency trainings, certifications and self-directed educational opportunities.