Types of Service

Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) advances the public purposes of colleges and universities by deepening their ability to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. MTCC National Service members serve for a year or more in Montana communities, meeting community needs and advancing educational equity across the state. Our members work towards increasing access to college, strengthening communities through service, and meeting the needs of Montana veterans. The MTCC National Service Program consists of two types of service programs:

An AmeriCorps State program and an AmeriCorps VISTA program.
    • Both programs are part of the MTCC National Service Cohort;
    • Both programs work to alleviate poverty and improve communities through higher education
    • All MTCC Service Members members attend in-person trainings together a few times a year, participate in National Days of Service together, and share a common mission of improving community life and educational access in Montana.

While both AmeriCorps State and VISTA members share a common goal and mission, there are a few differences in the way their service year looks. Below are the similarities and differences between AmeriCorps State Service and AmeriCorps VISTA Service:

AmeriCorps State
Service Members

 AmeriCorps VISTA
Service Members

Type of Service Activities:
  • Service members work DIRECTLY with the populations they serve via the following types of service positions:
    • High school coaches mentor underserved, low-income, first generation high school students to build a pathway to college and increase student success
    • College success coaches mentor underserved college students to be successful and complete a degree or certificate
  • Service members promote community engagement through developing and implementing service projects that engage high school and college students.
  • VISTA members serve INDIRECTLY (behind the scenes)
  • Service can be with schools, non-profits and government organizations
  • Service members help to build an organization’s capacity to deliver services
  • Services are delivered to K-12 youth; low income, underserved, and first generation college students; veterans; and refugees.
  • Services delivered have the goal of moving populations out of poverty through education
Service Term:
  • September 1, 2020 through
    August 31, 2021
  • Summer 2020 through Summer 2021
Benefits:
  • Health Insurance
  • Childcare benefits, if eligible
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Eligible for hiring preferences at Employers of National Service locations
  • Access to All in One Member Assistance Program for: Mental Health Counseling, life coaching, work/life resources, Medical advocacy, legal/financial resources and a personal assistant.
  • 10 personal days and 10 medical/sick days
Bi-weekly living stipend:
  • $538 (pre-tax)
  • $479 (pre-tax)
Relocation Allowance:
(only if moving more
than 50 miles)
  • The MTCC AmeriCorps grant does not authorize a relocation allowance; however, MTCC is pleased to offer $100 to members that need a little extra support after arriving in Montana.
  • $750 plus $.40 per mile to host site home before service
  • $750 plus $.40 per mile back to host site home after service (if traveling more than 50 miles)
Education Award:
  • $ 6,195 Education Award upon successful completion of service.
  • Eligible student loans may go into Forbearance during service;
  • Matching – some colleges may match up to $1,000 annually of your Award;
  • Transfer Award: Members 55 of age on the day member commenced the term may opt to transfer the award to a family member; some rules and regulations apply.
  • $6,195 Education Award OR $1,800 End of Service Stipend upon successful completion of service (Note: by law, only VISTA members who are either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens are eligible to receive the Education Award. All other members will receive an end of service cash stipend.)
  • Eligible student loans may go into Forbearance during service
  • Matching – some colleges may match up to $1,000 annually of your Award
Eligibility Requirements:
  • College Degree preferred, or
  • Associates degree considered
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • College degree strongly preferred or
  • Associates degree and equivalent work experience considered
  • Must be at least 18 years old
Citizenship Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizen
  • U.S. Nationals
  • Legal Permanent Resident Alien of U.S.
  • Same as AmeriCorps (on the left) OR
  • Legal residency classifications: Refugee, asylee, temporary protected status or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status.

To apply to be a MTCC National Service Member, click here.