Thriving on a living allowance: Navigating finances as a Reading Partners AmeriCorps member

By Nemanja Demic

In the realm of education and community service, there exists a group of dedicated individuals who commit their time, energy, and passion to making a tangible difference across their communities. Every year, Reading Partners welcomes over 350 AmeriCorps members into our ranks. These individuals, driven by a shared mission to enhance literacy and empower young minds, embark on a journey that extends far beyond the boundaries of a typical job. However, what sets these members apart is not just their altruistic spirit, but also their ability to navigate the financial landscape on a modest living allowance. Today, we delve into the strategies and insights that enable Reading Partners AmeriCorps members to not only survive but also flourish on their living allowance.

Across the diverse landscape of the United States, the living allowance for Reading Partners AmeriCorps members varies from region to region. From the bustling streets of New York City to the hilly landscape of Seattle, AmeriCorps members navigate a financial terrain shaped by local economies and housing markets. Now, let’s take a closer look at how these figures stack up across different regions:

• New York, San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley: $28,100.16*
• Seattle, Washington DC, Los Angeles: $25,800.06*
• Baltimore, Colorado, North Texas, Tulsa: $23,850.42*
• South Carolina, Tulsa: $22,100.10*

*Please note, these living allowances are reflective of the total amount received by full-time members who serve from August/September 2023 to June/July 2024.

While the living allowance forms the backbone of AmeriCorps members’ financial resources, Reading Partners also extends additional benefits to support their well-being and alleviate financial burdens. These supplementary benefits, ranging from healthcare coverage to professional development opportunities, play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience and ensuring the welfare of members. Here are some of the key benefits that accompany the living allowance:

• $500.00 Mid-Year Bonus*
• $3,000.00 End-of-Year Bonus*
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage (at no monthly cost to the member)*
• Public Transportation Reimbursement at $127/month for 10-months*
• Child Care Benefit Program (available to qualified, active full-time members)*
• Segal Education Award of $6,895.00*Members serving in California may be eligible for the California for All award, which increases the total education award amount to $10,000*

*Please note, these benefits are only applicable to full-time members who serve from August/September 2023 to June/July 2024. 

So, how are AmeriCorps members budgeting their living allowance and benefits? Let’s look at 4 budgets created by AmeriCorps members serving full-time with Reading Partners during the 2023/24 school year (total living allowances for the 23/24 school year are less than living allowances for the 24/25 school year): 

Budget 1, Created by Capricia Melgoza (she/her), program coordinator with Reading Partners Silicon Valley

Capricia Melgoza is a program coordinator with Reading Partners Silicon Valley. Here’s how she breaks down her $28,100.16 living allowance. Capricia is able to keep her “home” expenses low by living with her family during her term of service. 

Budget 2, Created by Herchelle Wright (she/her), program coordinator with Reading Partners Washington DC

Herchelle Wright is a program coordinator with Reading Partners Washington DC. Here’s how she breaks down her $25,800.06 living allowance. Herchelle is able to keep her “home” expenses low by living with her family, and contributing towards rent, during her service term. 

Budget 3, Created by Clint Wilson (they/them), program coordinator with Reading Partners Colorado

Clint Wilson is a program coordinator with Reading Partners Colorado. Here’s how they break down their $23,850.42 living allowance. 

Budget 4, Created by Joy Faris (she/her), literacy lead with Reading Partners Tulsa

Joy Faris is a literacy lead with Reading Partners Tulsa. Here’s how she breaks down her $22.100.10 living allowance. Joy is able to supplement her living allowance through child support and SNAP/EBT benefits.

If you’re inspired by the dedication Reading Partners AmeriCorps members show, and eager to make a difference in your community, consider joining AmeriCorps today. Reach out to a recruitment manager to learn more about how you can embark on a journey of service and personal growth. Your opportunity to make a meaningful impact awaits.