Frequently Asked Questions
Putnam City Make a Difference Program
The Putnam City Make a Difference Program is funded primarily by a grant from the Oklahoma Community Service Commission to support the service of AmericaCorps members. Only AmeriCorps members may serve in the program. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about serving in the program.
What skills do I need to serve in the Putnam City Make a Difference Program?
The Putnam City Make a Difference Program is seeking members who have had experience with children and who have positive attitudes toward education and schools. Some college is preferred but not required. A strong applicant would have knowledge and demonstrated interest in elementary education, have relevant personal goals and motivations, and be able to communicate with people of varied cultural, economic, educational, racial and religious backgrounds. Bilingual applicants are highly encouraged to apply, particularly individuals who speak Spanish. A diverse group of AmeriCorps members is sought. Therefore, people from all economic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Positions are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation or other non-merit factors.
Will I get any training before I start?
Absolutely. All members receive training at the beginning of their service, as well as training during service. Training topics will include youth development, leadership, instructional methods, as well as topics related to providing quality after school and summer programming.
What is my time commitment?
Part-time AmeriCorps members are required to complete 900 hours of service within an 11-month period. Service hours will be divided between support of the after-school programs, training, volunteer recruitment, student-led service projects and site specific projects to support families. For part-time AmeriCorps members, 80 percent of the time will be in direct support of the after-school program that runs from 3 to 6 p.m. each school day. Time will be allotted for planning and training. A part time AmeriCorps Member can expect to work 20 to 25 hours per week in a typical week during the school year. Part-time members may elect to support the summer enrichment programming or complete their service obligation by the end of May 2011.
Full-time AmeriCorps members are required to complete 1,700 hours of service within an 11-month period. A full time member can expect to work on average 40 to 45 hours during the traditional school year. As mentioned, in addition, full time members will support summer enrichment programming.
There are no sick leave days. All missed days or hours will need to be made up.
Will I work full time?
Most people will not. We anticipate employing 33 AmeriCorps members, 30 of whom will serve part time and three of whom will serve full time.
Do I get paid?
AmeriCorps members are not paid a salary but do receive a modest living allowance. You may not save much money during your year of service, but most members find the living allowance to be adequate to cover their needs.
The living allowance for a part time member in the Putnam City Make a Difference Program is $6,247 per year, or $567.91 per month for an 11-month period. A full-time member is entitled to a living allowance of $11,800 per year, or $1072.73 per month for an 11-month period.
In addition, all members receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award after completing their term of service.
What is the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award?
The AmeriCorps Education Award can be used to pay off qualified student loans or to finance college, graduate school, or vocational training at eligible institutions. Upon successful completion of service, full-time AmeriCorps members will receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,350. Part-time AmeriCorps members earn an AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,675.
Can I give the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to someone else?
AmeriCorps members who are age 55 or older may, upon successful completion of 900 hours of service, transfer the education award to their child, grandchild, or foster child.
What if I’m out of school and not interested in the Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards? Can I get that money in cash?
No. The education award can only be used for designated educational purposes.
What are other program benefits?
• Student-loan forbearance
• Limited or no obligations on school holidays and breaks
• Opportunity to participate in certain professional learning days hosted by Putnam City Public Schools.
• Health care coverage including dental benefits for the three full-time members
• Child-care for the three full-time members who meet certain criteria
What skills will I learn?
You will learn teamwork, communication, responsibility and other essential skills that will help you for the rest of your life. Many find their AmeriCorps year to provide them with more experience and skills than they would have gotten in a traditional job.
At what schools will this program be in place?
Putnam City’s Make a Difference Program will be in place this school year at seven schools:
• Apollo Elementary School, 1901 N. Peniel
• Hilldale Elementary School, 4801 N.W. 16th
• Lake Park Elementary School, 8221 N.W. 30th
• Overholser Elementary School, 7900 N.W. 36th
• Tulakes Elementary School, 6600 N. Galaxie
• Western Oaks Elementary School, 7210 N.W. 23rd
• Windsor Hills Elementary School, 2909 N. Ann Arbor
Can I choose what school I’ll work at?
Requests for specific schools will be considered, but assignments will be based upon interviews, specific individual skills and the needs at each site.
How do I apply?
You may apply online at the “Apply for the Program” page.
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. Each year, AmeriCorps offers opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. Whether your service makes a community safer, gives a child a second chance, or helps protect the environment, you’ll be getting things done through AmeriCorps.
Is AmeriCorps like Peace Corps?
Yes. AmeriCorps is often referred to as "the domestic Peace Corps." Both agencies are committed to service, and both offer challenging and rewarding full-time opportunities. Peace Corps assignments are all overseas, and AmeriCorps members serve only in the US. While Peace Corps Volunteers serve for two years, a stint in AmeriCorps usually lasts 10 months to one year. Some AmeriCorps projects also offer part-time opportunities, and some AmeriCorps members serve more than one term of service.
Can I become an AmeriCorps member if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
No. You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the U.S. to be an AmeriCorps member.
Is there an age and education requirement to be an AmeriCorps member?
All members serving in a tutoring program must be at least 17 years of age and have a high school diploma.
How is AmeriCorps used in the Putnam City Schools?
AmeriCorps members will serve students attending Putnam City Schools and their families. Part time AmeriCorps members will primarily serve in the after-school program in seven elementary schools. Members will provide direct instruction, enrichment 
activities, interest groups and physical activities as well as regularly scheduled large group activities and projects. Other services will include training, volunteer recruitment, student-led service projects, and site specific projects to support families.
In addition to the obligations of part-time members, full-time AmeriCorps members will also provide home assistance to English Language Learners during the traditional school day. Full-time AmeriCorps members will also provide direct instruction, enrichment activities, interest groups, and physical activities in the summer enrichment programs.
What if I decide to quit?
We ask you think very carefully about the commitment to serve. Once a commitment is made to serve in the program, an AmeriCorps member cannot be replaced. The decision to leave before the service commitment is fulfilled has consequences to the children and the family to be served by the Putnam City Make a Difference Program as well as your fellow AmeriCorps members.
How is the Putnam City Make a Difference Program funded?
As noted above, the Putnam City Make a Difference Program is funded primarily from a grant awarded to Putnam City Schools by the Oklahoma Community Service Commission to support the service of AmeriCorps members. Putnam City Schools is required to invest some matching dollars. A $5,000 award from the Bank of Oklahoma, passed through the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation, is one contribution to the required matching funds.