Post-Graduate Service in the Northwest

The Northwest is a region of the nation where many great careers in service can be found. In the list of organizations below, you may find an area of work that interests you:

American Red Cross National Preparedness and Response Corps
National Preparedness and Response Corps (NPRC) provides vital emergency assistance to victims and communities affected by disaster and increase preparedness in the areas of greatest need before disaster strikes by recruiting, training and supporting young adults in Red Cross direct service activities focusing on Homeland Security. Living allowance and full-time AmeriCorps Education Award offered.

Boys and Girls Clubs of King County
Through its 11 Clubs, 4 extensions and 22 before- and after-school facilities in King County, this organization aims “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.” Program areas: character & leadership development, education & career development, health & life skills, the arts, computer training and sports/fitness/recreation.

Bend Volunteer Corps
With mountain peaks and endless forests dominating Bend's skyline, it's no wonder poverty here is overlooked. People usually associate poverty with urban areas because it's much more visible. Yet Parade magazine recently reported that of the 200 poorest counties in the United States, 185 are rural. Isolated rural areas tend to lack the resources necessary to support those in poverty. While Bend is bustling as Central Oregon's largest city and provider of services, it is no exception.

CLEAR Corps/Pacific Northwest
One year opportunity to work with families whose children are at risk of lead poisoning. Volunteers provide family-centered education (based on a state EPA certification), learn carpentry for lead risk reduction activities, and work in a team setting. AmeriCorps Education Award and living allowance offered.

Community Youth Services
Located in Olympia, WA, CYS offers full-time AmeriCorps placements through Youth in Service and Washington Reading Corps. Youth in Service members address critical needs in the areas of education and human needs by creating opportunities for high needs students to improve their academic and social skills and providing direct service to children and families that promote safe, healthy and sustainable living. Washington Reading Corps members address the literacy needs of struggling readers in grades K-6 through tutoring as well as recruiting volunteers and raising community donations for school reading programs.

Fremont Public Association
Opportunities to serve through JustServe*AmeriCorps, MLK VISTA Corps, Washington Reading Corps, or Service Learning VISTA Corps.Focus areas include: domestic and youth violence prevention, elementary school literacy, and support for anti-poverty organizations. AmeriCorps Education Award offered.

Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) Northwest
One-year commitment to volunteering in a variety of programs in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Jesuit Volunteers in the Northwest are committed to the four values of social and ecological justice, spirituality, simple living and community. Opportunities are available in urban, rural, Indigenous and Spanish speaking communities. Positions are available in teaching, nursing, direct service and advocacy. A wide variety of direct service positions are available and include work with youth and adults experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, women experiencing domestic violence, substance abuse counseling, services for adults with mental illness, senior services, legal services, and refugee and immigration services.

L’Arche Tahoma Hope Community
Full-time live-in assistants of varied backgrounds come together to create a home with people with developmental disabilities. Share community living built on love, simplicity and spirituality (as expressed in the Beatitudes) with core members. Assist at L’Arche Farm & Gardens and Noah’s Workshop (a day activity center and Community Access program for those with developmental disabilities).

Literacy AmeriCorps (King County Library System)
One-year commitment teaching fundamental literacy skills to children and adults in the King County Area. Service areas include: teaching and tutoring English as a Second Language (ESL), adult basic skills, family literacy, GED-prep, computer literacy, naturalization, and vocational literacy. A stipend and AmeriCorps Education Award offered. Part-time positions also available.

Northwest Service Academy
Members partner with schools, community-based organizations and government agencies to address significant environmental and educational needs in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Individual and team placements. AmeriCorps Education Award offered.

Plymouth House of Healing
Companions offer a one year commitment helping to provide a compassionate, stable environment for residents with mental illness. Located in Seattle, Plymouth House of Healing is a home where companions share meals, engage in dialogue and create community with residents. Room and board provided.

Quaker Experiential Service and Training (QUEST)
QUEST, a project of University Friends Meeting (Quakers) in Seattle, seeks young adults - both Quaker and non-Quaker - to work as interns n social service agencies in Seattle. Recent placements have included organizations working in homeless shelter and in homesless newspaper project, legal advocacy for immigrants, work in a domestic abuse shelter, environmental protection, pedestrian/cyclist advocacy, and peace education. One-year minimum commitment required, starting just before labor day and ending the following August. Private room in 6 person community house, shared food budget, health insurance, modest stipend, enrichment funds, mentorship and training provided. AmeriCorps education awards and student loan deferment available. Program emphasizes community service, skill building, libing simply and communally, non-violent conflict resolution, social justice and equality. Couples or individuals may apply. Application due March 1st.

Sound Youth AmeriCorps
Eleven month commitment as AmeriCorps*Direct member providing tutoring, mentoring, and out-of-school enrichment programs for at-risk youth and families. Build community connections and developmental assets in young people.Participate as member of Sound Youth team. Living allowance and AmeriCorps Education Award offered.

Washington State Conservation Corps
One year commitment protecting and enhancing Washington’s most valuable natural resources . Projects include: construction, environmental restoration, emergency response, and service projects in the community. Work as part of a team, receive training and education, and earn an AmeriCorps Education Award.

Washington Service Corps
WSC administers a statewide network of AmeriCorps teams and individual projects in partnership with community-based agencies, units of local government and non-profit organizations. A variety of placements address critical needs in the priority areas of Education, Environment, Human Needs, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness/ Homeland Security. One year commitment. Living allowance and AmeriCorps Education Award offered.