1. Using your VISTA benefits Education Award Interest Accrual Repayment Non-competitive Eligibility What to expect at the end of your year

2. Segal Education Award Details and stipulations Time limit – must use within 7 years Taxation Ways to use your award An associate, undergraduate or graduate degree program (select schools will match the ed. award) Existing student loans (qualifying federal) Study abroad programs Specialized skills programs and certifications (from accredited institutions) Scenarios (How should I use my award?): http://www.nationalservice.gov/resources/edaward

3. USING YOUR EDUCATION AWARD

4. NON-TRADITIONAL USES OF EDUCATION AWARD  Outward Bound wilderness expeditions http://www.outwardbound.org/classic/americorps-education-awards/ http://www.outwardbound.org/classic/americorps-education-awards/  Outward Bound prepares young people to go places in their lives and on this earth and to make a difference in the world.  National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) http://www.nols.edu/financialaid/americorps_steps_wscu.shtml http://www.nols.edu/financialaid/americorps_steps_wscu.shtml  NOLS takes students of all ages on remote wilderness expeditions and teaches them technical outdoor skills, leadership, and environmental ethics.  Global Service Corps http://globalservicecorps.org/site/AmeriCorps/http://globalservicecorps.org/site/AmeriCorps/  Service-learning community development programs in Tanzania and Cambodia

5. Interest accrual repayment What is it? Repayment of the interest accrued on your loans if placed in forbearance How do you request it? My.Americorps.Gov Nat’l Service Hotline: 1-800-942-2677 Public Service Loan Forgiveness www.studentaid.ed.gov/publicservice

6. Interest accrual repayment request 1.Log in to my.americorps.gov 2.Select “Create Interest Payment Request under + My Ed Award 3. Select correct term of service 4. Select your Institution (Loan Provider) 5. If you have multiple loans with Institution, comment with correct loan # 6. “Authorize” and Submit

7. Non-Competitive Eligibility Good for a full year after end of service date What is it? Eligible for some federal jobs without going through the competitive process Eligible for some positions open only to federal employees. **You must meet minimum requirements for position What can you use it for? USAjobs.gov! How do you use it?

8. Non-Competitive Eligibility Available after your service year is successfully completed, you can print your “VISTA Alumni Certification of Service” Letter

9. YOUR NAME

11. What to Expect at the End of Service Forms Member Future Plans form: Due early June End of Service Report: Due July 24th End of Service Survey: Due July 24th Updates My AmeriCorps Profile Update address/travel plans Complete End of Term/Exit Form SNAP (within 10 days after service completion) Events End of Service Celebrations! June 24 th (our cohort) July 16 th (all MN VISTAs) After Service Access to NCE/Certification Letter/Education Award Health benefits end Stay connected as Alumni!