
Education Award Program (EAP)
Since 2000, The Corps Network has operated an AmeriCorps Education Award Program (EAP) through a National Direct Grant from AmeriCorps, the Agency, formerly Corporation for National and Community Service. This is the largest AmeriCorps program The Corps Network administers, having supported tens of thousands of AmeriCorps positions since its inception.

EAP Corpsmembers focus on environmental, public lands improvement, and disaster response service projects. Upon successful completion of their AmeriCorps term, EAP Corpsmembers are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (scholarship) that can be used to support future educational endeavors or to repay student loans.
Helping young adults overcome barriers and reach their full potential
Opportunity Youth are individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 who are economically disadvantaged and neither in school nor working. While some might refer to these young people as “disconnected” or “at-risk”, there we are changing the narrative. These young people have enormous potential and represent a social and economic opportunity—all they need is a little support to help overcome some of the barriers they face.
There are millions of young Americans, of every background and in every community, who meet the definition of Opportunity Youth. Many of them are eager to further their education, gain work experience, and help their communities. Not investing in the future of these young people means millions of missed opportunities.
Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI)
Launched in 2013 through an AmeriCorps grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, The Corps Network’s Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI) is designed to provide education and conservation service experience to young people experiencing barriers to furthering their educations or pursuing employment (e.g. poverty, unemployment, past court involvement, physical or learning disability). During their term of service, OYSI AmeriCorps members develop job skills, earn certifications, complete their high school requirements, and receive assistance in transitioning to postsecondary education or the workforce. Upon completion of their term of service, participants receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.
OYSI Locations:
Every year, OYSI engages hundreds of young adults across more than a dozen states.
- American YouthWorks (TX)
Canyon Country Youth Corps (UT)
Civic Works (MD)
Climb CDC Conservation Corps (MS)
Conservation Corps of the Forgotten & Emerald Coasts (FL)
Conservation Legacy (AZ, CO, NM)
GEM Corps (AZ)
Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps (WI)
Greater Miami Service Corps (FL)
Green City Force (NY)
- green|spaces (TN)
Heart of Oregon Corps (OR)
Limitless Vistas, Inc. (LA)
Northwest Youth Corps (ID, OR, WA)
Operation Fresh Start (WI)
PowerCorpsPHL (PA)
Puerto Rico Climate Corps (Puerto Rico)
The Sustainability Institute (SC)
Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VT)
Western Colorado Conservation Corps (CO)
Contact:
Candace Hollingsworth
Director of Programs
[email protected]