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A​BOUT EELCORPS
Q: What is EELCorps?
A: The Environmental Education Leadership Corps (EELCorps) is a Kentucky-based AmeriCorps program that places members at host sites across the Commonwealth to provide high-quality environmental education and outreach. Members serve in schools, nature centers, conservation organizations, and more—helping communities connect with the natural world and build a more sustainable future.
Q: What's the mission?
A: Our mission is to increase environmental literacy and community engagement by delivering high-quality education and promoting stewardship and sustainability in Kentucky communities.
MEMBER EXPERIENCE
Q: What would I be doing as an EELCorps member?
A: Members deliver direct environmental education to youth and adults, create outreach materials, lead community engagement efforts, develop lesson plans, support citizen science and stewardship projects, and track program impact. Your specific duties will depend on your host site.
As a member, you'll:
- Teach environmental education lessons to youth and adults
- Lead or support outdoor learning, field trips, or citizen science
- Create lesson plans and outreach materials
- Organize or support events and community programs
- Represent EELCorps in your community
Q: Where would I serve?
A: We have host sites across Kentucky—from rural conservation districts to urban environmental centers. You'll be able to apply to sites based on your interests, experience, and locality.
Q: Do I get to choose my service site?
A: You'll be able to rank your preferences during the application process and select the sites to which you wish to apply. Our site partners interview and select members for service for their individual sites.
BENEFITS & SUPPORT
Q: Do I get paid?
A: Members receive a living allowance, paid every two weeks. This is not a wage, but it helps cover basic living expenses while you serve. This amount is set annually and cannot be negotiated.
Q: Do I get an Education Award?
A: Yes! Once you complete your term and hours, you'll earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which can be used to pay student loans or for future education (including many graduate programs).
Q: Do I get health insurance?
A: Full-time members are eligible for basic health insurance if they are not already covered. Part-time or minimum-time members typically are not eligible.
Q: What about childcare?
A: Full-time members may qualify for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps' designated provider. Eligibility is income-based and requires an application.
Q: Are there other benefits?
A: Other benefits include:
- Loan forbearance and interest payment on qualifying student loans
- Professional development, networking, and resume-building experience
TRAINING & SKILL-BUILDING
Q: Is training required?
A: Yes. All members must attend:
- EELCorps Orientation
- Quarterly All-Member Meetings
- Ongoing professional development workshops
Training is included in your service hours.
Q: What skills will I gain?
A: EELCorps members develop several soft skills in addition to mandated training during their term.
- Public speaking and leadership
- Environmental science knowledge
- Youth engagement
- Event planning and partnership building
- Real-world experience in environmental or nonprofit fields
Q: Can I get support if I'm struggling at my site?
A: Absolutely. Start by talking with your site supervisor. You can also reach out to EELCorps program staff for additional support or conflict resolution.
ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION
Q: Who can apply?
A: To serve with EELCorps, you must:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
- Pass a background check
- Be committed to serving your community and the environment
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds—including recent grads, career changers, and retirees.
Q: Do I need a college degree?
A: No! Some sites may prefer candidates with related experience or education, but we accept applicants with a wide range of backgrounds.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Visit our Serve With EELCorps webpage or contact us directly to see current openings and complete an online application.
WHY SERVE?
Q: Why should I serve with EELCorps?
A: Serving with EELCorps AmeriCorps can change your life and your community!
- Make a real difference in Kentucky communities
- Inspire the next generation of environmental stewards
- Build professional skills and explore careers in education, conservation, or nonprofit leadership
- Join a passionate, supportive network of changemakers
SERVICE TERM
Q: When does my term start and end?
A: The program year runs September 1 – August 31. Your individual Member Service Agreement will list your specific start and end dates.
Q: Can I complete my hours before the end of August?
A: Possibly, depending on your service schedule and host site needs. However, members are expected to remain engaged with their site through the agreed-upon end date unless formally exited early by the program.
Q: Can I serve more than one year?
A: Yes! Members who complete their term successfully and are in good standing can apply for a second term of service.
TERM DETAILS
Q: When does the service year start and end?
A: The full program year runs from September 1 through August 31. Some non-full-time positions offer a partial year term.
Q: How many hours do I need to serve?
A: The number of hours you will commit to depends on your position:
- Full-Time: 1,700 hours (about 35-40 hours/week)
- Half-Time: 900 hours
- Minimum-Time: 450 hours
Flexible scheduling options are often available at individual sites.
Q: How do I log hours?
A: Hours are logged through the AmericaLearns system. You must submit timesheets regularly, and your site supervisor will approve them. You will be trained on how to do this.
Q: What counts as service hours?
A: Activities such as:
- Teaching or leading environmental education
- Preparing for lessons
- Outreach and tabling events
- Attending approved trainings
- Site-specific service activities
Hours spent on personal tasks, unrelated work, or political/religious advocacy do not count.
SERVICE EXPECTATIONS
Q: Can I work another job or go to school?
A: Yes—many members do! Just make sure your other commitments don't interfere with your ability to serve, attend trainings, or meet program expectations.
Q: Can I serve remotely or at multiple sites?
A: Most service must be conducted in person at your assigned host site, but occasional remote work or community-based service-external hours may be approved. Always check with your site supervisor and program staff BEFORE performing hours you are not sure about.
Q: What happens if I miss a day or need time off?
A: Communicate with your site supervisor in advance. While there's no formal paid leave, flexibility is allowed if it doesn't impact your ability to meet hour requirements.
Q: What if I need to exit early?
A: Early exits must be approved by program staff. If you exit before completing your hours, you may not receive your Education Award unless it's due to a compelling personal circumstance.
WHO TO CONTACT
- Site-Specific Issues (scheduling, daily tasks, materials) → Your Site Supervisor
- ​Program Questions (benefits, hours, trainings, policies) → Your Member Engagement Coordinator: Willa Dawn Bayne- willa.bayne@ky.gov
- Technical Issues with AmericaLearns→ EELCorps Program Staff
- Emergencies or Misconduct Reporting→ Contact program leadership immediately using the information in your member handbook.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
R​​each out to our team!
📧 ashley.mike@ky.gov
🌐 keec.ky.gov/EELC
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