Illinois-American Connection Corps Member

American Connection Corps; Champaign, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Education Award

Healthcare

Childcare benefits

Loan forbearance

Travel & trainings

Job summary

The American Connection Corps (ACC) offers full-time, in-person service opportunities across communities to improve digital connectivity and economic mobility. Members work with local host organizations on projects like broadband expansion, digital navigation, and workforce development.

Join a mission-driven program that provides on-the-job training, a living stipend, and access to education awards while making a tangible difference in your hometown.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• 17 years of age or older by start of service.
• Has not already served four AmeriCorps terms.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with local host organizations to support digital inclusion and workforce development initiatives.
• Engage with community leaders to identify opportunities for connection and collaboration.
• Help research, outreach, and training to support community-driven projects.
• Assist in building talent pipelines through project management and partnerships.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork & independence

Community development interest

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Note: ACC placements are primarily in-person, full-time positions.

About the American Connection Corps:

The American Connection Corps (ACC) is a service fellowship program aimed at helping communities build the digital connectivity necessary to expand opportunity and economic mobility, ranging from healthcare access to quality employment. We are currently building a general talent pool of dedicated individuals ready to start where they live.

Position Overview:

The American Connection Corps is activating a talent pool of mission-driven individuals to serve in locally rooted organizations tackling critical community challenges across 30+ states. By joining our applicant pool, you'll be considered for placement opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and location preferences.

As an ACC Member you will gain hands‑on experience, receive on-the-job training, and explore career pathways while making a tangible impact in your community. We prioritize local talent from all stages of life—whether you are taking a gap year, attending a technical college, pivoting careers, or looking for a way to invest your lived experience back into your hometown, there's a place for you here.

What ACC Members Do:

• Work with a local host organization to support initiatives tailored to their unique vision, such as digital access (connecting residents to affordable internet and devices), broadband expansion (working with local governments to bring high-speed internet to underserved areas), and workforce development (helping community members navigate online job applications, build tech skills, and prepare for today's job market).
• Engage with local leaders and neighbors to identify opportunities for connection and collaboration.
• Conduct research, outreach, and training to support community-driven projects.
• Build critical talent pipelines by assisting in project management and partnership building.

Example Placements:

• Broadband & Digital Inclusion: Support city governments and regional initiatives to improve broadband infrastructure and conduct local outreach.
• Financial Access & Economic Mobility: Promote digital financial literacy and support programs that expand socioeconomic opportunity.
• Digital Navigation & Workforce Development: Provide digital skills training and AI readiness to improve internet adoption and workforce opportunities.
• Community Development & Education: Conduct community asset mapping and support cradle-to-career initiatives to drive educational opportunities.

Timeline:

We are currently recruiting Members to serve from September 2026 - August 2027. Members will serve full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), completing 1700 hours of service over the course of the term.

Application Process:

1. Submit Your Application: Complete the application on the next page to join our general talent pool.
2. Host Site Review: Our host site organizations will review your application, and invite those moving forward to interview.
3. Lead For America Interview: Finalist candidates will be invited to interview with the Lead For America team.

• Passion for community service and connecting your neighbors to the digital tools, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Interest in gaining experience in community development or digital inclusion.

Eligibility:

• Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Be 17 years of age or older by the start of service.
• Have not already served four (4) or more AmeriCorps State/National terms.

Full-time ACC Members receive:

• A $33,000 living stipend (dispersed bi-weekly over the course of the service term)
• A $7,395 Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps, which can be applied to education-related expenses after the program concludes (including repayment of qualifying student loans).
• Healthcare coverage (if applicable).
• Access to childcare benefits.
• Student loan forbearance during your year of service.
• Fully-funded travel and trainings throughout the year.

Non-Discrimination

This institution operates in accordance with Federal and AmeriCorps civil rights and non-discrimination requirements. This program is available to all. All program documents, including compliance history information, may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact us at [e-mail]

Note: The ACC program does not offer part-time or remote member positions at this time.