IOWA AMERICORPS
4-H OUTREACH
2015-2016 AmeriCorps Host-Site Application
And Program Information
Empower youth to reach their full potential
through youth-adult partnerships and
research-based experiences
APPLY TO HOST AN IOWA AMERICORPS 4-H OUTREACH MEMBER!
**PROPOSALS DUE MAY 1, 2015**
CONTRIBUTING PARTNERS
Iowa State University Extension
4-H Youth Development
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Iowa’s 4-H Information
The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Program is a unique partnership between AmeriCorps and Iowa State
University Extension and Outreach. The vision of ISU Extension & Outreach 4-H is to prepare Iowa’s youth
to be successful, contributing members of society.
In order to achieve this vision, Iowa 4-H’s mission is to “empower youth to reach their full potential through
youth-adult partnerships and research-based experiences.”
Research shows that youth who participate in 4-H youth development activities increase the chances of
becoming successful adults. The essential elements to 4-H programming are:
1.
Caring Adults: Ongoing relationships with caring adults — parents, mentors, tutors or coaches
— offer youth support, care and guidance.
2.
Safe Environments: Safe places with structured activities during nonschool hours provide both
physical and emotional safety for youth.
3.
Inclusive settings: An environment that creates a sense of belonging, and encourages and
supports its members with positive and specific feedback and celebrates the success of all members,
taking pride in the collective efforts of all participants
Opportunities for:
4. Mastery: To build knowledge, skills and attitudes and demonstrate the competent use of this
knowledge and skill by a proficient practitioner.
5. Service: To find yourself by losing yourself in service to others as a way to gain exposure to the
larger community.
6. Self Determination: to believe that you have an impact on life events rather than passively
submitting to the will and whims of others. Youth must develop a sense of influence over their live,
exercising their potential to become self-directing, autonomous adults.
7. Planning for the Future: develop the ability to see oneself in the future enables youth to have hope
and optimism to shape life choices, which facilitates the transition into participating in the future.
8. Engaged Learning: An engaged youth is one who is mindful of the subject area, building
relationships and connections in order to develop understanding. Through self-reflection, youth have
the ability to self-correct and learn from experience. The engaged learner has a higher degree of selfmotivation and an inexhaustible capacity for creativity.
Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Information
On December 13, 2004, then Governor Vilsack accepted recognition from America’s Promise designating
Iowa as a State of Promise for children and youth. Consequently, starting in 2005, in collaboration with
Iowa’s Promise, Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, and the Iowa Collaboration for Youth
Development (IOYD), Iowa State University Extension’s 4-H Youth Development program began hosting
the Iowa AmeriCorps State of Promise program. The program, now named Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach
is administered by ISU Extension and Outreach, who coordinates the activities of the AmeriCorps members
serving in communities across the state.
The AmeriCorps members will lead efforts to recruit and mobilize volunteers for a variety of educational
activities and programs, coordinate community youth leadership initiatives, develop new partnerships
between private organizations and youth-serving programs, and design and develop community service
learning projects. The AmeriCorps members are placed in various programs, organizations, and sites
(government, faith-based, non-profits, and community-based) that focus on providing youth programming
Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach — 2015-2016 Host-Site Application and Program Information
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based on the 4-H youth development principles and practices. Emphasis is placed on the 4-H priority topics
of 1) Healthy Living; 2) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Citizenship and
Leadership; 4) Communications and Arts.
AmeriCorps members are currently spearheading community and organizational efforts to provide youth with
the positive youth development experiences. AmeriCorps members’ work plans focus on project leadership
and organization as well as some direct service. Rather than mentor a child, AmeriCorps 4-H Members help
organizations develop mentoring programs. Rather than tutor a child, AmeriCorps 4-H Members develop
training institutes and recruit and teach volunteers how to tutor students. AmeriCorps 4-H Members are
currently:
 Providing youth leadership training to groups of youth who then take those skills to design and
implement community service-learning projects.
 Enhancing out-of-school programs by developing enrichment programming to reach larger audiences.
 Educating youth on healthy lifestyle choices and creating youth recreational programs.
 Educating youth on work readiness skills and job skills.
 Developing or expanding youth philanthropy programs at volunteer centers and community
foundations.
The AmeriCorps members are the heart of this partnership as they link the sites in:
 Recruiting, training, and managing volunteers.
 Establishing alliances and partnerships with local government, faith based, and community-based
organizations and initiatives.
 Helping local host-sites acquire the resources and volunteers needed to achieve long-term
sustainability.
 Building local capacity by providing information on K-21 Outreach to local individuals, groups, and
organizations.
In exchange for their year of service, AmeriCorps members develop skills that build a strong, leadershippacked résumé, earn an annual living allowance and receive a post-service education award to finance higher
education or pay towards qualified student loans. Additionally, AmeriCorps members may apply for education
loan forbearance during their term of service.
The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Program also provides basic health insurance for full time members and
AmeriCorps offers a limited childcare subsidy for full time members who qualify financially. Full-time
members serve at least 1,700 hours and half-time members serve at least 900 hours over a ten to twelvemonth commitment at local host-sites. Quarter time members, serving 450 hours, and minimum time
members, serving 300 hours, may be requested, but full and half time requests will receive preference.
To date, AmeriCorps 4-H Members have served in partnership with host-site organizations across Iowa
including:
 American Red Cross of the Quad Cities
 Midtown Family Community Center,
Sioux City
 Centerville CSD
 Nahant Marsh Education Center,
 Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
Davenport
 Community Foundation of the Great River Bend,

Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness
Bettendorf
Initiative, Decorah
 Friendly House, Davenport
 United Action for Youth, Iowa City
 ISU County Extension Programs
 Youth & Shelter Services, Ames
 Lutheran Services in Iowa, Waverly
Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach — 2015-2016 Host-Site Application and Program Information
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Program Partners
The following organizations play an important role in the life of the program as funders, visionaries, and
support providers.
 The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS) promotes volunteerism and community
service throughout the state of Iowa and provides technical assistance and training to the IASOP
program coordinator.
 The Corporation for National and Community Service contributes to each state commission an
amount of money for operating AmeriCorps programs in that state. Then, with oversight of the
Corporation, each state commission administers their own AmeriCorps programs. ICVS administers
the AmeriCorps State programs operating in Iowa.
 The Iowa Collaboration for Youth Development (ICYD) has adopted the Iowa’s Promise
framework to communicate a common and powerful message to Iowans about the importance and
value of providing children and youth with the services, opportunities, and supports young people
need to succeed.
 ISU Extension & Outreach mobilizes people from throughout Iowa to contribute to the positive
development of all Iowa’s youth.
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Program provides youth-serving organizations and coalitions the
opportunity to apply to host one or more AmeriCorps members who coordinate youth development projects
and programs during the course of their AmeriCorps service year. In order to do this, the program applies for
AmeriCorps funding each year from the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Iowa
Commission for Volunteer Service. ISU Extension and Outreach has applied for funding for the 2015-2016
service year. The available slots will be awarded through this application process to host-sites across the state.
The application process to become an AmeriCorps 4-H host-site is as stated below:
1) Thoroughly read the program details and application instructions.
2) Fully answer the questions as described in the attached proposal guidelines.
3) Complete all required sections and submit a signed PDF copy via e-mail to shollen@iastate.edu by
4:30 PM May 1, 2015.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Please read through the following sections of the application process. Detailed information needed to apply
for and host an AmeriCorps 4-H member is included. If questions remain, please contact Susan Hollenkamp,
Program Director, at 515.294.9722 or email at shollen@iastate.edu.
Eligible Organizations
To be eligible, organizations:
 Are non-profit, 501(c)3 organizations, schools, or government agencies operating in Iowa.
 Have been operational for at least one year with at least one full-time staff member and the capacity
to host an AmeriCorps 4-H member.
Host-site Expectations for Hosting an AmeriCorps 4-H Member
Applicants must demonstrate that hosting a member will enable the organization to:
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Provide more services to the community by creating or enhancing a youth-focused project.
Improve the quality and effectiveness of its current youth programming.
Partner with a network of youth-serving organizations and agencies.
Criteria for a Host-site Project
AmeriCorps 4-H member projects must:
 Meet a defined community need or benefit and involve young people (K-12) and align with program’s
performance measures of increasing youth engagement (described on page 7).
 Be a new project or an expansion of an existing project.
 Have a large-scale impact.
 Be AmeriCorps 4-H member-led or be part of a larger member-led project.*
*Members can be involved with more than one project
Prohibited Activities
AmeriCorps members cannot:
 Displace a current employee or serve in a regular staff position.
 Be involved with political advocacy, religious instruction, voter registration drives, fundraising for
host-site match/operating expenses, writing federal grants, union organizing, or clerical activities.*
 Volunteers recruited by or working with AmeriCorps members are also subject to Prohibited
Activities listed in 45 CFR 2520.65,to Prohibited Activities listed in 45 CFR 2520.65, 2520.4, 2520.45.
*Members can perform limited administrative and fundraising duties necessary to their project.
AmeriCorps Members Background and Training Requirements
AmeriCorps 4-H Members have come from diverse backgrounds and have a passion for community service.
Many Members are college graduates looking for a hands-on service and youth development experience.
AmeriCorps members receive an initial orientation and training from the program and ongoing leadership
training and professional development opportunities throughout the year. The host-site is responsible for sitespecific and project-related training and orientation, and CPR certification. An AmeriCorps member must:
 Be at least 17 years of age by the time of enrollment which begins in September 2015 (there is no
upper age limit).
 Be a United States citizen or have a permanent resident visa.
 Have a high school diploma or GED, or agree to achieve a diploma or GED before applying for an
education award.
 Have served no more than three terms of service in national service programs. Note: If a person has
earned the equivalent of two full time education awards, he/she is still eligible to serve up to four
terms, but is not eligible for another education award.
Recruitment and Enrollment Process
The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Program asks host-sites to be responsible for recruitment and hiring of
their member(s). Hiring is site specific—a generic position description will be provided, but the local sites
must identify site specific responsibilities and identify the skill sets needed by each member. The program will
assist, as needed, in the interviewing process and handle the official enrollment of the AmeriCorps member.
Application Timeline
Applications are due before or by 4:30 PM, May 1, 2015.
 AmeriCorps member host-sites will be selected and notified by June 30, 2015.
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The program may work with host-sites to recruit and enroll an AmeriCorps 4-H member; however
the host site has final responsibility for recruitment.
AmeriCorps members can be enrolled September 1st. Full-time members must complete 1700 hours
in 10 to 12 months. Half-time members must complete 900 hours, quarter time member must
complete 450 hours and minimum time members must complete 300 hours. Full-time AmeriCorps
member(s) can be enrolled as late as November 30, 2015 however; host sites should expend
maximum effort to enroll members as close as possible to September 1st.
Host-sites Selection Process
Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee that will make recommendations to the Program
Director. Final decisions are made by the Program Director. Key elements include:
 Organizational capacity to develop and manage the project and oversee and supervise the AmeriCorps
member.
 Realistic objectives with measurable outcomes that align with the program’s performance measures.
 Proper support, supervision, and training for the AmeriCorps member during the year of service.
 Demonstrated collaborative relationship with the program during past grant years (if applicable).
Allowable Number of AmeriCorps Member(s) per Host-Site
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Host-sites have hosted more than one AmeriCorps member in a service year.
Host-sites may request full-time (1700 hours) or half-time (900 hours) slots. Quarter-time (450
hours) and minimum-time (300 hours) slots may be requested; however, preference will be given to
full and half-time slot requests.
The application must clearly define the role of each member slot being requested.
The AmeriCorps 4-H Program Provides
The AmeriCorps 4-H program is committed to the success of each AmeriCorps member and their host-site.
The program provides:
 AmeriCorps 4-H member slot(s)—full-time, 35-40 hours per week; half-time, 20 hours per week.
Quarter time and minimum time members should serve shorter terms (e.g. summer or school year)
in order to provide a more intense service experience.
 In-service leadership and member training.
 Access to the AmeriCorps national service network and associated trainings and conferences.
 Orientation and training for the AmeriCorps member(s) and host-site supervisor.
 Site visits to address host-site needs and evaluate AmeriCorps member progress and project goals.
 Administration of AmeriCorps benefits: monthly living allowance, post-service education award,
health insurance (full time only), training opportunities, and AmeriCorps-related expense
reimbursements.
 DCI and FBI background checks on all AmeriCorps members.
 Limited reimbursement for local travel expenses and program supplies expended as part of the
member’s service for the host-site. AmeriCorps-required training and travel is paid for by the
program.
 Ongoing support, oversight, and technical assistance for the host-site and its AmeriCorps
member(s).
Host-site Requirements

A clear vision of the project and how the AmeriCorps member can be most effectively utilized.
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Adequate office space and supplies: to meet AmeriCorps requirements and for the success of the
members’ service term, all host-sites must provide office space, desk, internet, e-mail, phone, fax,
postage for work-related mail, and supplies for each AmeriCorps member. AmeriCorps members may
not work from a home office.
Supportive leadership from staff and host-site to ensure the AmeriCorps member is considered and
treated as an integral part of the organization. Host-sites who incorporate the AmeriCorps member
into the organization and community reach a greater level of sustainability and community impact.
One designated host-site supervisor to provide ongoing supervision and support. This person must
have strong knowledge of the community and local coalitions and be willing to comply with this
application and the Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach grant regulations and guidelines. The site
supervisor must be able to provide consistent supervision of the AmeriCorps member and ideally
facilitate staff meetings with the member at least bi-monthly. Additionally, the supervisor must
validate time sheets, prepare program/grant reporting requirements, and work with the AmeriCorps
member to create and sustain individual site programs, events, and goals. A mandatory site supervisor
training will be held in August 2015, and all successful host-site applicants must send their designated
supervisor (including past supervisors). The AmeriCorps member must be on location with the site
supervisor.
A cash contribution (see page 7) to defray a portion of the program costs.
Performance Measures
AmeriCorps members, through community based host agencies, will provide high-quality, research-based
positive youth development experiences for economically or otherwise disadvantaged youth in Iowa rural and
urban communities with limited youth supports. The site will report the number participants who complete a
minimum of six hours of education activities including afterschool and summer programming, with an
emphasis on the 4-H priority topics of Healthy Living, STEM, Citizenship and Leadership, and
Communication and Arts. All activities will be based on 4-H youth development principles and practices
using research based curricula. Improved academic performance and attitudes following participation in the
positive youth development educational programs will be demonstrated through administration of a pre/post
student survey.
Sites will also report information on member recruitment, training and management of volunteers.
Host-site Cash Contribution
Each host-site organization must invest in the partnership by providing a non-federal cash match. The
contribution is used to cover a portion of the total cost of the AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach program and the
cost of the member serving at your site. Cash resources will be used solely in support of the Iowa
AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Project. Host-sites must contribute $6,800* for a full-time AmeriCorps member
who serves a minimum of 1,700 hours over a twelve-month term of service. This is a great value; the total
cost for the grant to support each AmeriCorps position is $27,500. Host-sites must contribute $3,425 for a
half-time AmeriCorps member who serves a minimum of 900 hours over a twelve-month period. The cash
contribution is due in equal increments at the beginning of each quarter (September 1, 2015; December 1,
2015; March 1, 2016; and June 1, 2016).
The funds go toward the overall program and member’s living allowance, FICA, health insurance, training,
transportation, conference calls, and other member support services. The contribution is non-refundable.
The total yearly cash match contribution will be paid to ISU Extension even if an AmeriCorps member does
This is the anticipated cash match. Cash match specifics are contingent on successful funding from the Corporation for National
and Community Service and the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.
*
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not successfully complete his/her term of service, or in the event that the community is unable to fill
contracted service positions. AmeriCorps positions can only be refilled if the former, exiting member has
completed less than 15% of their contracted service hours (30% if exited without a partial education award).
Host-site In-kind Match
Each host-site organization must contribute to the initiative by providing an in-kind match. The in-kind
match is based on the site supervisor’s time given in support and supervision of the site’s AmeriCorps
member(s). Site supervisors must document their hourly rate (salary +benefits) and submit monthly time
reports to document the match.
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
Please complete the attached proposal template (Sections I, II, III). The template follows on the next page
and can be navigated by using the tab button on your computer. You are encouraged to be creative in the
proposal development, but must follow the guidelines below.
 Answer each section clearly and in order—use the template to guide you in the process.
 Type your narrative directly into the template. Be sure to follow the character limits.
 If you are applying for more than one AmeriCorps member and the members will be working
on different projects and/or performing different activities, in Section III complete separate
Project Overview for each project and a Service Description for each unique position, indicate
the associated project.
 Print, sign, and submit the proposal to the address below.
If you have questions or encounter any technical difficulties in completing your application, please contact
Susan Hollenkamp at 515.294.9722 or shollen@iastate.edu.
SECTION I: TITLE PAGE (Page 10)
Enter all applicable information and attach to the front of your application with appropriate signatures.
SECTION II: ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW (Page 11: Maximum of 2,500 characters)
Provide a clear and concise description of your organization answering at least the following: What is your
organization’s mission? What are its major programs and services? What is the source of the non-federal cash
support for this program?
SECTION III: PROJECT NARRATIVE (Page 11-12: Maximum of 10,000 characters)
Please describe your project using each of the areas described below. If applying for multiple member slots, a
service description is required for each requested slot. If members will be working different projects,
individual Project Overviews is required for each slot.
1) Project Overview: Provide a one-paragraph summary of the AmeriCorps Project, including the
target number of youth participants that will complete a minimum of 6 hours of programming.
(Maximum of 2,500 characters)
2) Service Description: Describe the service activities the AmeriCorps member will perform and the
expected accomplishments. Consider: What are the objectives of the project? What are the
AmeriCorps member’s specific duties (think of a detailed job description). Very important: this
section holds a majority of the weight during the review process and is used to develop the final
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service description. Applications are assessed on feasibility, community impact, clarity, and detail.
(Maximum of 5,000 characters)
3) AmeriCorps Member Support and Supervision: AmeriCorps members need support and guidance
to be successful. Convince us that your organization has the capacity to support the AmeriCorps
member(s) and the proposed project. Consider: Who will be the AmeriCorps supervisor? What
support and training will you provide the AmeriCorps member? What other training/development
opportunities, support, and/or benefits will you provide? (Maximum of 2,500 characters)
SECTION IV: PREVIOUS HOST SITE SUCCESSES (Page 12: Maximum of 2,500
characters)
This section is to be completed by applicants that have previously participated as a host site with Iowa
AmeriCorps State of Promise (IASOP) or AmeriCorps 4H Outreach (A4HO). Describe the success of your
IASOP or A4HO projects and the role of AmeriCorps members in those successes.
Applications are due before or by 4:30 PM, May 1, 2015.
E-mail a signed PDF to shollen@iastate.edu
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HOST-SITE APPLICATION
SECTION I: TITLE PAGE
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Organization Name:
Total # of AmeriCorps Members Proposed For Your Organization:
# of Full-Time Positions:
# of Half-Time Positions:
# of Quarter-Time Positions:
# of Minimum-Time Positions:
Mailing Address:
City:
Zip:
Website:
Contact Person:
(Must have authority to commit/receive funds)
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
HOST-SITE INFORMATION
Host-Site Organization:
(if different than above)
AmeriCorps Member Supervisor Name:
Mailing Address:
City:
Zip:
Phone:
Fax:
Website:
Email:
UNDERSTANDING
In submitting this information to the Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Program, we certify that the information is true
and correct to the best of our knowledge. We further understand that if this site is selected to host an AmeriCorps
member(s), we are responsible for:
 Providing on-site supervision and support for the AmeriCorps member, including an on-site pre-service
orientation and training, weekly supervisor meetings.
 Paying a non-federal cash contribution to help support the AmeriCorps member costs (anticipated match is
$6,500 /FTE) in equal increments at the beginning of each quarter and reporting supervisory in-kind match.
 Providing adequate work space including desk, computer, internet, e-mail, phone, and access to fax and
copier.
 Participating in AmeriCorps member evaluations, site visits, and other AmeriCorps events deemed
appropriate.
Please type or print:
Name:
Title:
Date:
Signature:
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SECTION II: ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Provide a clear and concise description of your organization. Consider: The organization’s mission and the
major programs and services. (Maximum of 2,500 characters)
SECTION III: PROJECT NARRATIVE
1) PROJECT OVERVIEW
Why do you want to host an AmeriCorps member(s) and how will the AmeriCorps member(s) serve in your
organization to increase community capacity to provide youth with the positive youth development
experiences? Review local data and demonstrate how your local initiative will address community need and
serve underserved population(s). Please cite the data source (i.e. Iowa Youth Survey, Council, Health
Assessment, Delinquency Data, etc.). Also provide a summary of the proposed AmeriCorps member(s)
project, including target number of youth completing 6 hours or more of programming. (Maximum of 2,500
characters) (This section is worth 15% of the total application.)
Projected number of youth completing at least 6 hours of programming
2) SERVICE DESCRIPTION
Describe the service activities the AmeriCorps member will perform and the expected accomplishments.
Consider: The objectives of the project and the AmeriCorps member’s specific duties (think of a detailed job
description). Very important: Preference will be given to programs aligned with the 4-H priority topics of
Healthy Living, STEM, Citizenship and Leadership, and Communications and Arts. This section holds a
majority of the weight during the review process and is used to develop the final service description.
Applications are assessed on feasibility and increased capacity. A Service Description must be provided for
each unique position. If more than one member will be serving the same term (FT/HT/QT/MT) and
performing the same activities, one description is acceptable. Indicate the number of slots with identical
descriptions. (Maximum of 5,000 characters) (This section is worth 70% of the total application.)
Position Description #
Term (FT, HT, QT, MT)
# Slots
3) AMERICORPS MEMBER SUPPORT AND SUPERVISION
AmeriCorps members need support and guidance to be successful. State how your organization has the
capacity to support the AmeriCorps member(s) and the proposed initiative. Identify the AmeriCorps
member’s supervisor. List the support and training you will provide the AmeriCorps member(s). Identify
additional development opportunities, support, or benefits you will provide to the AmeriCorps member(s).
(Maximum of 2,500 characters) (This section is worth 15% of the total application.)
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SECTION IV: PREVIOUS SUCCESSES/CHALLENGES
This section is to be completed by applicants that have previously participated as a host site with Iowa
AmeriCorps State of Promise or AmeriCorps 4H Outreach. Describe the success of your previous
AmeriCorps project(s) and the role of AmeriCorps member(s) in that success. Address challenges
encountered in the previous projects and discuss corrective actions or improvement plans. Provide data and
examples to support the program success. (This section is worth an additional 10%)
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