CivicSpark is an AmeriCorps State and National fellowship, fiscally sponsored by the Public Health Institute, that places Fellows with local governments, agencies and nonprofits.
Fellows serve full time on research, planning or implementation projects in areas such as disaster preparedness, water, housing and transportation, mostly in California, Colorado and Washington, alongside monthly training. This round fills 8-month positions starting January 2027.
Benefits & funding
- 8-month term: US$26,085 living allowance before taxes, plus a US$5,176.50 Segal Education Award for completing 1,200 hours; amounts pending final approval.
- 11-month term (began October 2026): US$37,000 allowance and a US$7,395 Segal award.
- Health insurance; child care help, SNAP and federal student-loan forbearance for those who qualify.
- No housing or relocation support.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful permanent residents only; F, J or G visa holders and DACA recipients cannot apply.
- Aged 17 or older, with at least a two-year associate degree from an accredited institution.
- Must pass a national service criminal history check before service.
- Must commit to the full term, full time (about 40 hours a week); no part-time option.
- Must live in the state of service (mainly California, Colorado or Washington) by the first day and within 75 miles of the service site.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
USA
Residents of USA can also apply.
Age requirement
≥ 17 yrs
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Application process
- 1Submit the online Fellow application by October 23, 2026, naming state preferences and up to five projects; it may close earlier once positions fill.
- 2Staff screen applications; qualifying candidates have a 15-minute video interview.
- 3Strong candidates are matched to project partners for interviews; offers come from CivicSpark staff.
- 4Before starting, pass a fingerprint background check and AmeriCorps citizenship verification.
Program timeline
Application deadline (may close earlier)
Oct 23, 2026
Partner interviews
Late October 2026
Onboarding
Early December 2026
Service term
Jan 11, 2027 to Sep 3, 2027