Gap Year: Become a Health Corps Fellow with the Washington Aids Partnership

Become a Health Corps Fellow with the Washington AIDS Partnership!

Position description 

Each year, the Washington AIDS Partnership (WAP) recruits and mentors a team of 10 young people who provide full-time direct volunteer service in the community for 11 months. The Health Corps program, a program of AmeriCorps, began 25 years ago and has mentored over 250 young people since its founding. WAP is currently recruiting candidates for the 2021-2022 Health Corps team – people who are passionate about public health and want to make a difference in the Washington, D.C. region. Health Corps fellows will start their year of service in Washington, D.C. with a week of training and orientation from August 2-6, 2021, and wrap up the service year on July 6, 2022.

Fellows are placed at different agencies in the nation’s capital, where they provide important health services related to HIV, sexually transmitted infections or STIs, health education, COVID-19, and so much more. Duties and responsibilities vary by placement but can include: HIV and STI testing, health education for schools and community groups, and quality of life/care services such as case management, transportation, and food delivery to persons living with HIV. Fellows serve four days out of the week at their host agencies, and then come together to do a service project as a team on the fifth day of the week. Visit our website to meet the current team fellows, learn more about their host agencies, and read about their experiences and all of the amazing things they have accomplished. Health Corps fellows have access to mentorship and support, as well as hands-on public health experience in a challenging and diverse environment. Fellows collaborate with co-workers on important projects and make a real impact in the communities where they serve. After a year of service, fellows go on to accomplish amazing things. Of the alums, 34% have gone on to study and practice in the medical field and 26% continue to work in public health. Others serve as teachers, professors, lawyers, social workers, and policy makers. Alums describe their service year as “a tremendous growing experience,” “the most meaningful year of my life,” and “truly formative—it changed my entire career plan.”

Benefits include a $19,200 annual stipend and an AmeriCorps education award upon completion of the full service year. Fellows may also be eligible for loan forbearance, health insurance, and other AmeriCorps benefits during their service year.

Qualifications

Must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident, at least 17 years of age, and have a GED or high school diploma. Candidates must have an interest in HIV work, but no experience is necessary. Selection is extremely competitive and WAP only accepts applicants that demonstrate a clear commitment to service and social justice, an interest in serving diverse populations, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to adapt to new and challenging settings. Of the 10 placements, there are two where speaking Spanish is a plus or required.

How to apply

Learn more about the Health Corps program and download and complete the Health Corps application located here on WAP’s website. Email your completed application and a copy of your resume to WAP Program Manager Joe Servidio at servidio@washingtongrantmakers.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through the winter and spring, so early applicants may have an advantage.

Health Corps fellows are subject to a three-part criminal history and background check including a national sex offender public registry check, state-based criminal history check, and an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check, as required by AmeriCorps. Acceptance to the Health Corps program is contingent on the successful completion of these checks, at no cost to the applicant. More details on these criminal history checks will be provided to accepted applicants.

Nondiscrimination

WAP does not discriminate, in any practices, with regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, national origin, age, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.

Click here to learn more or to apply!

**All credit for this post is given to the Washington AIDS Partnership and the Emory University Pre-Health Advising Blog, where this information was shared originally.**