The Iowa Community Corps is an AmeriCorps program at the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services. Members receive a living allowance and education award for their service, while gaining a professional network and leadership skills to forge a successful career in public health. AmeriCorps members serve at community-based organizations and local government agencies to provide community health worker and capacity building services in four key areas:
- Food security- Support programs that increase access to nutritious foods
- Resource navigation- Connect individuals and families to services and resources available in their communities
- Community engagement- Engage community members in service and develop strong volunteer programs
- Youth mental health - Expand access to behavioral health services and provide mental health supports to youth ages 13-24
Why Apply?
- Earn a living stipend and education award
- Build leadership and career skills
- Serve your community and create lasting change
- Be part of a statewide network of changemakers and public health professionals
Training & Professional Development
The Iowa Community Corps is committed to the professional development of its AmeriCorps members. Members may spend up to 20% of their service hours on training in the following areas:
- Community Health Worker (CHW) Training- CHWs are frontline public health professionals who help individuals and families connect to essential services such as healthcare, food assistance, and social supports. CHWs are an evidence-based strategy for improving access to care and addressing social determinants of health.
- Monthly professional development sessions with AmeriCorps members- sessions focus on a variety of topics including resume and cover letter writing, motivational interviewing, and more.
- Coaching sessions- connect with a career coach for problem solving and goal setting
- Networking sessions- collaborate with your peers and build your professional network
Ready to Serve?
Iowa Community Corps is a statewide AmeriCorps program offering both full‑time and part‑time positions. Members serve in either a Fall cohort (8–9 months) or a summer cohort (10 weeks), depending on their availability and service goals. Individuals interested in serving can apply by completing the Iowa Community Corps 2026–2027 Member Application.
Interested in Hosting an AmeriCorps Member?
The Iowa Community Corps partners with host sites across the state to place AmeriCorps members in service roles that strengthen community health access. A host site can be any community-based organization or local government agency with eligible service projects, such as nonprofit organizations, community health clinics, libraries, churches, food pantries, community centers, or local public health agencies. Organizations apply to become an AmeriCorps host site and, if selected, are awarded one or more AmeriCorps member placements. Selected sites then work with the program to design the AmeriCorps role(s) and recruit the member(s) before the start of the program year. By hosting an AmeriCorps member, organizations gain additional service capacity, support for community outreach, and enhanced ability to connect individuals to critical resources.
Find the Iowa Community Corps Host Site Application in IowaGrants under Funding Opportunity #664123.