Potential Magazine May 2014 | Page 14

healthy life skills tips & advice resources/5 things pay the way ge 101 pay the way gear up unique ways to pay for college test prep 01 e on AMERICORPS VISTA This volunteer service program gives its participants a choice between a sizeable education award or stipend upon completion. The amount of the award received is dependent upon the time served, ranging from about $1,100 to $5,645. A yearlong full-time commitment as an AmeriCorps VISTA participant can earn the equivalent of the federal Pell Grant award, which is currently $5,645, or a $1,500 stipend. The award can be used to pay back student loans or cover current education expenses. Certain colleges or universities will even match the AmeriCorps Education Award, which means double the money! www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps parent to parent 02 03 04 TUITION WAIVERS Academic Common Market (ACM) is the tuition waiver program for 16 states across the South. This program allows students to pursue out-of-state degrees at discounted rates through an agreement made among participating colleges and universities. Other types of waivers offered by some colleges and universities include waivers for room and a meal plan for resident assistants as well as tuition stipends for lab assistants. www.sreb.org STUDENT PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM In some cities, students willing to work in public safety can earn cash and tuition credit. In Auburn, students willing to work as Public Safety Specialists (assisting the police), Public Safety Communicators (performing E911 dispatcher duties) or in the Student Firefighter Program are paid for the hours they work and are eligible for paid tuition if they maintain a 2.5 GPA. www.auburnalabama.org/ps NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES CORPS GET CREATIVE UNIQUE WAYS & BRIGHT IDEAS TO PAY FOR COLLEGE Look beyond traditional grants and scholarships, and check out these opportunities for cutting back on college costs without cutting back on education. This list is just a sampling of the unique and promising ways to pay for college. After serving with this group in underserved, low-income areas for two years full time or four years part time, participants are eligible to receive up to $60,000 as a tax-free loan repayment. nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/ 05 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE There are several internships available through th