ENVS Program

Lewis & Clark Environmental Studies

RARE Program – Call for Member Applications

Call for Member Applications!

A RARE Opportunity for Professional Growth Through Service Learning

What is The RARE AmeriCorps Program?

Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) is a unique AmeriCorps Program serving Oregon’s rural communities through economic and community development and natural resource planning. The mission of the RARE AmeriCorps Program is to increase the capacity of rural communities to improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions, through the assistance of trained graduate-level participants. RARE AmeriCorps members assist communities in the development and implementation of projects focused on improving rural economic conditions. Our members live in and serve communities for 11 months. The RARE AmeriCorps Program has placed more than 450 individuals and served every Oregon county.

RARE AmeriCorps members are required to be either U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. In addition, you will need to demonstrate applied community experience as well as coursework or equivalent experience in three or more of the following areas: planning or statistical analysis, planning or economic theory, project management, community or economic development, environmental planning, geographic information systems and grant writing. Additional information can be found on the Member Application Process section of our website.
RARE AmeriCorps members work with organizations that have identified specific needs in rural areas. Each RARE AmeriCorps member focuses on community specific projects that fall within the following focus areas: downtown development, public health, transportation planning, community education, economic development, land use planning, food systems planning, and natural resources planning. Additional information can be found on the Projects section of our website.
  • Living Stipend/Monthly: $1, 500
  • Medical Insurance: If eligible, we will provide medical insurance. At this time, we do not provide vision or dental insurance.
  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: After the successful completion of the program in the amount of $5,730.
  • Nine Graduate Credits: Each RARE AmeriCorps member will be eligible for 9 graduate credits from the University of Oregon’s Community and Regional Planning Program.
  • In-state Tuition: If a member is moving to Oregon, after the successful completion of one year’s service they MAY be eligible for in-state tuition.

RARE AmeriCorps Program Application Process Timeline
April 17: Community Pre-Applications due
April 24: Member Applications due 
May 4-29: Member Phone Interviews with RARE staff
June 1: Community Full Applications due
June 12: Members invited to participate
July 13-17: Members interview with potential communities
Aug 7: Final placement decisions will be made
September 9-11: Orientation
September 14: Placement in RARE AmeriCorps community begins