Note: This is a full-time ACC AmeriCorps position with City of Santa Paula.

About the American Connection Corps:

The American Connection Corps (ACC), an AmeriCorps program of Lead For America (LFA), is a service fellowship program aimed at helping communities build the digital connectivity necessary to expand opportunity and economic mobility, ranging from healthcare access to quality employment.

ACC Members spend a year serving with locally-rooted organizations, helping address the digital divide and strengthen access to opportunity. Through their service, they gain hands-on experience, build in-demand skills, and explore career pathways while making a tangible impact in their communities.

About City of Santa Paula

The City of Santa Paula is committed to providing and continually creating a safe, sustainable, and innovative place to live, work, and thrive.

Position Overview

The City of Santa Paula will host an American Connection Corps (ACC) Member to support key initiatives that strengthen community engagement, digital inclusion, and strategic planning. The Member will assist the City’s digital inclusion efforts by conducting community outreach, supporting resident surveys, and collaborating with the Ventura County Broadband Consortium to expand broadband access and digital resources. Members will also help advance the City Council’s Two-Year Strategic Plan by supporting cross-departmental initiatives that serve Santa Paula residents, under the guidance and supervision of City staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Projects may include community surveys, climate and sustainability research, business engagement activities, and bilingual public communications, as assigned and directed by City staff.
• The ACC Member will contribute to developing digital content, press releases, newsletters, and other outreach materials that keep residents informed, under staff supervision and approval.
• Through their role, the ACC Member will gain hands-on experience in public administration, community engagement, and local government operations while helping advance Santa Paula’s vision for an inclusive and connected community through capacity-building and non-supervisory service activities.

All functions and activities performed by the AmeriCorps Member are completed under the guidance, supervision, and direction of program and host site staff.

Learning & Development Opportunities

As an ACC Member, you will receive structured training and support throughout your service year, including: 

• A two-week-long virtual orientation with the national cohort to kick off the service year.
• A week-long, in-person national Winter Institute convening with your ACC cohort — travel, lodging, and a per diem stipend are fully covered.
• Twice-monthly virtual training on skills for service, including project management, asset-based community development, grant writing, and serving vulnerable populations, plus self-paced curricula with opportunities to earn badges and credentials.
• A structured community listening tour at the start of service to understand local needs, assets, and opportunities.
• Dedicated 1:1 support from a Lead For America Program Coordinator and twice-monthly peer pod meetings for networking and professional development.
• Access to a national network of ACC Members, alumni, and community partners.

Requirements

• Passion for community service and connecting your neighbors to the digital tools, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Interest in gaining experience in community development or digital inclusion.

Eligibility:

• Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Be 17 years of age or older by the start of service.
• Have not already served four (4) or more AmeriCorps State/National terms. 

Timeline:

We are currently recruiting Members to serve from September 8th, 2026 - August 13th, 2027. Members will serve full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), completing 1700 hours of service over the course of the term.

Application Process:

1. Submit Your Application: Complete the application on the next page to join our general talent pool.
2. Host Site Review: Our host site organization will review your application, and invite those moving forward to interview.
3. Lead For America Interview: Finalist candidates will be invited to interview with the Lead For America team.

Benefits

Full-time ACC Members receive: 

• A $33,000 living stipend (dispersed bi-weekly over the course of the service term)
• A $7,395 Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps, which can be applied to education-related expenses after the program concludes (including repayment of qualifying student loans).
• Healthcare coverage (if applicable).
• Access to childcare benefits.
• Student loan forbearance during your year of service.
• Fully-funded ACC Winter Institute druing the year.

Non-Discrimination

This institution operates in accordance with Federal and AmeriCorps civil rights and non-discrimination requirements. This program is available to all. All program documents, including compliance history information, may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact us at [email protected]

Note: The ACC program does not offer part-time or remote member positions at this time.