Note: This is a full-time ACC AmeriCorps position with the City of Hopkins.

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 the City of Hopkins

The Hopkins Digital Access Initiative is working toward a future where all Hopkins residents can safely and confidently navigate the digital world.

Position Overview

The City of Hopkins ACC Member will work closely with the Hopkins Digital Access Initiative (HDAI). HDAI is working towards a future where all community members can safely and confidently navigate the digital world.

Technology is now essential in nearly every aspect of daily life, yet many in our community lack the digital skills, devices, and internet access needed to participate fully. Digital tools have become unavoidable parts of everyday tasks from health care to banking and social connections, creating significant barriers for many residents.

The AmeriCorps Member will support two core areas of work: community outreach and engagement with residents who face digital access barriers, and program support to help the initiative run and grow. This is a hands-on, relationship-centered role suited for someone who enjoys working directly with people as well as contributing to the organizational infrastructure behind the scenes.

Key Responsibilities

The ACC Member will:

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Connect with residents experiencing digital access barriers — including older adults, immigrants, low-income households, and people with disabilities — through community events, partner sites, and neighborhood outreach
• Assist with digital skills workshops and one-on-one support sessions at libraries, community centers, and other locations
• Build relationships with community members to understand barriers firsthand and share that knowledge with the initiative
• Represent HDAI at community events, tabling opportunities, and partner meetings
• Help recruit and support community volunteeers and partners who extend our reach

Program & Project Support

• Assist with coordination of the Digital Equity Coalition — scheduling, materials, meeting notes, and follow-up
• Support grant reporting by tracking program activities, gathering data, and documenting stories of impact
• Help develop outreach materials, social media content, and community communications
• Research best practices, funding opportunities, and peer initiatives in other communities
• Assist with planning and logistics for initiative events and trainings
• Contribute to the development of tools or resources that other cities can use to replicate the HDAI model

This position focuses on capacity-building activities intended to expand and strengthen digital access resources and community engagement efforts. The AmeriCorps Member will not engage in prohibited AmeriCorps activities, including displacing staff or performing duties that would otherwise be carried out by employees.

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.