If you have student loans and you want to change the world, then you're in luck. There are several programs sponsored by the government which will let you work with inner-city kids, do AIDS research, reach out to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, provide health services on Native American reservations, teach art in Appalachia or otherwise fulfill your activist dreams while deferring your loans and earning money toward paying off your student loans.

• AmeriCorps volunteers in Iowa City work at United Action for Youth and Uptown Bill's Small Mall, and there are many other interesting and resume-enhancing opportunities across the country. After one year of service, volunteers receive an educational award of $4,725--which can be applied (and often is) to their student loans.
• Teach for America is a relative of AmeriCorps, but with a two-year committment, and thus an educational award of $9,450 at the end of service. Plus you get excellent, well-respected teaching experience, and help with relocation.
• The Indian Health Service repays up to $20,000 in loans per year, for two years. It applies to undergrad and graduate loans. To get this one you have to be a health professional, working in full-time clinical practice at an IHS facility or approved Indian health program.
• If you're going for a health-sciences doctorate, NIH will repay up to $70,000 in loans in two years through their Loan Repayment Program. You do have to commit to two years of working for NIH; if you leave, stiff penalties apply.

In addition to the educational awards, both AmeriCorps and Teach for America programs offer amazing experiences and challenges, show future graduate schools and employers your maturity and creativity, and you can defer your loans while you're volunteering. They're definitely worth looking into if you're interested in education, activism, public service, social and economic policy, and personal growth.

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Contact Info.

Student Credit & Money Management Services
Iowa Memorial Union
Room 203
Iowa City, IA 52242

319-335-3239

E-mail

money-management
@uiowa.edu