FAQs

Over 1,000 young adults have completed an AmeriCorps service term with Project Transformation. After hearing their questions, we assume you may have some of the same. Please, don’t hesitate to call the Project Transformation office at (405)-530-2010 if you need any further information or would like to connect to a young person who has participated in the experience before.

Summer Term of Service FAQs

• When does the program take place?
• The dates for this service experience are the last two weeks of May through the last week of July. This includes one week of pre-program training (located in Gore, OK), one week of site training (located in the various site cities), and eight weeks of day camp.
• Is this a paid position?
• Yes, the summer intern will receive $2,823 living stipend (paycheck distributed on the 15th and the last day of the month, with the first check issued on June 15th) AND a $1,342.86 education voucher.
• What is an education voucher? What can it be applied to?
• An education voucher is similar to a gift certificate. As an AmeriCorps program, interns receive the voucher in return for their service in the community. The voucher can be applied to college tuition, the university bookstore, student loans, or future education.
• When will I be able to use the education voucher? Does it expire?
• AmeriCorps issues the education voucher approximately 8 weeks after the completion of service. Interns will be able to use the voucher as early as the spring semester following their summer of service. The voucher does not have to be used right away, but it does expire 7 years after the issue date. For example, you might have just graduated, but you could hold the voucher for future graduate school work.
• Are housing and meals provided?
• Several meals are provided for our interns during the week. Self-serve breakfast items will be available each morning. Lunch with the children will be provided at each site on program days. Volunteer groups from our partner churches provide dinners on Monday and Wednesday evenings and stay to share in the fellowship with the interns. You will be responsible for providing your own food on Tuesday and Thursday nights as well as your time off (Friday afternoon – Sunday).
• Where will I live? Will I have a roommate?
• Housing will be provided in your select site city. Housing changes regularly depending on our city locations so we ask that you contact staff at 405) 530-2010 to learn more about the current housing locations. You will have a roommate.
• Can I take a summer class at the same time? Or work an additional job part time?
• No, Project Transformation summer interns must commit to full-time service. The time commitment to our program will not permit any part-time job. However, online summer classes can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Do I get any time off? When is it?
• Yes, summer interns have Friday afternoon – Sunday evening free.
• Do we get the 4th of July off?
• Yes. July 4th will be a holiday.
• Can I get time off for weddings, special circumstances, etc? How should I request it?
• Taking time off is not encouraged; however getting time off for special events is a possibility. You must make a request to the Project Transformation program director or associate director as soon as you know the dates. Time off is granted dependent on the nature of the activity and how far in advance it is requested. It is recommended that time off from the summer program is discussed during the interview process whenever possible.
• Does Project Transformation provide transportation from housing to the church sites?
• No, transportation will not be provided. We highly suggest carpooling with other interns to save gas and money throughout the summer.
• What if I don’t have a home church?
• Having a home church has no bearing on your participation as an intern. However, PT is strongly supported by churches throughout Oklahoma, and you may be linked to a partner church here to support you during your internship.
• Do I have to attend my site church service each Sunday?
• While not mandatory, attending church at your site is a great way to engage the congregation and be exposed to the complete urban church experience. This is also an opportunity for you to take on a leadership position in the church service by leading the children’s sermon, offering a prayer, leading music, or others. Your presence in the church service will encourage the participating children and youth to attend as well.
• Can I bring my musical instrument or art supplies with me?
• Yes, please do! Many of our interns have been invited to play their instruments during worship at their site churches. Interns have also shared their artistic abilities to decorate housing areas and site locations.
• Will I have access to a gymnasium and workout facilities to use during free time?
• Depending on your city location, such facilities may be available, but are not available in all cities.
• What do I need to bring with me?
• The summer internship housing is like living in a dorm. A packing list will be provided upon your acceptance, but you will need to bring bedding for a twin-size bed, bathroom supplies, casual clothes to wear each day at site (including gym shoes), business casual clothes, swimsuit (one piece for ladies), sunscreen. Optional items include a computer, stereo, mini refrigerator, musical instrument, and car.
• What items should I not bring for the summer?
• Do not bring microwaves, candles or extension cords. TV’s, DVD players, laptops, computers, printers, mini refrigerators, DVD’s, and CD’s can be brought at your own risk.
• Can I bring my cell phone?
• Yes, cell phones are permitted. However, during program hours, the cell phone must not be used for personal calls.
• Can my friends/family visit me at the house or program site?
• Yes, family and friends are encouraged to volunteer at the site. They may also come and tour the house. However, it is important that the house be a place of community for the interns. We do not permit them to stay overnight at the house.