When you successfully complete a program with Lead For America, you are welcomed into the Onward Alumni Network: a community of almost 300 servant leaders from across the country who are eager to cheer you on. In many ways, your journey is just beginning!
You can partake in monthly Skill Swaps, connect with fellow alumni in the Directory, engage in virtual quarterly programming, and so much more. This Alumni-led community is here during your service and beyond, whether you’re going to school, finding a new job, or supporting your community.
Explore this page to learn more about the LFA Alumni experience.
CONNECT
There are only a few hundred people across the globe who can call themselves Lead For America Alumni. The shared values and experiences make this community one built on unspoken trust and understanding. Connect with your fellow national service aficionados by:
Check out upcoming opportunities to connect by logging into Campground
Joining the LFA Alumni LinkedIn Group
a place for timely updates, requests, and conversation.
Perusing the Alumni Directory
on Campground where you can find Alum near you and share the best ways for people to get in touch with you. This is the best place to see if your information is up-to-date!
Jumping on a virtual Skill Swap
a monthly informal gathering to learn something new from fellow Alumni. You can also sign up to share your passion, hobby, or hidden talent!
Reading the email newsletter
sent monthly just to LFA Alumni with job openings, upcoming events, and alumni news.
Learning from colleagues during Industry Huddles
small groups of LFA Alumni in similar industries who share challenges, questions, and ideas.
Hosting or attending a local gathering
of LFA Alumni, current service members, and staff.
DEVELOP
During your service with Lead For America, you have one-to-one support, weekly “pod” calls, in-person gatherings, and more. That support doesn’t end when you become an Alum! Your personal and professional development is fostered through:
Onward 24
a resume review initiative led by Alumni Advisory Board Member and LFA Alum, Joe Grochmal. He’ll turn around insightful, relevant feedback on your resume in a flash.
a collection of colleges and universities with unique partnerships with Lead For America, providing additional benefits to Alumni like application waivers, scholarships, and tuition assistance (these are on top of benefits you may receive as an AmeriCorps alum - see Schools of National Service below)
schools that offer scholarships, application fee waivers, and other benefits for AmeriCorps alums (fun fact: Arizona, Maryland, and Nebraska offer in-state tuition to all AmeriCorps alum!)
funds that are awarded to AmeriCorps alumni that can be used to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses. Check out this link for helpful answers to FAQs
a community of AmeriCorps Alums, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and alumni from various service year programs across the country. They offer unique benefits and services, too – check out their Service Year Alliance Resources Archive and be sure to sign up for their email updates!
Check out upcoming opportunities to connect by logging into Campground
SERVE
Service is what draws many to Lead For America. A heart for others, a desire to give back, and a call to volunteer your time and talents for the benefit of others. Just because your official service may have ended, doesn’t mean your service to the LFA community does, too. Learn about these opportunities to serve the Onward Alumni Network:
Check out upcoming opportunities to connect by logging into Campground
Alumni Advisory Board
a group of LFA Alumni who directly shape the alumni experience. Their mission is to continue our journey as changemakers together by sharing resources, building connections, and establishing spaces for present and future alumni across the country to further empower and unite our communities.
LFA Mentorship Program
an initiative that invites LFA Alumni to directly support current service members. You can participate in two ways: - Formally alongside a co-facilitator with a small group of service members who share similar challenges and goals - Informally on an as-needed basis for service members who have goals that align with your professional experience
Event Committees
helping shape key in-person trainings like Orientation, Winter Institute, and Graduation.
Annual Survey
the easiest and most impactful way you can serve is by sharing your honest feedback! The annual alumni survey is deployed in October.
In-person trainings and events near you.
Click here to see where we’ll be for recruiting, training, and convening. You can also serve by hosting an in-person gathering for LFA community members in your region!
A couple of notes...
CAMPGROUND
Campground is your alumni resource hub! You can find information on how to connect, develop, and serve the Onward Alumni Network. If you are an LFA Alum, you can log in using the primary email we have on file for you. If you’re unsure or have any questions, please contact Meghan Carver at meghan.carver@leadforamerica.org.
ALUMNI STATUS
Lead For America considers alumni as those who have successfully completed at least one year of a Lead For America program or one AmeriCorps service term with Lead For America. Members serving multiple terms with Lead For America are considered alumni after their first successful term.
