Big Sky Watershed Corps FAQs
If you have a question that isn't answered here, you may contact Big Sky Watershed Corps' Program Manager Bryan Wilson at bryan@mtcorps.org or 406.587.4475 x120.
- What do Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) Members do?
BSWC Members focus on the program’s three major goals: watershed health and protection, watershed education, and outreach and volunteer generation. Members perform a variety of tasks within each program goal and are trained in each area throughout the service term.
- Do you have any firsthand insight into what it's like being a BSWC Member?
Yes. Here are some blog entries from alumni over the years.
2014 Katherine Boyk: Watersheds and Whiteboards: A Lesson for us all
2013 David Stout: Another Day on the Musselshell
2012 Ellie Long: Big Sky Watershed Corps
- Is BSWC active on social media?
Yes. BSWC and our partners are all active on Facebook. You can learn more about all of the organizations by checking our Facebook page.
- Will I get any training before I start?
Yes. All members receive training at the beginning of their service, as well as project-specific training during the term.
- Will the BSWC pay for my relocation costs?
No. Unfortunately the BSWC cannot reimburse members for relocation.
- Am I responsible for finding my own housing?
Yes. That said, host site supervisors and BSWC staff will try to help corps members find housing and provide suggestion on where to look.
- I have done two AmeriCorps terms already. Can I still do BSWC?
BSWC requires members be eligible to serve a full, 1,700 hour term. AmeriCorps regulations stipulate that members can only do the equivalent of two 1,700 hour AmeriCorps terms.
- Do I have a choice of which host site I serve at?
No. The BSWC Program Manager will decide the best location to balance your interests and skills with the needs of the host sites.
- Are there any loan forgiveness programs or repayment plans that I might qualify for as an AmeriCorps member?
On September 27, 2007, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 (“CCRAA”) was signed into law. In addition to other amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, the CCRAA created two new federal programs: a new Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and a new Income-Based Repayment plan (IBR) for the repayment of federal loans. The new Income-Based Repayment plan helps to make repaying education loans more affordable for low-income borrowers, such as an AmeriCorps member living on a stipend; AmeriCorps service is also recognized as equivalent to a public service job for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- Can I defer student loans during my service with AmeriCorps?
You may qualify for postponement, or forbearance, of the repayment of your loans during your service. The education award will help you pay off qualified student loans when you're finished. Contact your lender for more specific information or to confirm your loan status during your AmeriCorps service.