KEYS Summer Corps 2009

KEYS Summer Members cool off in the fountain at PPG place after a long walk.

Apply early and be interviewed over Spring Break!

Dates: May 26 through mid-August, 2009.
Serve at least 450 hours (about 43 hours per week)
Living Allowance: $3,017 before taxes
Education Award: $1,250*
Child Care Subsidy: Available to eligible members
Health Insurance: Available to eligible members

*Education award is made upon successful completion of the term of service. This amount is not made in cash, but is placed in a trust fund in the member's name. Members have up to 7 years to use the award to pay toward the cost of attending school or to pay toward existing student loans. Certain restrictions apply. Click here for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Summer Corps

Why would anyone want to live in Pittsburgh for the summer?
Pittsburgh has transformed itself from the steel town of the past to a hub for the arts, sports, entertainment, technology and medical science.

Pittsburgh is home to the Carnegie Museums of Art, Natural History, Science and the Andy Warhol Museum. We're also home to the oddly unique and unforgettable Matress Factory (which has nothing to do with mattresses or factories) and the Pittsburgh Children's Museum.

If you're into sports, Pittsburgh has your game! Not only are we home to the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, but we also have the Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer team, Pittsburgh Passion Women's Football team, rugby, golf, Extreme Frisbee, rowing, sailing, biking and skating trails and more!

Find out more about what the city has to offer at www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us.

Where will I be working?
KEYS partners with various community and faith-based organizations, parks and other agencies such as Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, libraries, and parks throughout Allegheny County. Some of the neighborhoods in which we anticipate placing members include Homestead, Braddock, Oakland, Penn Hills, Downtown, and East Liberty.

What kinds of activities would I be doing over the summer?
Members will help with Summer Day Camp activities. These could include arts and crafts, kickball, dodge ball, volleyball, baseball, basketball, swimming, chaperoning field trips, nature walks, talent shows… basically any activities to keep the kids engaged over the summer.

What will my schedule be like?
Each site sets their own schedule, but primarily the hours are Monday through Friday during the day.

Does KEYS pay for out-of-town applicants to relocate to Pittsburgh?
Transportation to and from Pittsburgh is the responsibility of the member.

Does KEYS pay for my transportation while I'm in Pittsburgh?
KEYS is unable to pay for transportation while in Pittsburgh. Plan to budget $75-90 a month for unlimited public transit, depending on location. For more information about Pittsburgh's public transit, please visit www.PortAuthority.org. Most sites will have parking available for members who have their own transportation.

Does KEYS help pay for housing?
Unfortunately, KEYS is unable to help pay for housing costs.

Can I afford to live there this summer?
The good news is that CNN found Pittsburgh to be the least expensive city in the United States. If you or someone you know have been wanting to serve in AmeriCorps but were concerned about living on the living allowance, Pittsburgh has great opportunities!

Even though KEYS can't help pay for housing, we can help you by referring you to local classified ads, roommate services and, more importantly, by putting recruits in touch with each other and with current KEYS members. Last summer we had several members come in from out of town and they were all able to quickly find affordable housing.

Where can I look for housing?
There are lots of places you can look. The following is a sample of some resources. KEYS does not endorse any option more than another.

The University of Pittsburgh has listings at www.pittnews.com or their Sublet Listing Service. These postings are primarily college housing.

Craig's List is also a good source. For Pittsburgh-area listings, visit www.Pittsburgh.CraigsList.com.
Other resources to try are the classifieds at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and the Pittsburgh Tribune Review from there, you can select "Real Estate" in the "select a category" box.

KEYS members help transform abandoned lot into usable community space.