Academic Learning Integrated Volunteer Experience (ALIVE) Program
"I just wanted to say that most of us come to VISTA, it seems, without much prior understanding of how nonprofits work, and I can't speak enough about how helpful these classes have been to me in making sense of everything and participating meaningfully in my organization. On top of that, these classes give us the option to do our homework based on our organizations' actual situations, which means that my organization, without the funds to pay outside consultants at this time, can benefit from my learning for no charge." (2008-2009 ALIVE Participant)
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Academic Learning Integrated with Volunteer Experience (ALIVE) is a program initiated by the University of Montana (UM) and undertaken in partnership with AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VISTA programs across the state of Montana. The ALIVE program is designed to draw on the resources of The University of Montana to support the civic and professional development of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VISTA members.
Through the program, national service participants integrate their national service experience with university coursework to earn graduate level credits for non-degree, and potentially transferable, graduate credit.
So, if you have plans to pursue a graduate degree in the future, or would just like to earn graduate credit, ALIVE offers an excellent option for earning credit during your service year! Take a look at the options listed below to determine the best fit for your interests. Program staff is available upon request to assist you with choosing the appropriate coursework. Please contact Laura Fellin at laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu or by telephone at 406.243.2586.
In-service Credit Options
ALIVE Internship: (4 credits through UM Online) provides students the opportunity to observe and examine a concrete, practical, hands-on experience at the service site. With this academic opportunity, the student’s national service experience will shift and change as they grow to appreciate and contextualize their individual work and the work of the host organization within a larger framework. In addition, students may understand more clearly their own particular motivations for national service work and how these motivations ultimately influence the decisions and choices the students make in their daily routine over the course of the year.
Continuing Education Options
Nonprofit Administration Online Program: earn 1-16 graduate level credits or complete the Professional Certificate (16 credit minimum) by enrolling in online courses in the Nonprofit Administration Online Program. These courses do not require admission to the University and do not carry any additional expense for out-of-state students. To learn more, visit us at www.umt.edu/nonprofit.
Graduate Programs: ALIVE national service participants have a unique opportunity to earn a Master’s of Interdisciplinary Studies (M.I.S.) degree from The University of Montana in conjunction with their service term. In addition to the graduate level credits earned during the year of service, students will attend traditional courses on campus during the year following their service year to complete a total of 36 hours for the degree. Visit life.umt.edu/grad/Programs/Interdisciplinary%20Studies.php to learn more about this program.
Transfer of Graduate Credits: Most universities will accept up to 9 non-degree graduate transfer credits so student can make headway towards any future degree through ALIVE. It is a very good idea to check with potential graduate programs to see what their policies are regarding transfer credits.
Tuition and Payment Information
UM Online Courses (includes Internship)
Nonprofit Administration online courses run $385 per 2-credit course and $435 for the Internship. There is no tuition differential for out-of-state residents!
Financial Aid and scholarship
- Financial aid is not available exclusively for the Nonprofit Administration Online Program.
- Already an AmeriCorps Alum? Students can make use of a previously earned AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for these courses! It is important to note however that students do have to pay for courses up front (out-of-pocket) and get “reimbursed” via the Education Award.
- Scholarship funds for the 2012-2013 academic year have already been awarded.
Please note: In addition to the information provided above, it is possible to personalize a course of study that directly links one’s national service experience with a specific graduate-level course at UM. For an individual consultation or for more information about the online coursework and internship, please contact us directly:
Laura Fellin, Operations Manager Colleen Kane, Programs Manager
406.243.2586 406.243.5128
laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu colleen.kane@mso.umt.edu
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