Note: This is a full-time ACC AmeriCorps position with Dakota Resources, Inc.
About the American Connection Corps:
The American Connection Corps (ACC), an AmeriCorps program of Lead For America (LFA), is a service fellowship program aimed at helping communities build the digital connectivity necessary to expand opportunity and economic mobility, ranging from healthcare access to quality employment.
ACC Members spend a year serving with locally-rooted organizations, helping address the digital divide and strengthen access to opportunity. Through their service, they gain hands-on experience, build in-demand skills, and explore career pathways while making a tangible impact in their communities.
About Dakota Resources, Inc.
Our mission is to connect capital and leadership capacity to empower rural communities. We believe that rural communities can thrive. Rural communities thrive when local economic development organizations (EDOs) are strong. The EDOs we work with tell us the same thing again and again: they need deeper connections, more flexible capital, and stronger leadership. To accomplish our mission, we partner with mission-focused funders and community-minded for-profit businesses to help expand their reach to rural places. Our work has focused on connecting those partners with the rural places they want to see thrive.
Position Overview
Under the guidance, supervision, and direction of Dakota Resources staff, the AmeriCorps Member will support capacity-building efforts for Dakota Resources' adoption of AI across its work with rural communities. The Member will assist staff with documenting AI workflows and building internal knowledge bases, support the coordination of AI training and the AI in Rural EDOs survey and learning series, and participate in efforts that help rural economic development leaders build practical AI skills. Through these supportive efforts, the Member will help bridge the digital divide and strengthen economic development across small and rural communities.
Key Responsibilities
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AI Workflow & Tool Support: Assist staff with documenting staff-developed or staff-approved AI workflows and processes in clear, step-by-step form, and help organize, maintain, and update an internal library of AI prompts, skill files, guides, and templates. Under staff direction, assist with testing and documenting AI-assisted processes during pilot activities. Targets: help document 24 workflows and add 36 resources to the library over the term.
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Knowledge Base & Database Development: Assist staff with developing and maintaining internal and external knowledge bases by gathering, organizing, and preparing content for staff and community audiences under staff direction. This work is shared with the Thriverr 2.0 Network Launch Support Member on the resource-provider knowledge base.
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Training & Learning Support: Support staff in coordinating and delivering internal AI training and Dakota Resources' AI in Rural EDOs learning series, including virtual sessions, an in-person gathering, and a cohort course, by preparing materials, assisting participants, and capturing notes and feedback.
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Survey Support: Assist staff with preparing, distributing, collecting, and compiling responses for Dakota Resources' AI in Rural EDOs survey for staff review and program evaluation purposes.
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Data Collection & Reporting: Collect and compile service-related data, participant feedback, and activity summaries related to approved AI learning and capacity-building activities for staff review, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.
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Event & Resource Coordination: Assist staff with organizing virtual and in-person AI learning sessions, meetings, and resource-sharing events that connect rural leaders with AI education and learning opportunities.
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Member Progress Review: Participate in regular supervision meetings with the Site Supervisor and Dakota Resources' internal AI lead to discuss service activities, share observations, receive guidance, and ensure service activities remain aligned with the approved AmeriCorps position description and organizational priorities.
All functions and activities performed by the AmeriCorps Member are completed under the guidance, supervision, and direction of program and host site staff.
Learning & Development Opportunities
As an ACC Member, you will receive structured training and support throughout your service year, including:
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A two-week-long virtual orientation with the national cohort to kick off the service year.
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A week-long, in-person national Winter Institute convening with your ACC cohort — travel, lodging, and a per diem stipend are fully covered.
- Twice-monthly virtual training on skills for service, including project management, asset-based community development, grant writing, and serving vulnerable populations, plus self-paced curricula with opportunities to earn badges and credentials.
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A structured community listening tour at the start of service to understand local needs, assets, and opportunities.
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Dedicated 1:1 support from a Lead For America Program Coordinator and twice-monthly peer pod meetings for networking and professional development.
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Access to a national network of ACC Members, alumni, and community partners.
Requirements
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Passion for community service and connecting your neighbors to the digital tools, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
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Interest in gaining experience in community development or digital inclusion.
Eligibility:
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Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
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Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
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Be 17 years of age or older by the start of service.
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Have not already served four (4) or more AmeriCorps State/National terms.
Timeline:
We are currently recruiting Members to serve from September 8th, 2026 - August 13th, 2027. Members will serve full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), completing 1700 hours of service over the course of the term.
Application Process:
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Submit Your Application: Complete the application on the next page to join our general talent pool.
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Host Site Review: Our host site organization will review your application, and invite those moving forward to interview.
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Lead For America Interview: Finalist candidates will be invited to interview with the Lead For America team.
Benefits
Full-time ACC Members receive:
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A $33,000 living stipend (dispersed bi-weekly over the course of the service term)
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A $7,395 Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps, which can be applied to education-related expenses after the program concludes (including repayment of qualifying student loans).
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Healthcare coverage (if applicable).
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Access to childcare benefits.
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Student loan forbearance during your year of service.
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Fully-funded ACC Winter Institute druing the year.
Non-Discrimination
This institution operates in accordance with Federal and AmeriCorps civil rights and non-discrimination requirements. This program is available to all. All program documents, including compliance history information, may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact us at [email protected]
Note: The ACC program does not offer part-time or remote member positions at this time.
