FEMA Corps – Making a Difference When it Matters Most

December 16, 2021

Every year, millions of individuals suffer the effects of natural and man-made disasters. FEMA Corps is an excellent opportunity for those who have an interest in a career in emergency management or a related field. Members are involved in projects within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Ravi Patel from Woodburn, Oregon is part of the Planning and Geographic Information Systems team for FEMA Corps. He did his training at the Pacific region campus close to Sacramento, California. As part of FEMA Corps, he travels across the country. He is now in Herndon, Virginia working with FEMA’s Incident Management Assistance Team.

“I am hoping we will be able to help communities prepare for disasters and also when a disaster strikes we will be able to quickly set in motion a plan that will help people recover from it,” said Ravi.

FEMA Corps offers Ravi a living allowance, free room and board, a budget for food, college credits, and training in different skills that can be used outside of FEMA Corps. “We get an educational award of $6,495 when we graduate from the program that we can use for education.” If members have any student loans, they can defer them until after graduating from the program.

Members have the opportunity to build a network that will bring multiple job opportunities after they graduate.

Ravi recommends FEMA Corps to anyone who wants to serve people that lost everything from a disaster. Reflecting on his experience, Ravi said that FEMA is one of the most intense and life changing experiences he could have. “This program will not only train you for a job in emergency management, but it will help you grow as a person. It brings people from different walks of life, with different values and views on the world, and creates an environment where we can all learn, work together, and grow.”

To apply, go to www.americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder/americorps-nccc.