We have just initiated an Americorps award that is funded through AZ's
State Procurement Office - I have also reviewed the conditions, etc. and
have not interpreted them the same way that Spanky describes.  We will
treat the "Participants" as employees of the University who will then be
assigned to assist on a specific volunteer activity.  For further
consideration, the Final Rule was published on 03/23/94 (56 FR 13772) -
Participant "means an individual enrolled in a program that receives
assistance under the Act.  A participant may not be considered to be an
employee of the program in which the participant is enrolled".  Program has
a vague definition that references the intent of the Act, etc.; however, we
believe that the University is only a program sponsor, and the "Program(s)"
the regulations refer to are the environmental, community service, or
educational organizations that the participants will be assisting.
Furthermore, these other organizations will be required to contribute 15%
of the funds to pay the cost of living allowance.  Hence, we will nee to
manage "revenue" from the various participating community organizations.

 The participants accrue educational financial aid that will be granted
after successful completion of the program.  We are considering how to
properly inform potential participants that this award will be included
along with other financial sources through our financial aid office at the
time it is to be used.

 I would appreciate hearing other perspectives on the administration of
these Americorps project awards as well.

Terry A. May, Ph.D.                       Voice:    602-523-6788
  Director of Research Administration     FAX:      602-523-1075
  Office of Grant & Contract Services     INTERNET: xxxxxx@nauvax.ucc.nau.edu
  100 Babbitt Admin. Ctr., Box 4130
  Northern Arizona University
  Flagstaff, AZ  86011-4130