START HERE and APPLY ANYTIME: What does it mean to join LVC?
We're excited that you're interested in joining our mission to unite people to work with peace for justice! Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) is a full-time service and leadership program operating in many cities across the United States. LVC Fellowships are full-time positions (see 2024's full-time positions) at social justice organizations for one year, or for full or half year for virtual positions. Most positions are year-long; virtual positions are limited and based on Placement partner availability.
Fellows serving a year live together in intentional community with other fellows, practice living simply and sustainability, while 
exploring spirituality together. Fellows in virtual positions can serve virtually from home or live in community with other fellows.
We welcome applicants of all walks of life: all religions, spiritualities, and denominations; all cultural backgrounds; all gender and sexual identities; all education levels; all socio-economic backgrounds; all human beings!
Every year, applicants are encouraged to apply by February 15 for best pick of positions. Please get in touch with our National Program Director, Shae, at sagee@lutheranvolunteercorps.org with any questions about the application process.
APPLY HERE: LVC APPLICATION
Applicants start with a brief informational application. After receiving your application, an LVC team member will contact you and schedule a staff interview. You decide whether to move on to the next step after your staff interview.
- You can watch LVC alum, Katie (photo at left), give her testimony about her LVC experience HERE. (Video length = 6 minutes)
- Applicant Information Form (after your staff interview) -- If you decide to join the program, you'll complete the applicant information form next before we present you with positions that meet your social justice interests and before you begin interviewing to select the Placement for your service year.
- You can view the Sneak Peek: Applicant Information Form to see the questions on the form before you go online to complete it.
- You must complete the application in one sitting and will not be able to save the form after completing it. Complete and save a copy offline before cutting and pasting into the online form!
There are many service programs out there, so take time to figure out which one is right for you. The Catholic Volunteer Network is a helpful resource to compare programs and LVC is proud to be named as a Service Program that Changes the World. You may also find links to all five ELCA-connected service year programs on the ELCA Young Adult Ministry webpage.
- Fill out the LVC APPLICATION. Those who apply early will have a greater selection of social justice placements.
- Visit our Application Timeline page for the next steps in the application process. Potential fellows will participate in a phone interview with LVC staff, as well as interviews with potential placements.
There are several options to affordably pay your student loans during a year of service. For details, read our blog post about loans during your year of service AND this doc on Student Loans and LVC. Information about student loan repayment is always changing, so check federal and private sources related to your loans.
In that doc, we particularly lift up income-driven repayment plans and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLFP) for those with federal direct student loan debt. There are also deferment or forbearance options, in addition to standard repayment plans. If you have private loans, you’ll need to talk with your lender about repayment options. If you have a co-signer on any loan, it’s also important to discuss any loan repayment plans with your co-signer.
An LVC service experience also provides you with valuable work experience to help you get a job after service and/or makes you eligible for many generous graduate school scholarships.
Stay up to speed on student loan news here:
- Equal Justice Works: http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/ed-debt
- Student Loan Expert Heather Jarvis: http://askheatherjarvis.com/tools
For budgeting and handling other debt (credit card, home, car, etc.):
- Lutheran Social Service Financial Counseling: http://www.lssmn.org/debt
Paula (she/her/hers) is a current Master of Public Policy Student at the University of California, Riverside School of Public Policy. She recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Nutrition, holding double minors in Sociology and Creative Writing (Fiction).
Thinking about joining the Lutheran Volunteer Corps? Consider Pittsburgh! It’s a city where your year of service will be as enriching personally and professionally.
