AMERICORPS VISTA
Lifting People Out of Poverty Since 1965
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.
AmeriCorps VISTA members build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full time for one-year terms.
Follow Your Passion. Find Your Purpose.
Being an AmeriCorps VISTA member is about making a tangible difference for communities and individuals dealing with some of our Nation's biggest challenges: poverty, inequity, homelessness, and lack of access to education. VISTA members help to build the capacity of organizations that are working to alleviate poverty all across the country. As a VISTA member you will serve in a project identified and managed by the community while earning a modest living allowance that reflects the income level of the community where you're serving.
AmeriCorps VISTA Eligibility Requirements:
Be 18 years or older (no upper age limit)
Pass a national service criminal history check
Hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status), and persons legally residing within a state. Examples of persons legally residing within a state may include those holding the following classifications: refugee, asylee, temporary protected status throughout VISTA service, and holding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
BENEFITS OF SERVICE
LIVING
ALLOWANCE
Receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance to cover basic expenses.
END OF SERVICE AWARD
Choose between a Segal Education Award (valued at approximately $6,000) to pay for a range of education expenses or a $1,800 cash stipend.
During service, you may defer student loans until end of service year. Interest accrued during service will be payed by the National Service Trust upon completion of service.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
Attend in person and virtual trainings where you learn how to be a community development change agent.
JOIN A COMMUNITY
Join a VISTA umbrella and meet other like-minded individuals living and working in your community.
NON-COMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY (NCE)
AmeriCorps VISTA is the only AmeriCorps program where you can earn federal non-competitive eligibility, giving you an edge in the federal hiring process. NCE status last for 12 months following service.
Other benefits
Other benefits may include: a relocation allowance for moving for service, childcare assistance, free diapers, mileage reimbursement for service-related travel and health care options.