VISTA members strengthen organizations alleviating poverty.
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As an AmeriCorps member in the VISTA program, you will support an organization to make sustainable change in areas effecting poverty, including education, public health, climate, access to benefits and more. Through activities such as fundraising, grant writing, research, and volunteer recruitment, you will gain professional experience and leadership skills.
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VISTA program members must be 18 years or older (there is no upper age limit).
They must also hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: U.S. citizen, U.S. 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.
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As a member in the VISTA program, you serve full-time for one year.
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Living Allowance
You receive a $877.66 bi-weekly living allowance to cover basic expenses.
Professional Development Training
You have the opportunity to attend in-person and virtual training to learn how to be a community development change agent.
Non-Competitive Eligibility
Once you've successfully completed service in AmeriCorps VISTA, you will receive one year of non-competitive eligibility for employment in the federal government.
This special hiring status enables you to apply for federal jobs with the advantage of not having to go through the standard public competitive selection process. That means that you can be appointed to federal positions that may not be available to the general public. In addition, your application could be processed faster than others.
NCE does not guarantee you a federal job, but it does provide a valuable opportunity!
End of Service Award
Members can choose between a Segal Education Award (valued at approximately $6,495) to pay for a range of education expenses or a $1,800 cash stipend.
“Serving in AmeriCorps is fulfilling, purposeful, and impactful. It has helped me figure out what I want to be, where I want to go, and how I will continue to pour into the lives of others.”
— Nia Blackwell, RRCC AmeriCorps Member
VISTA Member Term Options
See below for details or click here to download a PDF.
