AmeriCorps VISTA Program

Deadline: June
Website: Link
Disciplines: Arts and Humanities, Business, Education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences
Years: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Student, Alumni

Join over 7,000 AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program who serve annually to alleviate poverty by helping local organizations expand capacity to make change. You can serve in any U.S. state or territory. As an AmeriCorps member in the VISTA program, you will support an organization to make sustainable change in areas that affect 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. This opportunity prepares you for a life of service in the public, private, or nonprofit sector. Join thousands of members in the AmeriCorps VISTA program who are united in our mission to lift people and communities out of poverty.

As a member in the VISTA program, you serve full time for one-year. You will 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.

  • Living Allowance 
    You receive a modest 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 $7,395) to pay for a range of education expenses or a $1,800 cash stipend. 

Specific Eligibility Criteria

  1. Be 18 years or older (no upper age limit)
  2. 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.