Life as a VISTA Member

VISTA members at a meeting
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Life as a VISTA Member

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. 

 

You may use your problem solving skills to help end veteran homelessness, enable low-income youth to discover a career in science and technology through robotics, or use your leadership skills to guide nonprofits on how to utilize social media to further their missions. 

AmeriCorps VISTA member standing on sidewalk

Build Community and Build Your Career

Today, more than 45 million Americans live in poverty. Contribute your skills, talents, and motivation to change the lives of people in your hometown or in a community across the country. Join the nearly 8,000 annually who make this commitment. As a VISTA member, you can make a tangible difference in people's lives while earning invaluable professional experience. 

Benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA Service

Living Allowance

Receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance to cover basic expenses.

Professional Development Training

Attend in person and virtual training where you learn how to be a community development change agent.

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.

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.

Download our Benefits Guide, or click here for an in-depth look at benefits of service.

 

Apply Now

 

Find the VISTA Program that Fits You

Search thousands of VISTA programs based on your interests and desired location. Opportunities are available year-round in U.S. States and Territories.

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.

 

Join AmeriCorps VISTA VISTA Interactive Application Guide
 

 

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