AmeriCorps VISTA for Individuals
Link
https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-vista
Deadline
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor
AmeriCorps
Purpose
Provides volunteer service opportunities to individuals as AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members. Members serve full time for 1-year terms building capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities. VISTA supports substance misuse programming by placing members with organizations that are creating new or expanding existing prevention, treatment, and recovery projects. Projects serve low-income communities, which often suffer a lack of resources and may be disproportionately impacted by substance misuse.
AmeriCorps VISTA offers 3 types of service member positions:
- VISTA Members serve for 12 months. No prior service experience is required.
- VISTA Leaders serve for 12 months and are required to have 1 year of prior service experience as a full-time AmeriCorps or Peace Corps member.
- VISTA Summer Associates serve 8 to 10 weeks. No prior service experience is required.
Member and leader service benefits include:
- A living allowance that covers basic necessities
- Money for colleges and trade school in the of the form of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or a cash stipend
- Reduction in education costs, including loan forbearance and interest deferment on qualified student loans
- Professional development and training opportunities, including VISTA orientations, online courses, webinar series, and virtual coaching
- An alumni network that offers access to special benefits and resources
- Healthcare benefits or a stipend to purchase healthcare
Other benefits for qualifying individuals include:
- Relocation costs
- Child care benefits
Summer associates services benefits include:
- A living allowance that covers basic necessities such as housing, utilities, and food
- Either the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or the VISTA end-of-service cash stipend
- Reducing education costs, including loan forbearance and deferment; award matching from many educational institutions; and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) fee reduction
To become a sponsoring organization for AmeriCorps VISTA members, see the AmeriCorps VISTA for Project Sponsors opportunity.
Amount of Funding
All AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest living allowance based on the location of the position. Positions last 1 year for VISTA members and leaders, and 8 to 10 weeks for VISTA summer associates.
Members who successfully complete their service term can choose between a Segal Education Award or a cash stipend as an end-of-service award. Segal Education awards can be used for a range of education expenses up to 7 years after service completion. End-of-service award amounts vary by service position.
In fiscal year 2024:
- Members can receive a $7,395 education award for full-time service or a $1,800 cash stipend
- Minimal-time and Summer Associate can receive a $1,565.08 education award or a cash stipend based on the length of full-time service
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older, there is no upper age limit
- Pass a national service criminal history check
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent
resident, or person residing in a state with the
following legal residency classifications:
- Refugee
- Asylum or asylee
- Temporary protected status
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status
Geographic Coverage
Nationwide
What This Program Funds
Capacity Building
Application Process
Application deadlines vary by position. Opportunities are posted online year-round on my.americorps.gov.
Application instructions, requirements, open opportunities, and other information about the online application process are available on the program website.
Contact
For program or application questions contact the
National Service Hotline:
800-942-2677
VISTAOutreach@cns.gov
Live
chat
Topics This Program Addresses
Community Planning and Coalition Building • Opioids • Prevention • Recovery • Substance Use Disorder