Be a changemaker.
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 effect 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.
Position options
Member
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. Find a service opportunity that fits your interests.
Leader
Have you previously served a full term of full-time service with any AmeriCorps program or with Peace Corps and demonstrate exemplary skills and leadership in community service? If so, you can expand and build the capacity of individual members serving in AmeriCorps VISTA while deepening your skills as a VISTA leader. Search for leader opportunities.
Summer Associate
Looking for a summer opportunity? The AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate program offers you the opportunity to become engaged in a community through an existing AmeriCorps VISTA project for 8, 9, or 10 weeks during the summer starting in May and ending no later than early September.
Some examples of service include:
- Supporting vaccine distribution
- Helping to close the gap on summer learning loss
- Distributing food to struggling children and families
- Recruiting, training, and coordinating community-based volunteers
Summer Associates receive similar benefits as members serving one-year terms:
- Living Allowance – a modest living allowance to cover basic expenses
- End of Service Award – members can choose between a Segal Education Award to pay for a range of education expenses or a cash stipend
To apply, search for Summer Associate opportunities by selecting the AmeriCorps VISTA program and summer in the Service Terms options list to review available positions.
“AmeriCorps puts you at the heart of where you’re serving – not only to develop your skills but to make a meaningful impact in that community.”
- Ashlie, Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
Benefits
| 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 AmeriCorps VISTA is the only AmeriCorps program that allows members to earn federal non-competitive eligibility, giving members an edge in the federal hiring process. |
| 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. |
Join a webinar
Interested in serving with AmeriCorps VISTA? Join us for a webinar for more information. Webinars are offered twice monthly. Choose your date and register to get the basics.
Get the Basics
This introductory webinar gives an overview of the VISTA program, how to apply, and the benefits members receive during and after service.
How to Apply
Made the decision to serve? Our How to Apply webinar is the next best step. This discussion will detail the application process from researching opportunities to submitting your application and preparing for your interview.
Eligibility requirements
- Be 18 years or older (no upper age limit)
- 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.
How to apply
1. Research opportunities
Visit the MyAmeriCorps portal to begin your search. Find the program, location, and time commitment that fits you.
Begin your search2. Create a profile
Input required information and complete registration, then get started on your application.
Create your profile3. Create an application
Input personal and professional information. You will need two references to complete your application.
Start application4. Submit your application
Once you complete your application, go back to the opportunities you want to apply for and submit your application. You can submit the same application to multiple opportunities.
Apply todayApplication Resources
Completing Your AmeriCorps Application
A step-by-step visual guide for navigating the MyAmeriCorps application portal.
Need help with the application? Contact the National Service Hotline at 1-800-942-2677.