AmeriCorps VISTA Service Opportunities

AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program serve with one organization for one year and will work to develop resources and build capacity for that agency while also building their own leadership and professional skills. Using their passion, commitment, and simple hard work, they create or expand programs that serve low-income individuals and communities.

AmeriCorps AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program typically do not provide direct service – that is, they do not tutor children or weed community gardens. Instead, they design the tutoring or community garden program– completing projects that build the capacity of the organization they serve. AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program may develop volunteer programs, improve services based on best-practice research, or find funding to allow the organization to expand. 

AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program will not displace staff positions or duties. They are brought in to increase the scope of work that an organization is able to accomplish. Their work is meant to last long after they have finished their term of service.

Through their service, AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program gain hands-on experience and invaluable skills for future careers. (See below for more benefits of service).

Be a Part of Something Bigger
When you serve with AmeriCorps, you join a network of more than 1 million strong. AmeriCorps alumni continue to give back to the country through civic-minded activity. The community you build while serving with AmeriCorps is unlike any other. 

Grow Personally and Professionally
Learn and grow while fighting poverty and giving back to a community. Individuals who serve with AmeriCorps build new skill sets that they can take with them wherever they go. Older Americans can apply their hard-earned knowledge to make an impact in a new environment. More than an internship or an entry-level position, you will be directly working on projects that are changing people’s lives for the better.

Receive Benefits for Your Service
AmeriCorps provides several benefits for its volunteers and members. Education awards are available to AmeriCorps members, as well as supplemental health insurance, loan deferment, and childcare. See below for a complete list.

• Be 18 years or older (no upper age limit!) 
• Be a US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident or person legally residing within a state (refugee, asylee, DACA status).
• Some sponsoring organizations require special skills or other qualifications
• Full-year commitment
• VISTA positions are  full-time. Some organizations may allow AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program to work a part-time job or go to school while others may not. Before you commit to a program, be sure you’re okay with the time frame and work hours required.
• All applications must be completed through the MyAmeriCorps portal to be considered. (See current UServeUtah postings below.)

• Living Stipend of approx. $22,880 distributed biweekly
• Healthcare allowance & eligibility for Medicaid
• Child Care assistance (for those who qualify)
• Relocation allowance (if relocating more than 50 miles)
• Segal Education award of $6,895 (or $1800 cash) at the end of service year. The education award may be used only for student loans or continuing education expenses, and some educational institutions match the education award to effectively double the amount.

AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program also have opportunities to attend career development events and build their own professional networks. The benefits of service extend far beyond the year spent serving. The skills and connections gained during your year of service will make you more competitive when applying to jobs or schools.