AmeriCorps VISTA

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Join AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Volunteers provide service that aims to eliminate poverty. What Volunteers do in Iowa:

  • Help to build capacity in nonprofits, government agencies, and faith-based groups.
  • Work to decrease school achievement gaps, increase availability of affordable housing, and coordinate response to disasters.
  • Rather than offering direct service, AmeriCorps VISTA activities emphasize tasks such as fundraising, grant writing, creating training programs, and developing or improving agency systems.
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Serve as a VISTA with Volunteer Iowa

The Volunteer Iowa AmeriCorps VISTA project places Volunteers with host sites throughout the state of Iowa, focusing on Education, Economic Opportunity and Healthy Futures initiatives in close collaboration with the Governor’s Office to combat poverty in the state of Iowa.

VISTA Opportunities in Iowa
Organization NameVISTA OpportunityPosition DescriptionLocationInterested or Ready to Apply?
Volunteer IowaVISTA Member Service Coordinator (VISTA Leader)Guide VISTA members through their service year, contribute to long-term planning, project development and overall program improvement.Des Moines, IAInterested?
Ready to apply
NAMI South CentralOutreach & Development VISTA
The VISTA member expands NAMI South Central Iowa’s impact across 11 counties by identifying underserved communities, strengthening partnerships, securing funding, and building outreach, referral, and engagement systems that increase access and sustain long‑term mental health support.
Centerville, IAInterested?
Ready to apply
NAMI Southwest IowaResource Development & Sustainability VISTA
The VISTA Volunteer will enhance NAMI Southwest Iowa’s donor systems by improving tracking, communications, data organization, stewardship, impact collection, and confidentiality, producing a manual, engagement plan, and transition materials by service end.
Neola, IAInterested?
Ready to apply

 Current AmeriCorps VISTA openings in Iowa

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Who Can Join? 

AmeriCorps VISTA is open to all U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens age 18 and older. You do not need to be a resident of Iowa to accept a Volunteer Iowa VISTA position.

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Benefits of Service

In addition to the personal and professional benefits of serving your country, here’s a list of the benefits Volunteer Iowa VISTA Volunteers receive:       

  • Receive a modest living allowance of $24,962 to cover basic expenses
  • Earn an education award of $7,395 for college or trade school (may be transferred to qualifying family member); or choose $1,800 cash
  • Be provided Loan Deferment and Interest Forbearance if you have existing qualified student loans
  • Gain professional development opportunities and transferable skills employers value
  • Get Non-Competitive Eligibility for a federal job without having to compete with the general public
  • If eligible, participate in the Health Benefit program and/or receive child care benefits
  • Virtual service positions available, must live in Iowa

More about VISTA benefits at americorps.gov.

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Application Process

All applications are submitted through the MyAmeriCorps portal. Create an application, and once it’s complete you may submit it to as many positions as you would like.

Questions & Contact

Julie Struck, Program Officer

Location
Volunteer Iowa

321 E. 12th St
Des Moines, IA 50319

Primary
800.308.5987
Phone(s)
515-349-4715

The Volunteer Iowa VISTA Program offers the opportunity for individuals to serve full-time for 1 year gaining valuable experience in a nonprofit, government, or higher education institutions.

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