Join AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members provide service that aims to eliminate poverty. What members 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.
Serve as a VISTA with Volunteer Iowa
The Volunteer Iowa AmeriCorps VISTA project places members 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.
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.
What are the benefits?
In addition to the personal and professional benefits of serving your country, here’s a list of the benefits Volunteer Iowa VISTA members receive:
- Receive a modest living allowance of $22,880 to cover basic expenses
- Earn an education award of $6895 for college or trade school (may be transferred to qualifying family member); or choose $1800 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.
Where can I serve?
Current openings in Iowa can be found at the top of this page.
How can I apply?
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.
What if I have questions?
Contact our VISTA Program Officer: Jana Daisy, 515.348.6263, jana.daisy@volunteeriowa.org.