VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) was founded in 1965 as a national service program to fight poverty in America. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs. Today, VISTA taps the skills, talents and passion of more than 7,000 Americans annually to support community efforts to overcome poverty.
VISTA is a year-long, full-time commitment where members develop initiatives that enable people to become self-sufficient and secure. The program offers members opportunities for service, professional development and networking, and the chance to help more than 46 million Americans living in poverty.
AmeriCorps VISTA is open to all U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens age 18 and older. Applicants must also hold a four-year degree or equivalent experience and/or training. Members receive a modest living allowance, health benefits, and optional childcare during their service. Members who successfully complete one term of service are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend.
CNDC VISTA Program
CNDC’s VISTA program is one of the largest in the state of Colorado. Members serve at CNDC Projects, called “host sites”. There are 7-10 different host site Projects under CNDC at any given time, and duties at each host site may vary.
CNDC also has a VISTA leader position at our home office. This volunteer works to manage other VISTAs working at CNDC Projects throughout the Front Range area. This leader focuses on recruitment, retention and performance in relation to VISTAs working with these Projects.
Application Steps
- Research: Visit Corporation for National & Community Service and VISTACampus to learn about the VISTA program.
- Create a profile: Enter basic information about yourself and create a profile on My Americorps.
- Complete an application: Enter information about your education, work and volunteer history, and references.
- Find positions and submit your application: Search My Americorps for positions in various service areas and states.
- Track the status of your application: at My Americorps.
Testimonials:
“As the sponsor of one of Colorado’s largest AmeriCorps VISTA programs, CNDC provides critical support to charitable ventures in Denver and surrounding areas. CNDC’s lead role in managing the VISTA program allows Corporation for National & Community Service to connect resources to organizations that would otherwise be unable to support a VISTA program. Corporation for National & Community Service greatly values our partnership with CNDC and we look forward to collectively addressing the needs of the nonprofit community.” – Colorado State Program Director Dan Dunlap, of the Corporation for National & Community Service
“I serve for AmeriCorps to give back to the community and to help others find opportunities that they otherwise would not have. My impact so far at my VISTA site has been significant. I have used my skills to build a network of contacts with local schools, transition agencies and government agencies for youth with barriers.” – Joe Anzures
“My time as a VISTA has been an invaluable learning experience. I feel that I have not only impacted the organization and community I serve, but I have also grown more as a person. This year has led me back to my passion for social justice and systemic change, and cemented the direction my career is taking me.” – Giselle Cummings
To Apply or Learn More: How to Apply to AmeriCorps VISTA.
Additional Information on VISTA:
For more information about AmeriCorps VISTA, please contact the National Service Hotline at 800.942.2677.
For more information about CNDC’s VISTA Program, please contact Catherine Trumpis, Program Manager, by calling 720.855.0501 or by sending an email to ctrumpis@cndc.org.