What are the benefits of being a Campus Compact VISTA?
Every Campus Compact VISTA who completes a year of service receives:
- a post-service Education Award of $4,725 to pay for college tuition or student loans or a stipend of $1,200.
- Monthly subsistence living allowance
- Health Insurance
- Student Loan Forbearance
- Relocation Allowance
- Non-competitive eligibility for federal employment in the year following service
- Housing and meal plans are available at some campuses
How many Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA members are there?
Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTAs are placed at different host site campuses across the 26 states with Campus Compact VISTA programs. In 2007-2008, there are more than 400 AmeriCorps*VISTAs and 25 AmeriCorps*VISTA leaders nationally.
When do Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve?
Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTAs must attend pre-service orientation (PSO) before they begin their year of national service. The VISTA year of service begins the day following PSO and extends for 365 days.
How do I apply to become a Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA?
VISTA candidates are recruited by each state Campus Compact office and through the national AmeriCorps website. For details on applying to a state Campus Compact VISTA program, please see the state pages.
What do Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTAs do on campuses?
Campus Compact VISTAs leverage existing campus and community resources to alleviate poverty. VISTAs forward their campuses’ public mission in several important areas: building relationships with community organizations; creating a rationale for a permanent staff position in service; supplying the resources and skills necessary for making service happen on campuses; and connecting campuses to a national movement for civic engagement in higher education.
For more information on what Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTAs do on campus, see What We Do, or for project descriptions from state Campus Compact programs, see the state VISTA pages.
May I have another job while I’m a Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA?
AmeriCorps*VISTA members may not have outside employment.
May I go to school while I’m a Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA?
VISTA members should not take classes unless they directly relate to their service and they have approval from their Campus Compact and Host Site supervisors. These situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
How do I use the End-of-Service Education Award?
Upon satisfactory completion of a full year of service, VISTA members are eligible to receive a $4,725 education award paid in the form of a voucher for education expenses. After the completion of a full year of service, the AmeriCorps Trust Fund is notified to establish an account for the VISTA and to mail an Education Award voucher to the VISTA . The Education Award can be used to 1) repay qualified student loans or 2) pay all of part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education. The Education Award is not transferable to a spouse, child, or other family member and must be used within seven years of the date the VISTA finishes service.
What if I do not want an Education Award?
VISTA members may elect a $1,200 cash stipend instead of the Education Award. VISTA members must choose either the Education Award or the cash stipend during pre-service orientation.
How do I postpone the repayment of my student loans?
If VISTA members elect the Education Award, they are eligible for forbearance on student loans based on national service. The AmeriCorps Trust will pay interest on the VISTA’s behalf upon completion of service after receipt of an Interest Accrual Form. The interest payment is not deducted from the Education Award. If VISTA members elect the cash stipend, they may be eligible for loan “deferment” based on criteria such as economic hardship at the discretion of the lender. The type of deferment will depend on the type and date of the loan.
What do I need to know about AmeriCorps*VISTA health coverage?
Health coverage begins on the first day of AmeriCorps*VISTA training and ends at midnight on your termination date. Coverage includes payment for most medical and surgical costs, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and certain emergency dental, vision, and maternity care. Some medical costs not covered include: routine physicals, dental exams, and eye exams; medical costs associated with pre-existing conditions (except prescription medications); chiropractic visits and procedures; substance abuse; and allergy tests. Coverage only applies to the VISTA member. Dependents cannot be covered under this plan. A $5 co-pay is required for all medical office visits. Get more information about coverage.
Does AmeriCorps*VISTA provide childcare?
VISTA members who have dependent children may be eligible for child care support administered through the National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies. VISTA members must be income eligible to participate. Child care is limited to $300 per month per family regardless of the number of children. Forms and more information will be provided during pre-service orientation.
Where can I find information about post-AmeriCorps*VISTA careers?
Check out Jobs for Change, which offers job listings, a blog, and career advice from seasoned career guides who are available to answer readers’ questions. See especially the AmeriCorps section, which has career advice geared specifically toward AmeriCorps alums. Campus Compact is partnering with Jobs for Change to bring public service job opportunities to graduating students and AmeriCorps alums.
