Rhode Island Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA

Welcome!
Rhode Island Campus Compact (RICC) AmeriCorps*VISTAs are full-time AmeriCorps members who address the pressing issues facing low-income communities by improving the quality of campus community service and service-learning programs and increasing the number of student volunteers. Through their unique campus-based placements, AmeriCorps*VISTA members build relationships with community-based organizations and connect them with campus resources such as student volunteers, faculty teaching service-learning courses and community Federal Work Study programs.

RICC has recently expanded its program to include VISTAs in K-12 public school districts. Having VISTAs placed at K-12 public schools and institutions of higher education will enable members to build linkages between higher education and K-12 schools around our core program areas of service learning, civic education, and access/equity issues of higher education.

What is AmeriCorps*VISTA?

AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is one of several full time national service programs. VISTA members who are interested in developing lasting solutions to the problems of poverty in America serve in nonprofit organizations and agencies to develop and expand services, strengthen programs and empower low-income individuals.

What are the Goals of the RICC AmeriCorps*VISTA Program?

To give an idea of the kinds of things RICC VISTAs do, below are the overall program goals. The objectives of each individual campus host site will fit into these goals.

Goal #1:

RICC AmeriCorps*VISTA members will build the capacity of both host sites and community-based organizations for partnership through resource identification and alignment.

Goal #2:

RICC AmeriCorps*VISTA members will increase community impact and build student leadership through non-curricular activities such as Community Federal Work Study, non-curricular alternative breaks and volunteer programs.

Goal #3:

RICC AmeriCorps*VISTA members will increase community impact through support for service-learning course development.

Goal #4:

RICC AmeriCorps*VISTA members will create Pathways to Higher Education opportunities for K12 public school students.

What do RICC AmeriCorps*VISTA Members Do?

RICC AmeriCorps*VISTAs will perform a wide variety of service activities in support of the goals and objectives of the RICC VISTA program. Key activities will include:

  • Work with community-based organizations and their partnerships with higher education and K-12 schools
  • Increase awareness of and access to higher education resources
  • Work with college and K-12 students connecting them to their local community through volunteer recruitment, training, and leadership development
  • Work with faculty to help connect course work to meet community needs
  • Develop resources and information sharing systems to help colleges better connect their community
  • Develop and administer alternative spring break opportunities and trips
  • Develop and coordinate community service opportunities

Check out the VISTA Activities page to see an example of the types of projects RICC VISTAs work on during their year of service!

"Through the Rhode Island Campus Compact, I found a home. It was not a job; it was an experience. The organization. The work. The people. The relationships. That is what made being a part of the RICC VISTA program so enjoyable and unforgettable."
Ericc Powell, RICC VISTA Alumni 06-07