VISTA Program Overview:

 

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About the Program | Current MCC VISTAs | Past VISTAs | Apply

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national program in which volunteers apply their skills by designing sustainable anti-poverty programs in low-income communities. In order to more effectively understand the needs of their constituents and anti-poverty work, VISTAs receive a monthly subsistence living allowance set slightly above poverty level. To learn more, visit the VISTA website.

Maine Campus Compact VISTAs spend a year of service on college campuses in Maine. Their work entails: collaborating with students, faculty, staff and community partners, supporting community service and service-learning programs, developing strong campus-community partnerships focusing on anti-poverty outcomes, and improving access to college for low-income individuals. Members of the MCC VISTA team serve in a wide variety of communities on campuses of all types -- small and large, public and private -- in all corners of the state. They meet regularly throughout the year for training and networking.

Our program is part of the Northern New England Campus Compact VISTA collaboration which includes state affiliates in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. The collaboration is based on a mutual interest in supporting service focused on anti-poverty measures at the more than 60 colleges and universities in our collective membership.

Qualifications

• College Graduate
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience with service learning
• Familiarity working with college students
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including conflict resolution and public speaking
• Strong skills in project and task management, leadership and planning
• Valid driver's license and vehicle

Benefits

In exchange for one year of service, MCC VISTAs earn the following benefits:

• Post service Education Award of $4,725 to pay for college tuition or student loans - or - a stipend of $1200
• Monthly subsistence living allowance of $909
• Limited health insurance
• Student loan forbearance
• Relocation allowance
• Non-competitive eligibility for federal employment for one year following service
• Housing and meal plans at some campuses

Responsibilities

Responsibilities vary from campus to campus. Throughout the interviewing and placement process, MCC staff will work to find a position that matches your skills and interests.

Responsibilities may include:

• Recruiting and coordinating placement of students as volunteers with local community agencies
• Developing infrastructure for partnerships among campuses, community members and community organizations addressing anti-poverty outcomes
• Helping to develop and support student service leadership programs
• Convening community forums to identify local needs and assets
• Action planning and assessment of partnerships and partnership activities
• Attending MCC VISTA meetings for training, reflection and team building.