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AmeriCorps > AmeriCorps VISTA > Apply to Serve with VISTA

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project

Be the Greater Good

Join the OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project and become a powerful catalyst for lasting change.

What does it mean to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA member?

AmeriCorps VISTA members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that fight poverty. They serve full-time to build the capacity of nonprofits and agencies in Texas working to eliminate poverty and collaborate with community members to implement sustainable solutions.

AmeriCorps VISTA projects may include volunteer recruitment & management, communications & marketing, community outreach, partnership development, fundraising, or other critical tasks. As an AmeriCorps VISTA, you will gain a deeper understanding of the realities of poverty at the local level. Use your courage and creativity to address poverty in your hometown or another location of your choice. 

As an AmeriCorps VISTA, you will:

  • Serve in a nonprofit or local government agency
  • Gain professional experience and leadership skills that will prepare you for a life of service in the public or private sector.
  • Help organizations carry out their mission through fundraising, grant writing, volunteer recruitment, and so much more.

To receive information about AmeriCorps VISTA positions and application deadlines targeted to your interest areas, please complete this brief survey.

Being a VISTA has invigorated my growth and character. I am extremely proud to serve my community and to have the opportunity to help others. I have grown in realizing the importance of the impact made when you are actively involved in your community.

Carli Davis
Communications & Events Coordinator VISTA
Houston ToolBank

Current Openings

OneStar Foundation
Austin, Texas

Enhance communication infrastructure for OneStar to better connect with stakeholders and increase community engagement.

Bay Area Alliance Youth and Families
Houston/Galveston

Create communications resources to support outreach for Bay Area Alliance, increase volunteer rates, and advance fundraising initiatives.

OneStar Foundation
Austin

The VISTA Leader will help recruit, coordinate, train and support OneStar VISTAs to help them maximize their individual and collective impact in collaboration with a co-leader.

St. Mary United Methodist Church
Houston

Develop effective volunteer recruitment and management strategies to expand the reach of St. Mary United Methodist Church anti-poverty food security and school support programming.

BakerRipley
Houston

Support and build the capacity at BakerRipley by improving the recruitment processes and maintaining the management systems for the volunteer, mentoring, and job coaching program.

Benefits & Expectations

Build your career and professional skills while serving your community

An AmeriCorps VISTA member's commitment to serve includes:
  • One-year term of full-time (40 hours/week) volunteer service at host site organization
  • Professional development and ongoing training
  • Regular mentorship & coaching from a nonprofit, or government agency professional
  • Bi-weekly living allowance
  • Healthcare coverage
  • Eligibility for additional stipends and benefits to assist with relocation expenses and childcare
End-of-Service Benefits:
  • Members elect to receive either a cash stipend ($1,806) or the Segal Education Award ($6,345 applicable to student loans or future tuition) upon fulfillment of their service commitment
  • Interest paid on qualified federal student loans by the National Trust
  • Noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit to apply to AmeriCorps VISTA.
  • Pass a national service criminal history check.
  • Hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses:
    • U.S. citizen
    • U.S. National
    • Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status)
    • Persons legally residing within a state. Examples of persons legally residing within a state may include those holding the following classifications: refugee, asylee, temporary protected status throughout VISTA service, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

      By law, only VISTA members who are either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award. All other members may receive an end-of-service cash stipend.

Additionally eligibility requirements may be specified on individual position postings.

For More Information on AmeriCorps VISTA