Kentucky Campus Compact VISTA

About KyCC VISTA

KyCC VISTA was launched to answer the call of the growing Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) AmeriCorps VISTA presence in Kentucky. Through AmeriCorps VISTA, Kentucky Campus Compact is able to expand our reach and place over 50 VISTA members to member colleges and universities as well as nonprofit organizations throughout Kentucky communities that are combating poverty.

KyCC VISTA members achieve the AmeriCorps anti-poverty goals through indirect service activities in the areas of economic development and opportunity, organizational capacity building, Pre-K to Post-Secondary educational programming, nutritional and community health awareness, leadership development, and assisting veteran and military families.

Get Involved with KyCC VISTA

Experience the tremendous reward that comes from helping others through problem-solving, communication, leadership, and other career-focused skills. AmeriCorps offers thousands of opportunities to serve through local and national organizations. Apply your energy, ideals, and skills towards shaping individuals and making an impact on your community today!

Are you interested in hosting a VISTA Member at your organization?
Click HERE to apply now!

KyCC VISTAs support programs that expand job opportunities, reduce homelessness, improve K-12 and/or post secondary education success, combat obesity and improve health services, solve the problem of hunger, provide nutritional education, and services that benefit Veterans that have served and their families. VISTA activities also include recruiting and managing community volunteers, fundraising, planning organizational events and expanding access to technology for those living in rural and urban areas of poverty across Kentucky.

Apply to be a VISTA Member:
1. Send resume to vista {at} kycompact(.)org
2. Create a My AmeriCorps account and Application
3. Apply for the Kentucky Campus Compact VISTA position

About AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps 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 under the Corporation for National and Community Service. Nationwide, AmeriCorps VISTA members leverage human, financial, and material resources to increase the capacity of low-income communities across the country. When VISTA members complete their service they leave behind lasting solutions to some of our country’s toughest problems.

All VISTA members are required to participate in national days of service. Below are a list of the required days of service for 2022:

  1. National Day of Service and Remembrance (September 11)
  2. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January)
  3. Mayor and County Recognition Day for National Service (April)

This is your one-stop-shop for information and resources regarding VISTA. Still have questions? Consult the FAQs section, reach out to your program directly, or contact the National Service Hotline at 1-800-942-2677.

VISTA Member Resources

MyAmeriCorps Portal

  • My AmeriCorps is an interactive portal for members and alumni to find information about their service and benefits. You can use My AmeriCorps Portal to:

    • Request forbearance on qualified student loans
    • Update contact information
    • Check living allowance and tax statements
    • Check education award balance and value
    • Request payments to education institutions and loan holders

Life After VISTA

VISTA Supervisor Resources

  1. Supervisor Handbook (external link to VISTA Campus)
  2. Sub-Site Supervisor Orientation (external link to VISTA Campus)

General Resources

  1. AmeriCorps Alums 
  2. Living on an AmeriCorps Stipend
  3. Applying for SNAP in Kentucky

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Benefits Of AmeriCorps VISTA?

You are joining a movement and becoming part of history: VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) was envisioned by President Kennedy to be a domestic Peace Corps. President Johnson enacted VISTA as part of the War on Poverty. VISTA is over 50 years old and by joining, you are entering a community with more than 200,000 passionate individuals who have gone on to careers in every sector of this economy. President Johnson’s words are as relevant today as they were when the first class of VISTAs were sworn into service: “Your pay will be low; the conditions of your labor often will be difficult. But you will have the satisfaction of leading a great national effort and you will have the ultimate reward which comes to those who serve their fellow man.”

VISTA is more than a service opportunity, you will also build valuable leadership and project management skills. You will start service with an orientation and have access to professional development opportunities throughout the year. As a capacity-builder, you will be focused on sustainability supporting local organizations and agencies. You will be gaining professional experience and building skills as you learn, experiment, and adapt to a new environment while delivering outcomes. Many alumni have said that their year of VISTA service afforded them managerial responsibilities they wouldn’t have found in an entry-level job.

VISTA members earn a Segal Education award which can be put towards future higher education expenses or to pay off student loans. Members who successfully complete a year of service can opt to receive either the education award (approximately $6,000) or the end-of-service cash stipend ($1,800). Use your VISTA service as a gap year to pay off loans or save for school as your plan your next move whether that’s graduate school or entering the workforce. Also, VISTA members receive one year of Federal Non-Competitive (NCE) hiring eligibility, which provides advantages in the federal hiring process.

For a complete list of benefits, please visit this link.

Who Can Apply To Be An AmeriCorps VISTA?

Applicants need to be over 18 years old when they start their VISTA service and must have one of the following citizenship statuses: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens, or persons legally residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. By law, only VISTA members who are either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens—sometimes referred to as “Lawful Permanent Residents”—are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award.  All other members will receive an end of service cash stipend. There is no upper age limit to apply to VISTA.

Specific VISTA positions may have additional requirements on top of general program requirements such as a college degree, specific experience/classes, languages, etc.

What Is The Health Care Plan?

AmeriCorps VISTA members can enroll in either a Healthcare Allowance or a Health Benefit Plan. The Health Care Allowance is a reimbursement program that covers out-of-pocket costs associated with healthcare expenses. The Health Benefit Plan is available for members who are legally exempt from needing to maintain qualifying healthcare coverage. The Plan covers eligible medical office visits, most lab and x-ray services, and limited preventive care. Dental and Vision benefits are provided under both plans. Telehealth coverage and availability may vary by state.

Can I Go To School At The Same Time?

Yes, but classes cannot interfere with your VISTA position.

Can I Have A Part-Time Job At The Same Time?

Yes, you can have a part-time job. You need to request approval from your supervisor and the job cannot interfere with your VISTA position.

I Have Questions About The Position, Who Should I Contact?

If you have questions about joining the KyCC VISTA Program, please reach out to Hanna Gabbard, KyCC VISTA Program Manager at (606) 438-1047.

For a full list of FAQs, visit the National & Community Service webpage.