Serve Virginia Capacity Building Project

Serve Virginia manages an AmeriCorps VISTA project called the Serve Virginia Capacity Building Project within the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). This project places AmeriCorps VISTA members across the state with organizations, agencies, and institutions looking to make sustainable change in areas that impact poverty.

 

Be a Changemaker.

Join over 7,000 AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program who serve annually to alleviate poverty by helping local organizations expand capacity to make change. As a member in the VISTA program, you serve full time for one-year. You will build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities.

 

Serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA

With AmeriCorps VISTA, you’ll address community challenges where the need is greatest. Serve in an office or nonprofit setting and help fight poverty while building your professional skills and earning additional benefits including:

  • Living Allowance 
    You receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance to cover basic expenses.
  • Professional Development Training
    You have the opportunity to attend in-person and virtual training to learn how to be a community development change agent.
  • Non-Competitive Eligibility
    Once you’ve successfully completed service in AmeriCorps VISTA, you will receive one year of non-competitive eligibility for employment in the federal government. That means that you can be appointed to federal positions that may not be available to the general public. In addition, your application could be processed faster than others. NCE does not guarantee you a federal job, but it does provide a valuable opportunity! Learn more here.   

  • End of Service Award
    Members can choose between a Segal Education Award (valued at approximately $7,395) to pay for a range of education expenses or a $1,800 cash stipend.