Founded in 1965, AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national service program administered by AmeriCorps. VISTA projects are designed to build capacity and infrastructure to lift individuals and communities out of poverty.
The EngageKY VISTA program brings together dedicated individuals to empower communities and transform lives across Kentucky. Since 2006, this program has been a cornerstone in the fight against poverty, placing over 200 passionate VISTA members in more than 50 communities across the state.
EngageKY VISTA members achieve the AmeriCorps anti-poverty goals through indirect service activities in the areas of economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, disaster services, and veterans & military families.
Experience the tremendous reward that comes from helping others through problem-solving, communication, leadership, and other career-focused skills. As an EngageKY VISTA member, you will have the opportunity to serve with educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations across Kentucky. We place up to 50 VISTA members annually in a variety of impactful projects designed to address the root causes of poverty and foster sustainable change.
Serving as a VISTA member is a full-time commitment, typically for one year. During this time, you will receive a modest living allowance, healthcare benefits, and an end-of-service education award or stipend. This commitment requires dedication, resilience, and a passion for making a difference.
Send resume to hanna.gabbard@kycompact.org.
Create a MyAmeriCorps account and application. Click HERE for an AmeriCorps application walkthrough.
Apply for the EngageKY VISTA program.
Are you an educational institution, government agency, or nonprofit organization in Kentucky looking to build much-needed capacity and drive impactful change? Partner with EngageKY and host an AmeriCorps VISTA member to strengthen your organization's ability to serve your community.
By becoming an EngageKY VISTA Host Site, you can:
Enhance Capacity: VISTA members bring valuable skills and energy to develop and expand programs that address critical community needs.
Promote Sustainability: Work with dedicated individuals committed to creating long-term solutions and sustainable initiatives.
Access Resources: Leverage the support and resources of the EngageKY network to maximize your impact and reach.
EngageKY VISTA makes it easy for organizations across Kentucky to access national service resources. By leveraging our extensive experience and expertise in AmeriCorps program management, your agency is able to focus on the critical task of alleviating poverty and providing transformative services.
Apply HERE to host an EngageKY VISTA member during the 2024-2025 service year.
For questions or more information, please contact Hanna Gabbard at hanna.gabbard@kycompact.org.
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.
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.
