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Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps

Requirements and benefits

Before applying, review the requirements for becoming a VISTA and learn about the benefits you’ll receive.

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General requirements and benefits

As a VISTA, you must:

  • Demonstrate interest in anti-poverty efforts, social justice, and volunteering.
  • Work and collaborate with diverse communities and stakeholders.
  • Have strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
  • Be open to new experiences and growth.

All VISTAs will:

  • Have access to professional development and team-building opportunities.
  • Connect with a network of City leaders and VISTA alumni.

Other requirements and benefits will vary depending on the type of VISTA position you choose.

For full-year VISTAs

Requirements

Full-year VISTAs serve full-time for one year. To qualify, you must:

  • Be 18 or older.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent GED by the start of your service.
  • Have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. (See the AmeriCorps VISTA FAQs for more information on citizenship or residency requirements.)
  • Undergo a criminal background check, if your application is accepted.

Each VISTA role focuses on different goals and activities. For details, see the guide to full-year positions.

Benefits

As a full-year VISTA, you will receive:

  • A bi-weekly living allowance of approximately $877.66.
  • A settling-in allowance of up to $750 and relocation travel allowance of $0.40 per mile (if you’re relocating more than 50 miles).
  • Monthly SEPTA Key Advantage benefits.
  • A Segal Education Award ($7,395) or end of service award (approximately $1,800).

Other benefits include:

  • Ten days of personal leave and ten days of medical leave, in addition to City holidays and other leave benefits.
  • A health care allowance or health benefit plan.
  • An AmeriCorps Child Care Benefit for children under 13.
  • Loan forbearance or deferment for federal student loans.
  • +5 points on the City of Philadelphia’s civil service exam.
  • Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) for federal jobs.
  • Monthly professional development and team building, including a Planning and Evaluation Certificate in partnership with the Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University.
  • Valuable work experience and networking with local government and partners.

For VISTA leaders

Requirements

VISTA leaders serve full-time for one year supporting the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Program.

To qualify, you must have successfully completed one or more of the following service opportunities:

  • One year of VISTA service.
  • One full term of full-time service with AmeriCorps State and National.
  • One full term of full-time service with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).
  • One traditional term of Peace Corps Service.

You must also:

  • Be 18 or older.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent GED by the start of your service.
  • Have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. (See the AmeriCorps VISTA FAQs for more information on citizenship or residency requirements.)
  • Undergo a criminal background check, if your application is accepted.

Benefits

As a VISTA leader, you will receive:

  • A bi-weekly stipend of $969.78.
  • A settling-in allowance of up to $750 and relocation travel allowance of $0.40 per mile (if you’re relocating more than 50 miles).
  • Monthly SEPTA Key Advantage benefits.
  • A Segal Education Award ($7,395) or end of service award (approximately $3,000).

Other benefits include:

  • Ten days of personal leave and ten days of medical leave, in addition to City holidays and other leave benefits.
  • A health care allowance or health benefit plan.
  • An AmeriCorps Child Care Benefit for children under 13.
  • Loan forbearance or deferment for federal student loans.
  • +5 points on the City of Philadelphia’s civil service exam.
  • Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) for federal jobs.
  • Monthly professional development and team building, including a Planning and Evaluation Certificate in partnership with the Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University.
  • Valuable work experience and networking with local government and partners.

For summer VISTAs

Requirements

Summer VISTAs serve full-time for 10 weeks.

To qualify, you must:

  • Be 18 or older.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent GED by the start of your service.
  • Have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. (See the AmeriCorps VISTA FAQs for more information on citizenship or residency requirements.)
  • Undergo a criminal background check, if your application is accepted.

Benefits

As a summer VISTA, you will receive:

  • A bi-weekly stipend of $877.66.
  • Monthly SEPTA Key Advantage benefits.
  • A Segal Education Award ($1,565) or end of service award (approximately $345).
  • Biweekly professional development and team building.

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