PHILADELPHIA –  The Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service (MOCEVS) is accepting applications for FY2024 Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps, an AmeriCorps program that serves as a career pathway for people interested in local government. VISTA Corp members serve for one year and work with City departments to build capacity around anti-poverty programming and initiatives.

“As a member of the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps, participants can grow personally and professionally. They have the opportunity to serve in a wide range of areas including economic opportunity, education, healthy futures, homelessness and affordable housing, and opioid emergency response,” said Amanda Gamble, Chief Service Officer for the Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service. “We are excited for our VISTA program to continue to expand, with 35 projects across 19 City departments, and have exciting opportunities for those who decide to apply. Don’t miss your chance to make a change in Philadelphia, apply today!”

To apply for the full-year VISTA program, interested individuals must:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Have a high school degree or GED by the start of service
  • Have a passion for service

Applicants must submit:

  • A brief essay about you and your reasons for applying to become a VISTA
  • A description of your volunteer experience
  • Your resume
  • Your five preferred VISTA positions, along with a description of why you would be a good fit for each position

During a term of service VISTAs will:

  • Receive a bi-weekly stipend and monthly SEPTA passes
  • Monthly professional development and team building with the cohort
  • Receive a Segal Education Award or End of Service Award at the end of the term

“Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps members are positioned within City government to participate in and contribute to exciting, equity-centered, anti-poverty projects that are truly impactful,” said Arielle Greenwald, Director of the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Program. “I think what also makes this program unique is the dedicated staff support members receive from the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service. Through the curated cohort experience, VISTA Corps members can find access to networking, training, and skill development opportunities, and gain an inside look at City government. It is a great way to kickstart a career in public service.”

Interested individuals are also invited to attend MOCEVS’s upcoming virtual open houses on Thursday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 28 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will meet with current Serve Philadelphia VISTA members and learn about their service experience, current projects, and overall journey as an AmeriCorps member.

Apply to be a VISTA Corps member today! The deadline to apply is April 3, at 11:59 p.m.

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