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 $957.46.
- 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 $1049.58.
- 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.