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.
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (The City of Philadelphia requires all employees and contractors, including VISTAs, to be fully vaccinated.)
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 $675.08.
- 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).
- A monthly SEPTA transit pass.
- A Segal Education Award ($6,895) 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.
- 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.
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (The City of Philadelphia requires all employees and contractors, including VISTAs, to be fully vaccinated.)
Benefits
As a VISTA leader, you will receive:
- A bi-weekly stipend of $767.20.
- 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).
- A monthly SEPTA transit pass.
- A Segal Education Award ($6,895) 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.
- 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.
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (The City of Philadelphia requires all employees and contractors, including VISTAs, to be fully vaccinated.)
Benefits
As a summer VISTA, you will receive:
- A bi-weekly stipend of $575.40.
- A monthly SEPTA transit pass.
- A Segal Education Award ($1,495) or end of service award (approximately $345).