Become an ENGAGECorps VISTA Member

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ABOUT
THE PROGRAM

Serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA is an amazing opportunity to work on an anti-poverty, community-based project. Engage NJ supports an annual cohort of approximately 15 VISTA members. Because Engage NJ works with institutions of higher ed, the EngageCorps VISTA cohort start date is in September. This means the majority of our positions are open for applications from March through July. There are so many benefits to serving as a VISTA member! You can submit your application to Engage NJ via the My AmeriCorps portal.

While in service with our EngageCorps VISTA program, you will receive ongoing professional leadership and community development training in addition to learning more about underserved populations in America. There are a series of workshops throughout the year where you will get to know your fellow Engage NJ VISTA members, and we are always here for your questions. Below is a collection of resources for common questions that service with AmeriCorps VISTA raises.

Open VISTA Positions

EngageCorps Benefits

Stipend/Living allowance
Health Coverage
Relocation Allowance*
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $7,395
One year of non-competitive eligibility for federal employment opportunities after service year
Professional development opportunities through Engage NJ & partner organizations
Opportunity to attend and speak as a panelist at Engage NJ's THRIVE Conference & Opportunity Fair
Childcare Assistance*

Visit here to learn more about the AmeriCorps benefits of service

Join Us in Welcoming our new cohort! (1) (1).png

As an AmeriCorps member in the VISTA program, you will support an organization to make sustainable change in areas that effect poverty, including education, public health, climate, access to benefits, and more. Through activities such as fundraising, grant writing, research, and volunteer recruitment, you will gain professional experience and leadership skills. This opportunity prepares you for a life of service in the public, private, or nonprofit sector.

Diwali Food Drive

planned and hosted by

Middlesex College VISTA Member

Black History Civic Engagement
planned and hosted by
William Paterson University VISTA Member

How to Become an EngageCorps VISTA Member

Search Openings: Browse through the open EngageCorps VISTA positions available through Engage NJ on our Open Positions page. Find the ones that you are most interested in.

Application Submission: Submit your application to one of our EngageCorps VISTA positions via the My AmeriCorps portal. You will have to create a My AmeriCorps account if you do not already have one.

Interview Process: Your application is reviewed by the project. If you seem to be a good candidate, the Program Manager will contact you and request your resume. After the partner site will then request an in-person or phone interview with you. If the project site wants you to join their team, then the Program Manager will reach out to get additional information and to answer any questions you may have at that point.

Selection: The project offers you the position. You must now accept the offer by logging in to your My AmeriCorps profile and accept the position.

State Office Approval: You have accepted the position and a VISTA Program Officer is making a final review.

Final Approval: The final review has been completed and you have been approved for service. Congratulations!

Assignment: You’re on your way to starting service. The next step is getting ready for your first day of service. Be mindful that two-three weeks before you start service, AmeriCorps will email you with important documents to complete before your first day. On your first day of service you will begin your Virtual Member Orientation (VMO).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is my VISTA service?

VISTA members serve for one year (12 months), and they have the option to extend their service for additional year(s), up to a total of three VISTA terms.

What is Compacity Building?
How is it different from Direct Service?

VISTA focuses on strengthening organizations fighting poverty through education, rather than providing direct services to individuals. VISTAs engage in capacity building, which involves improving systems, recruiting volunteers, and forming community partnerships. While direct service addresses immediate needs (like tutoring or delivering meals), VISTA members focus on indirect service, such as recruiting tutors or developing partnerships to support long-term programs.

When does the service year start?

The 2025-2026 EngageCorps VISTA program will begin on August 25th

Can I have a part-time job on the side?

Yes, you can have part-time employment as long as it doesn’t interfere with your VISTA responsibilities and is not directly related to your partnership.

Can I be a student while I am serving with VISTA?

To serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA, you must have a degree or its equivalent from a two- or four-year institution. Similar to our Outside Employment Policy, VISTAs are allowed to attend school part-time, provided it does not interfere with their VISTA responsibilities.

Will I need a car during my year of service?

The need for a car depends on the availability of public transportation in the area, as well as how easily you can access your host site and community partner. It also depends on the responsibilities you'll have at the chosen partner site.