Join Now - KsCC AmeriCorps*VISTA Member
Become a change agent in higher education. Work with Kansas Campus Compact to connect colleges with communities, engage students in civic learning, and help solve society's most pressing needs.
Benefits | Program Description | Position Description | Eligibility | Apply Now
Member Benefits
- $4,725 Education Award or End-of-Service Stipend of $1,200
- Student loan forbearance or deferment
- Health benefits
- Paid housing
- Living allowance
- Relocation allowance
- Personal and professional training
- The opportunity to help our communities
- The appeal of being part of a national movement
- Training in job skills and career networking opportunities
- The chance to apply education and experience to help communities
Program Description
The Kansas Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA Project helps colleges and universities to better respond to pressing issues facing low-income communities by improving the quality of campus community service and civic learning programs, and by increasing the number of students coordinating programs and directly serving in the community. KsCC VISTA Members will serve for one year, in teams of two, as Service-Learning/Community Service/Civic Engagement Specialists, at colleges and universities across Kansas, beginning in July/August of each year. In 2007-2008, VISTA sites may include Butler Community College (El Dorado), Fort Hays State University (Hays), Kansas State University (Manhattan), Southwestern College (Winfield), the University of Kansas (Lawrence), and the University of Saint Mary (Leavenworth). During their year of service KsCC VISTA Members will gain experience through personal and professional training including: grant writing, grant review, public speaking, situational leadership, building effective partnerships, fundraising, diversity training and social justice education, conflict resolution, program evaluation, strategies for sustainability, basics of student development, recruitment and retention of volunteers, history of higher education, service-learning 101, careers in the common good, team-building, ropes courses and outdoor initiatives, and asset-based community development.
KsCC AmeriCorps*VISTA Member Position Description
KsCC AmeriCorps*VISTA Members will connect colleges with local community organizations to address the needs of low-income communities. Members will tap into existing campus and community/faith-based resources to lead and coordinate sustainable local initiatives. These efforts will instill in students and volunteers a deeper understanding of poverty-related issues and how they can be addressed. KsCC VISTA Members will coordinate service-learning initiatives that link course work to community work; assist with training and student development activities; recruit volunteers for schools and community/faith-based organizations; build bridges between college campuses, the community, and K-12 schools; and work alongside volunteers in order to accomplish these goals. Projects at the campus sites may include, for example, developing youth civic leadership programs, international service teams, or bilingual community outreach initiatives.
Subsistence Allowance: $809/month and Education Award of $4,725 OR End-of-Service Stipend of $1,200. (Health care and childcare are provided if necessary). **Housing is often provided**
Qualifications:
- College Degree - A.A./A.S. or B.A./B.S.
- Strong interest and experience in college community service/service-learning
- Commitment to the mission of the project and its impact on communities
- Knowledge of and/or interest in working with students, administrators, and faculty
- Proven leadership ability
- Organizational skills, project and multi-task management, public speaking, event planning
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the U.S.
- 18 yrs or older
- *Must make 12 month commitment to service
- **VISTA members may not have other outside commitments (i.e. school, second job, etc.)
*AmeriCorps*VISTA service is a one-year commitment. Members are expected to serve 12 months, full-time, excluding Pre-Service Orientation. AmeriCorps*VISTA service is unique in that it involves a full immersion in the project and community. This is not a 9-to-5 job. You are expected to be available for the needs of your community and project at all times. If an individual believes he or she cannot fulfill this commitment, that person should not become an AmeriCorps*VISTA Member.
**While serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA Member, full or part-time employment is prohibited and full or part-time enrollment in school is prohibited.
Apply Now! (Online applications are required)
**Please read the KsCC VISTA Guidelines prior to applying**To begin the application process visit AmeriCorps - Quick Search Form.
- Step 1: Select the state “Kansas” and Enter program ID KS311864-0 in “Key Word Search” and Click “Search”
- Step 2: Check “Details” for the position you are applying and Click “Show Details”
- Step 3: Check “Yes! I would like to apply for this program”
- Step 4: Click “Apply For Selected Program(s) “
- Step 5: Begin the application process**
**Kansas Campus Compact will not process your application until reference contact information and two reference letters are submitted. Contact your references to ensure they completed these tasks.
**When completing the “Reference Information” section of the application, please be sure to enter an email address for your reference if you expect the reference to complete the form electronically.
Questions should be directed to, kscc@ksu.edu or 785-532-3475
For more information about the KsCC VISTA Project, click here and visit
the national AmeriCorps*VISTA website.
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