Washington D.C. - AmeriCorps is building a powerful pipeline for public servants, civic leaders, and social
entrepreneurs, finds a new longitudinal study released today by the Corporation for National and
Community Service.
Released in coordination with a Brookings Institution briefing this morning, the study, Still Serving:
Measuring the Eight-Year Impact of AmeriCorps on Alumni, is the most rigorous evaluation ever
conducted on AmeriCorps' long-term impacts on its members. Based on data collected eight years after
members completed their year of service, the study conclusively demonstrates that AmeriCorps causes
long-term positive impacts on the civic attitudes and behaviors of the program's alumni.
AmeriCorps
alums are significantly more civically engaged and more likely to pursue public service careers in the
government and nonprofit sector than their counterparts in the scientifically crafted comparison group,
which has also been tracked for eight years. They are also significantly more likely to be happy and
satisfied with their lives.
Overview
The Texas Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA program was founded in 2001. Today, fourteen VISTAs serve on twelve member campuses across Texas. The role of our AmeriCorps VISTAs is primarily to build capacity and sustainable infrastructures in the communities and on the campuses they serve. Ideally, after a determined period of time and through the dedicated work of all stakeholders, the position will no longer require staffing from a TXCC VISTA.
Texas Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTAs are placed at universities and colleges that are committed to the civic purposes of higher education. These schools, or host sites, agree to accomplish three goals identified by Texas Campus Compact (see below). These goals are integrated into the VISTA's work plan and form the structure on which additional duties and responsibilities are placed.
Compensation
Benefits offered by host sites (such as meal and housing allowances) vary depending on the site's capacity to support an AmeriCorps VISTA; however, the following benefits are offered (or required) by the Corporation for National and Community Service and will not vary:
what is americorps vista? AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.
AmeriCorps VISTA members address the problems of poverty in a particular community and mobilize community resources while increasing the capacity of the low-income community to solve its own problems.
what is the compact americorps vista program? The Compact AmeriCorps VISTA program was created in 2001 through a partnership between Texas Campus Compact and the Texas Corporation for National and Community Service state office. This program was developed in response to the needs of Compact member campuses and in recognition of the potential for institutions of higher education to more responsibly address the needs of those in poverty in Texas communities.
Through their unique campus-based placement, Compact VISTAs build, support and develop the capacity for Compact member institutions to establish and maintain strong service programs. Ultimately, through this program partnership, Texas Campus Compact seeks to create better stewards of the community and allow students and institutions the opportunity to gain a fuller, holistic and more valuable experience outside the classroom and beyond.
The role of the AmeriCorps VISTA member is primarily to build capacity in communities, create sustainable projects and upon conclusion, have created and developed programs and structures that no longer require staffing from a Compact VISTA.
Our VISTA members build mutually beneficial relationships which can lead to long-term partnerships between community-based organizations and colleges and universities; VISTAs supply human-based resources and skill-based actions necessary for enhancing the quality of campus-community service and Service-Learning programs; and VISTA members encourage increased involvement in the civic life of the community.
The Compact VISTA program represents an innovative partnership between national service and higher education. The model has been replicated in numerous other Campus Compact state network offices.
goals of the compact americorps vista program I. Increase and develop an ethic of service and leadership among college students along with raising awareness of social justice issues.
II. Assist campuses with improving non-curricular and civic engagement opportunities by developing mutually beneficial community partnerships.
III. Support the development and institutionalization of Service-Learning courses.
The Compact AmeriCorps VISTA Members
Garnesha Beck AmeriCorps VISTA, The University of Texas at Tyler
Ansa Copeland AmeriCorps VISTA, Southwestern University
Jessica Estorga AmeriCorps VISTA, The University of Texas at Austin
Paul Felarca Service-Learning Initiatives Coordinator, St. Mary's University
Josh Franco Service-Learning Coordinator, Our Lady of the Lake University
Kelly Ann Grace Civic Engagement Coordinator, St. Mary's University
Josh Hernandez Service-Learning Coordinator, Texas State Technical College-Harlingen
