Transform Mid-Atlantic AmeriCorps VISTA Program
Serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA is an amazing opportunity to work on an anti-poverty, community-based project. Transform Mid-Atlantic supports an annual cohort of approximately 30 VISTA members. Because Transform Mid-Atlantic works with institutions of higher ed, the Transform Mid-Atlantic VISTA cohort start date is in the summer. This means the majority of our positions are open for applications from March through June.
While in service with our Transform Mid-Atlantic AmeriCorps 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 Transform Mid-Atlantic 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.
Benefits of Service

Basic Health Coverage
VISTA members who maintain health insurance during their service term may enroll in the AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance. ($8,550 in 2021).

Childcare Benefit
Child care benefits are paid directly to qualified child care providers for all or part of the member’s child care costs during their active time of service.

Post-Service Education Award of $6,345
In successfully completing your year of service, you’re eligible to receive either the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($6345) or the VISTA end-of-service cash stipend ($1,800).

Living Allowance
Your living allowance, paid biweekly and
deposited directly into your bank account, is based on the cost of living in the
service area.

Relocation Assistance (+50 Miles)
There is a one-time allowance of $750 for VISTAs relocating more than 50 miles.

Student Loan Forbearance
VISTA members with student loans get relief from student loan payments for the duration of their time in the VISTA program.

Ongoing Training, Support and Professional Development
Transform Mid-Atlantic provides consistent training and development opportunities related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) throughout the service year for VISTA members, seeking to contribute to both their professional and personal growth.

Non-Competitive Eligibility
One year of non-competitive eligibility for
federal employment is available for VISTA members.
Steps to Become an AmeriCorps VISTA Member

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

Application Submission: Submit your application to one of our TMA AmeriCorps 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 project’s site supervisor will contact you and request additional information such as a resume and cover letter. They will then request an in-person or phone interview with you. If the project site wants you to join their team, then a Transform Mid-Atlantic AmeriCorps VISTA Leader will contact you for a phone screening to get additional information and 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
Ready to Learn More?
We invite you to explore our open positions and reach out to us to learn more about the opportunity to give back to the community and help fight poverty.