Summer VISTA
Member Selection & Onboarding

Summer Start and End Dates

We have three start dates available with terms running eight, nine, or ten weeks of service. Sites may choose when their members start and how long their terms will run. Please note all of the items listed above that must be completed before the enrollment deadline. Consider setting a deadline to have an offer out and accepted at least a week before the AmeriCorps enrollment deadline so that all paperwork can be completed. 

AmeriCorps Application & References

All members need to create a profile in MyAmeriCorps and officially apply to our Summer VISTA program (this is not specific to your site). Their application includes two references - references must be completed by the enrollment deadline as members cannot be selected for service until references are complete. However, supervisors do not need to wait for the application to interview/offer the position - sites often collect resumes/cover letters and go through their standard hiring process with VISTA members before a member completes the AmeriCorps application. 

VISTA Candidate Terms:

• Must be at least 18 years old (by the time of enrollment, which is a couple of weeks prior to their start date)

• Pass a national service criminal history check

• Hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status), and persons legally residing within a state.

  • Examples of persons legally residing within a state may include those holding the following classifications: refugee, asylee, temporary protected status throughout VISTA service, and holding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

• Part-time education and outside employment are permitted if they do not interfere with VISTA responsibilities; requires advance approval from supervisor.

Candidate Nomination Form (for Supervisors)

Once a candidate has accepted the position with the site (still pending AmeriCorps approval), the supervisor will complete this form. VISTA program staff will enter the information into eGrants to "officially" nominate the candidate. 

Once this nomination has gone through, the candidate will need to click "accept" in their MyAmeriCorps portal. This, along with information VISTA program staff sends to our program officer, initiates the enrollment process on AmeriCorps's end.

Access and Complete the Form

AmeriCorps Onboarding (for Members)

Members will receive emails directly from AmeriCorps asking them to create an account on VISTA campus and complete some items there. This will likely include directions to complete background checks. Background checks come from a third-party and sometimes go to spam folders. VISTAs must have background checks completed to serve. Requirements and guidance for background checks has shifted as a result of COVID-19; we will update supervisors and members if needed.

Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact Onboarding (for Members)

On their first day of service, Summer Associates will take their oath of service with an AmeriCorps representative which is the final step before they can officially serve. This is done via Microsoft Teams and completed through AmeriCorps. In addition to their Oath of Service, Summer Associate Members are required to attend IAMNCC orientation on their first day of service. This will also be done via Zoom. 

Next Steps

After a member is onboarded, you will find program resources, deadlines, and information for the summer on the SV Member Management and Resources.