Siena Americorps VISTA

About 1.5 million people live in New York’s Capital District, with many living in Albany, Troy, and Schenectady.

Siena University’s Center for Academic Community Engagement (ACE) hosts an AmeriCorps VISTA program focused on one clear goal: eliminating poverty in our region.

We pursue this goal through four core pillars:

1. Anti-Poverty Focus

Everything we do is rooted in the fight against poverty. VISTAs support nonprofits that address barriers in education, health care, housing, workforce development, and economic mobility.

2. Community Empowerment

We believe communities know their own needs best. VISTAs work alongside local leaders, residents, and organizations to strengthen existing efforts and expand opportunity.

3. Sustainable Solutions

Our work is designed to last. VISTAs build systems, programs, and partnerships that continue long after their year of service ends.

4. Capacity Building

VISTAs focus on behind-the-scenes work that helps organizations grow stronger. This includes developing resources, improving programs, increasing volunteer engagement, and strengthening outreach efforts.

AmeriCorps VISTA is a 12-month commitment to 40 hours per week of service at a nonprofit organization in the Capital District of New York. Schedules depend on the operating hours of sites, although most organizations follow the conventional business hours of Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. As a nonprofit organization, VISTA sites are likely to ask members to work the occasional fundraiser on an evening or weekend. In addition, the Siena VISTA program will occasionally ask members to participate in various on campus events throughout the year, including the Engage for Change conference and Mayor's Day of Service, which ultimately enriches participants' experience as a VISTA. These events count towards VISTA's working hours and allow them to take flex time at a later date for any time exceeding their 40 hour work week.

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What VISTAs Do

AmeriCorps VISTA focuses on capacity building. This means strengthening organizations through behind-the-scenes work.

For example, imagine a soup kitchen. Direct volunteers serve meals. VISTAs help make the program possible by organizing volunteers, coordinating donations, and promoting services to the community.

VISTAs may:

• Recruit and train volunteers

• Develop fundraising strategies

• Improve programs and systems

• Build community partnerships

• Support outreach and communications

This work helps nonprofits grow stronger and serve more people. It also allows VISTAs to gain professional skills they can use in future careers.

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benefits

• Living Allowance: $24,962
• Education Award: $7,395 upon successful completion of full-service term 
• Non-competitive eligibility for federal employment
• Supportive cohort of peers
• Ten free meals a week at Siena University
• Loan deferment for qualified student loans
• 10 paid personal and 10 paid sick days
• Siena Gym, Library, Career and Internship Center Access
• CDTA Bus Pass