GWServes AmeriCorps VISTA Program

The Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service at GW (Nashman Center) is recruiting passionate, driven AmeriCorps VISTA members to expand access and opportunities in Title I schools across DC. Build capacity through community partnerships, volunteer recruitment, and developing engaging enrichment programs for DC youth. Join a cohort of likeminded individuals from around the country committed to making a meaningful impact!

Through this collaboration we recruit and train federally funded VISTA members who serve in DCPS Central Office, schools, and at GW. School-Community Liaison VISTAs build capacity by working directly with school personnel and community organizations as well as the GW community to cultivate partnerships, create volunteer programs, and collaborating with the community to develop engaging enrichment programs for DC youth. Within DCPS Central Office, our VISTAs work to create and maintain systems informed by experience, research, and best practices. Lastly, VISTA members placed at GW help to build capacity by connecting the community with campus resources through service-learning courses, nonprofit partnerships, recruiting student volunteers, etc.

Benefits Include: 

• Monthly living allowance of $2,145 (before taxes)
• $7,395 Education Award available upon completion of service
• Relocation Assistance
• Training
• Ongoing Professional Development
• Non-Competitive Eligibility for federal positions
• Paid transportation for work-related travel
• Paid interest for Student Loans

Requirements:
Must be 21 years old; be U.S. citizens, nationals, or legal residents; and successfully complete a criminal background check. VISTA is a full-time (40 hrs a week), 12-month commitment. Political advocacy, organizing or demonstrations while on VISTA duty, or while perceived to be on duty, are prohibited.

Some key attributes a successful GWServes VISTA will need to perform successfully:

• Ability to reach out to and form relationships with community organizations:
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and achieve goals
• Some experience in project planning and volunteer recruitment
• Adaptability, flexibility, and willingness to learn from experience
• Strong communication skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Experience working with education equity or youth focused program
• Some experience with Canva or other graphic design programs preferred but not required

Available Positions:

School Community Liaison – Serve directly with a DCPS school to build capacity by cultivating partnerships with community-based organizations, conducting community outreach, recruiting volunteers, increasing parent/family engagement, etc.

ArtReach Program Fellow – Serve with ArtReachGW at THEARC to enhance existing after-school and community partnerships to provide arts education, workforce skills development and art therapy.

School Partnerships Fellow (DCPS Central Office) – Serve with the DCPS Office of Engagement and Partnerships to expand its capacity to cultivate and support school partnerships with local community organizations and government agencies.

Connected Schools Fellow (DCPS Central Office) – Serve with the DCPS Office of School Improvements and Supports to increase the capacity of the DCPS Connected Schools Initiative through the creation of new tools, working with data systems and developing communications campaigns.

DCPS Outreach and Engagement Fellow (DCPS Central Office) – Serve with the DCPS Office of Out of School Time Programs to expand its capacity to conduct outreach to stakeholders, implement training for OSTP staff, and design and implement a new intern/volunteer program for high school students to fulfill the community service graduation requirement.

Community Engagement and Outreach Fellow (GW Nashman Center)- collaborate with the Nashman Center, GW community, and community-based partners to manage and evaluate strategic partnerships, recruit and train volunteers, and support community outreach efforts.