Iowa Campus Compact VISTA Community Corps
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The Iowa Campus Compact Community Corps strives to eliminate poverty by addressing our communities greatest issues related to education, opportunity, and health. Information for current supervisors and members. The following sites around the state are currently hiring for full-time VISTA members to start in July! Click on the links to apply today! Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines |
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2012-2013 VISTA Sites
AIB College of Business, Des Moines
Bridges Initiative/Loras College, Dubuque
Central College, Pella
Clarke University, Dubuque
Coe College, Cedar Rapids
Cornell College, Mount Vernon
Cultureall, Inc., Des Moines
Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant
Mercy College of Health Science, Des Moines
Northwestern College, Orange City
Project Concern/Loras College, Dubuque
St. Mark Community Center/Loras College, Dubuque
Bridges Initiative/Loras College, Dubuque
Central College, Pella
Clarke University, Dubuque
Coe College, Cedar Rapids
Cornell College, Mount Vernon
Cultureall, Inc., Des Moines
Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant
Mercy College of Health Science, Des Moines
Northwestern College, Orange City
Project Concern/Loras College, Dubuque
St. Mark Community Center/Loras College, Dubuque
Our Impact
- Iowa Campus Compact has had more than 75 full-time VISTA members and more than 60 full-time Summer Associates since 2008
- Already this program year, full-time VISTA members have recruited more than 3,000 volunteers to serve nearly 18,000 hours on community projects
- Many of these volunteers were recruited to serve (and sustain that service) with mentoring tutoring and afterschool programs
- On average, 73 percent of the youth served by these programs have seen an increased in their grades
- Volunteers recruited have also served to build the capacity sustainability of organizations working on issues of homelessness, food insecurity, healthy food access and community and economic development
- Members have also brought in more than $40,000 in cash and in-kind resources to community organizations
- In the summer of 2011, our 10-week summer members served more than 3,700 youth and created education curriculum for 45 summer youth programs
IACC VISTA Program FAQ
When do IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve?
IACC AmeriCorps*VISTAs must attend pre-service orientation (PSO) before they begin their year of national service. The IACC VISTA year of service begins the day following PSO and extends for 365 days. In some cases, VISTA members may be able to begin living and serving at a host site prior to pre-service orientation, but these days do not count toward the year of VISTA service. PSO varies depending on your start date. Most IACC VISTA start dates are in the summer or early fall.
How do I apply to become an IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member?
To apply, complete the AmeriCorps online application specific to the Iowa Campus Compact site you are applying for. For a direct link contact our VISTA Leader at iacampuscompact@gmail.com
When will IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA members be interviewed and placed? Do candidates have a choice in where they are placed?
After filling out the AmeriCorps online application, candidates are referred to host sites based on their preferences and qualifications. Host sites will then extend interviews to qualified applicants within two working days.
Is an AmeriCorps*VISTA opportunity considered employment or volunteerism?
Neither, actually. It is national service – a commitment to serve community and country.
How many hours per week does an IACC AmeriCorps* VISTA work?
An IACC AmeriCorps* VISTA position is a full-time, twelve-month commitment without regard for regular business hours (not a typical 9 to 5 job). AmeriCorps* VISTA service is unique in that it involves a full immersion in the project and community. Each host site will determine an IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA’s working hours. VISTA members are expected to be available for the needs of the community and project at all times, which may include evening/weekend work.
May I have another job while I'm an IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA?
AmeriCorps* VISTA members are prohibited from having outside employment of any kind.
May I go to school while I'm an IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA?
AmeriCorps*VISTA may take classes while serving, but coursework and class scheduling must not interfere with the operations of the VISTA project or the AmeriCorps*VISTA member’s ability to complete their tasks and responsibilities. A host site’s needs supersede any course’s requirement. If you plan on being enrolled in class part-time, we ask that you disclose this information to sites you interview with.
Do IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA members receive any time off during the year of service?
At minimum, VISTA members are entitled to 10 personal and 10 sick days over the course of their year of service. Outside of these days, time off is negotiated with each host site supervisor. Additional days off may be given for holidays coincide with the calendar of each particular host site.
How is the living allowance calculated?
The living allowance is the amount of money provided to each AmeriCorps* VISTA member to cover basic living necessities during the year of service. It is set at approximately the poverty level of a single individual. For 2012-2013, the living allowance is $10,296.
When and how are AmeriCorps*VISTA members paid?
VISTA members receive a portion of their living allowance every two weeks. It will be deposited directly into a bank account. During pre-service orientation (PSO), VISTA members complete a direct deposit form.
Do AmeriCorps*VISTA members pay taxes?
Federal taxes can be withheld from the living allowance. State, local, and Social Security (FICA) taxes are not withheld. AmeriCorps* VISTA members are responsible for including their living allowance on their state and local tax returns.
How do I use the End-of-Service Education Award?
Upon satisfactory completion of a full year of service, VISTA members are eligible to receive a $5,350 education award for education expenses. After the completion of a full year of service, the AmeriCorps Trust Fund is notified to establish an account for the VISTA (accessible through my.americorps.gov). The Education Award can be used to 1) repay qualified student loans or 2) pay all of part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education. The Education Award can be used at qualified an approved "Title IV" educational institutions and programs-those where students can get federally backed assistance, like Perkins loans, Stafford loans, Pell Grants, etc. The Education Award must be used within seven years of the date the VISTA finishes service.
What if I do not want an Education Award?
VISTA members may elect to receive a $1,500 cash stipend instead of the Education Award. VISTA members must choose either the Education Award or the cash stipend during pre-service orientation.
How do I postpone the repayment of my student loans?
If AmeriCorps*VISTA members elect the Education Award, they are eligible for "forbearance" on student loans based on national service. Interest continues to accrue. The AmeriCorps Trust will pay interest on the AmeriCorps*VISTA's behalf upon completion of service after receipt of an Interest Accrual Form. The interest payment is not deducted from the Education Award. If VISTA members elect the cash stipend, they may be eligible for loan "deferment" based on criteria such as economic hardship at the discretion of the lender. The type of deferment will depend on the type and date of the loan.
What do I need to know about AmeriCorps*VISTA health benefits?
Health benefits begin on the first day of AmeriCorps*VISTA training and ends at midnight on your termination date. Coverage includes payment for most medical and surgical costs, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and certain emergency dental, vision, and maternity care. Some medical costs not covered include: routine physicals, dental exams, and eye exams; medical costs associated with pre-existing conditions (except prescription medications); chiropractic visits and procedures; substance abuse; and allergy tests. Coverage only applies to the VISTA member. Dependents cannot be covered under this plan. A $5.00 co-pay is required for all medical office visits. For more information about coverage, please visit: http://www.americorps.sevencorners.com
Does AmeriCorps*VISTA provide childcare?
AmeriCorps*VISTA members who have dependent children may be eligible for child care support administered through the National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies. AmeriCorps*VISTA members must be income eligible to participate. All family income, including VISTA living allowance, is calculated when determining eligibility. Children must be under 13 years of age and living with the AmeriCorps*VISTA member. Child care is limited to $300 per month per family regardless of the number of children. Providers and parents must complete a timesheet coupon each month, and parents are responsible for paying excess fees. Forms and more information will be provided during pre-service orientation. For more information, please visit: http://www.naccrra.org/americorps/
Does AmeriCorps provide relocation expenses?
To qualify for a relocation allowance a member must relocate from home of record, to Pre-Service Orientation, then from PSO to the VISTA project site. If a member is unable to do this, then you must attach a description of why a waiver would be needed for relocation.
Member who relocates from their home of record to a VISTA service site more than 15 days in advance of a PSO is NOT eligible for relocation, and a waiver will NOT be reviewed in these circumstances. (VISTA interrupts that if you relocated more than 15 days in advance of a PSO, then you did not relocate solely for VISTA service).
IACC AmeriCorps*VISTAs must attend pre-service orientation (PSO) before they begin their year of national service. The IACC VISTA year of service begins the day following PSO and extends for 365 days. In some cases, VISTA members may be able to begin living and serving at a host site prior to pre-service orientation, but these days do not count toward the year of VISTA service. PSO varies depending on your start date. Most IACC VISTA start dates are in the summer or early fall.
How do I apply to become an IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member?
To apply, complete the AmeriCorps online application specific to the Iowa Campus Compact site you are applying for. For a direct link contact our VISTA Leader at iacampuscompact@gmail.com
When will IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA members be interviewed and placed? Do candidates have a choice in where they are placed?
After filling out the AmeriCorps online application, candidates are referred to host sites based on their preferences and qualifications. Host sites will then extend interviews to qualified applicants within two working days.
Is an AmeriCorps*VISTA opportunity considered employment or volunteerism?
Neither, actually. It is national service – a commitment to serve community and country.
How many hours per week does an IACC AmeriCorps* VISTA work?
An IACC AmeriCorps* VISTA position is a full-time, twelve-month commitment without regard for regular business hours (not a typical 9 to 5 job). AmeriCorps* VISTA service is unique in that it involves a full immersion in the project and community. Each host site will determine an IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA’s working hours. VISTA members are expected to be available for the needs of the community and project at all times, which may include evening/weekend work.
May I have another job while I'm an IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA?
AmeriCorps* VISTA members are prohibited from having outside employment of any kind.
May I go to school while I'm an IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA?
AmeriCorps*VISTA may take classes while serving, but coursework and class scheduling must not interfere with the operations of the VISTA project or the AmeriCorps*VISTA member’s ability to complete their tasks and responsibilities. A host site’s needs supersede any course’s requirement. If you plan on being enrolled in class part-time, we ask that you disclose this information to sites you interview with.
Do IACC AmeriCorps*VISTA members receive any time off during the year of service?
At minimum, VISTA members are entitled to 10 personal and 10 sick days over the course of their year of service. Outside of these days, time off is negotiated with each host site supervisor. Additional days off may be given for holidays coincide with the calendar of each particular host site.
How is the living allowance calculated?
The living allowance is the amount of money provided to each AmeriCorps* VISTA member to cover basic living necessities during the year of service. It is set at approximately the poverty level of a single individual. For 2012-2013, the living allowance is $10,296.
When and how are AmeriCorps*VISTA members paid?
VISTA members receive a portion of their living allowance every two weeks. It will be deposited directly into a bank account. During pre-service orientation (PSO), VISTA members complete a direct deposit form.
Do AmeriCorps*VISTA members pay taxes?
Federal taxes can be withheld from the living allowance. State, local, and Social Security (FICA) taxes are not withheld. AmeriCorps* VISTA members are responsible for including their living allowance on their state and local tax returns.
How do I use the End-of-Service Education Award?
Upon satisfactory completion of a full year of service, VISTA members are eligible to receive a $5,350 education award for education expenses. After the completion of a full year of service, the AmeriCorps Trust Fund is notified to establish an account for the VISTA (accessible through my.americorps.gov). The Education Award can be used to 1) repay qualified student loans or 2) pay all of part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education. The Education Award can be used at qualified an approved "Title IV" educational institutions and programs-those where students can get federally backed assistance, like Perkins loans, Stafford loans, Pell Grants, etc. The Education Award must be used within seven years of the date the VISTA finishes service.
What if I do not want an Education Award?
VISTA members may elect to receive a $1,500 cash stipend instead of the Education Award. VISTA members must choose either the Education Award or the cash stipend during pre-service orientation.
How do I postpone the repayment of my student loans?
If AmeriCorps*VISTA members elect the Education Award, they are eligible for "forbearance" on student loans based on national service. Interest continues to accrue. The AmeriCorps Trust will pay interest on the AmeriCorps*VISTA's behalf upon completion of service after receipt of an Interest Accrual Form. The interest payment is not deducted from the Education Award. If VISTA members elect the cash stipend, they may be eligible for loan "deferment" based on criteria such as economic hardship at the discretion of the lender. The type of deferment will depend on the type and date of the loan.
What do I need to know about AmeriCorps*VISTA health benefits?
Health benefits begin on the first day of AmeriCorps*VISTA training and ends at midnight on your termination date. Coverage includes payment for most medical and surgical costs, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and certain emergency dental, vision, and maternity care. Some medical costs not covered include: routine physicals, dental exams, and eye exams; medical costs associated with pre-existing conditions (except prescription medications); chiropractic visits and procedures; substance abuse; and allergy tests. Coverage only applies to the VISTA member. Dependents cannot be covered under this plan. A $5.00 co-pay is required for all medical office visits. For more information about coverage, please visit: http://www.americorps.sevencorners.com
Does AmeriCorps*VISTA provide childcare?
AmeriCorps*VISTA members who have dependent children may be eligible for child care support administered through the National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies. AmeriCorps*VISTA members must be income eligible to participate. All family income, including VISTA living allowance, is calculated when determining eligibility. Children must be under 13 years of age and living with the AmeriCorps*VISTA member. Child care is limited to $300 per month per family regardless of the number of children. Providers and parents must complete a timesheet coupon each month, and parents are responsible for paying excess fees. Forms and more information will be provided during pre-service orientation. For more information, please visit: http://www.naccrra.org/americorps/
Does AmeriCorps provide relocation expenses?
To qualify for a relocation allowance a member must relocate from home of record, to Pre-Service Orientation, then from PSO to the VISTA project site. If a member is unable to do this, then you must attach a description of why a waiver would be needed for relocation.
Member who relocates from their home of record to a VISTA service site more than 15 days in advance of a PSO is NOT eligible for relocation, and a waiver will NOT be reviewed in these circumstances. (VISTA interrupts that if you relocated more than 15 days in advance of a PSO, then you did not relocate solely for VISTA service).
