Give
Search

Join the Movement!

Apply to the North Mississippi VISTA Project

Apply Now
  1. Home
  2. Departmental Directory
  3. Liberal Arts
  4. Grisham-McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement
  5. Apply to the North Mississippi VISTA Project!
Members of the North Mississippi VISTA Project pose for a group photo in front of a clear glass wall. There is a mix of smiling and laughing faces.

Apply to become a VISTA!

An AmeriCorps member and a community member stand behind two laptops discussing a business plan. There is a colorful quilt and yarn on the table in front of the laptops. The background is a red brick wall with sunlight shining through a window.

Join the Movement!

The North Mississippi VISTA Project at the University of Mississippi seeks dynamic individuals to serve as Volunteers in Service to America (VISTAs). Each full-time, one-year placement is supported by AmeriCorps with a modest living allowance, health benefits, and an education award.

We are now accepting applications. Applicants will be accessed on a rolling basis as placements become available. If you have any questions you can contact vista@olemiss.edu.

Apply Now

Benefits of Joining the Movement

Compensation

 

Living Allowance: Members receive a living allowance of approximately $1,900 per month before taxes. This allowance is not considered a salary or wages.

 

Health Benefits: Members have access to health benefits, either through the healthcare allowance, which covers all out-of-pocket expenses except for the monthly premium for those with or obtaining health insurance, or through a basic health plan. Both options include basic vision and dental coverage. Members may also enroll in a subsidized health insurance plan via the health insurance marketplace within 60 days of starting their service.

 

Childcare: Members with children under the age of 13 can utilize AmeriCorps’ Childcare plan if they meet certain income criteria.

 

Paid Leave: Members receive 10 days of paid personal leave per year, in addition to federal holidays recognized by their service site and 10 days of paid sick leave. Unused leave rolls over if members serve additional years.

 

Education

 

End-of-Service Benefit: Upon successfully completing a term of service, members may receive a cash stipend of $1,800 or the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (equal to $7,395). The education award can be used for future educational expenses or to pay down qualified federal student loans. Members over 55 at the start of their service can transfer the award to an immediate family member. Members can receive a maximum of two education awards in their lifetime.

 

Furthering Education: Schools of National Service offer additional benefits to AmeriCorps members and alumni, with some institutions matching the education award. If you choose the education award, it can be applied to many forms of education for up to seven years after you end your service.

 

Professional Development Opportunities: Members can enhance their skills through professional development, experiential learning, national service days, and resources provided by both the North Mississippi VISTA Project and AmeriCorps.

 

Other Benefits

 

Future Federal Employment: After completing a term of service, members receive a year of non-competitive eligibility for federal employment, making it easier to secure a position in the federal civil service. This designation can be extended for up to two additional years if members pursue military service or higher education. Time spent in the VISTA Program counts towards a federal pension if members later enter federal civil service and contribute to the system for those years.

 

Student Loan Options: Members who select the education award can place their federally qualified loans in forbearance during their service. Upon successful completion of service, AmeriCorps can cover the interest accrued during the term. Additionally, service in AmeriCorps VISTA counts towards the 10-year requirement for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), though payments must continue to be made to qualify. Only debt accrued before starting service is eligible.