AmeriCorps VISTA Info – Summer 2021

Spend Your Summer as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Berkeley County! 

 

What:

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America):

Summer Associate

Use your summer to make a difference! Apply to be an AmeriCorps VISTA for the summer of 2021 in Martinsburg, WV. Collaborate with a coalition of local organizations to teach basic nutrition and gardening to youth in Berkeley County, and provide children with tools and knowledge to protect their health long-term through healthy lifestyles.  

When:

June 7, 2021 – August 16, 2021

Where:

Berkeley County, WV

Position Description:

Americorps VISTA duties include, but are not limited to: 

  • Creating fun, interactive lessons/education tools on healthy eating through the Berkeley County Schools Summer Feeding Program 
  • Address childhood food insecurity by providing recipes and fresh, local produce for free at family medicine offices through a farm-to-clinic program with WVU Medicine 
  • Work with the Martinsburg Garden of Promise community garden and Ranson Community Gardens on farm-to-school and community garden projects for kids to promote healthy eating and exercise 
  • Support local farmers’ market initiatives and promote healthy eating initiatives for families experiencing food insecurity, such as Double/Triple SNAP incentives for fruits and vegetables 
  • Learn about community health initiatives, project planning development, networking and collaboration, child nutrition and gardening activities. 

Benefits:

  • Americorps Summer VISTA volunteers are provided a $2,395 stipend over 10 week service period, plus a $1,311 education award at the end of service that can be used for tuition or loan payments.
  • VISTAs can also elect to receive a $345 cash award at the end of service in lieu of the education award.
  • Americorps VISTA positions are a great opportunity for college-age students to learn about different career paths, develop as professionals over the summer, and network in their communities.
  • VISTA positions are also great for teachers, retirees and other individuals who are available for service in the summer months. 

 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Be 18 years or older (no upper age limit)
  • Available for at least 35 hours per week between 6/7/21 and 8/16/21 
  • Must have access to reliable transportation for daily travel between service sites
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and basic computer skills 
  • Strong communication and organization skills 
  • Friendly, motivated, positive and collaborative attitude; willingness to learn and take initiative 
  • Previous experience working with children strongly preferred 
  • Interest in nutrition, community health and/or gardening preferred 
  • 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.

Application Process: