YEAR OF SERVICE

VISTAS in the Piedmont

SERVE IN OUR COMMUNITY,

MAKE THE GREATEST IMPACT.

AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings together individuals and organizations to address the most critical issues facing the nation. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) has been specifically designed to tackle poverty at the local level throughout the U.S. AmeriCorps VISTA members work behind the scenes in nonprofit organizations across the country, serving as capacity builders and honing their professional skills while earning benefits. 


United Way of the Piedmont has partnered with AmeriCorps for almost twenty years to host the VISTAs in the Piedmont program. As a member of the VISTAs in the Piedmont program, you will be part of this effort to make sustainable changes in poverty that affect education, health, and economic mobility. Our program partners with 13 nonprofit organizations across Spartanburg, Union, and Cherokee counties to provide full-time roles for VISTA members. These roles include grant writing, research, volunteer coordination, social media, and marketing, among others. 

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WHO WE ARE


United Way of the Piedmont has hosted the VISTAs in the Piedmont program since 2006 and has seen over 300 members lend their services to the Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties of South Carolina. 


During their year of service, our VISTAs serve in a variety of full-time roles with varying responsibilities such as:

  • Grant writing
  • Fundraising & donor partnerships
  • Volunteer coordination & community engagement
  • Social media & marketing
  • Event coordination

We believe that the experiences gained during a VISTA service year are transformative. At the end of their service year, we hope that our VISTAs leave with a deeper understanding of the issues facing our communities and the skills needed to continue to make a positive impact in the community and world around them. 

LOVE WHERE YOU SERVE

everything you need to know ​About vistas in the piedmont

  • Benefits

    • Living Allowance: Members receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance to cover basic expenses during service. The amount of the allowance is based on county. 
    • Education Award: Upon completion of service, members can receive a Segal Education Award (valued at approximately $7,395 in 2024) to pay for a range of education expenses. For members who would not benefit from the Segal Education Award, there is the option of a $1800 cash stipend instead. 
    • Housing Stipend*: VISTAs in the Piedmont offers a monthly housing stipend to help lift the burden of housing costs. It is $150/month and payable to the member’s nonrelative landlord or mortgage lender.
    • Professional Development*: As a cohort, VISTAs in the Piedmont participate in weekly to bi-weekly workshops on various service topics. Additionally, AmeriCorps offers virtual training through VISTA Campus. 
    • Non-Competitive Eligibility: Members who successfully complete service as an AmeriCorps VISTA receives one year of non-competitive eligibility for employment in the federal government.
    • Student Loan Forbearance: While in service, VISTA members are eligible for loan deferment and interest forbearance on qualified student loans. AmeriCorps service is also recognized as equivalent to a public service job for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. 


    See the full list of benefits at at the link below.



    * Benefits specific to VISTAs in the Piedmont 

    VIEW FULL LIST

  • Eligibility

    To serve with VISTAs in the Piedmont, you must… 

    • Be 18 or older (no upper age limit) 
    • Pass a criminal background 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. 

  • Service Opportunities

    VISTAs in the Piedmont members serve at nonprofit organizations that serve Spartanburg, Cherokee, and/or Union counties. Each agency and position are unique in its role and impact. Find the one that is right for you! 

    VIEW OPPORTUNITIES

HOW To APPLY


Start your application today! Your application process with follow the below steps:

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Still have questions?


Ready to serve but still getting to know your options? 


For questions not answered in the below FAQ doc, please email our Program Coordinator Becca Waldorf at bwaldorf@uwpiedmont.org

VIEW FAQ

Deciding Between programs?


United Way of the Piedmont is proud to host two AmeriCorps programs, VISTA and State & National. We’re happy to discuss which one may be the best fit for you. 


Email our Program Coordinator Becca Waldorf at bwaldorf@uwpiedmont.org to schedule a time to discuss.

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