Siena AmeriCorps VISTA Program Benefits

All VISTAs receive a modest living allowance of $12,490 for the year split into bi-weekly checks to cover basic living expenses. We provide members with tips and resources for managing their VISTA budget. If necessary, our program does allow VISTAs to work part-time in the evenings and weekends to earn extra income, as long as their job does not interfere with the work at their site. More information about how to apply for food stamps and tips for budget management can be found on the "Resources for Incoming VISTAs" page.

Upon completion of their year of service, VISTAs are eligible to receive a $6,195 Education Award or $1,800 stipend. The Education Award can be used to pay off student loans or for future education expenses, such as attending grad school. Members may receive an Education Award up to two times.

Upon completing their VISTA year, members receive non-competitive eligibility which means if they are interested in pursuing a government job, they do not have to compete with the general pool of applicants. This status lasts for one year. We recommend that VISTAs create an account with USA Jobs shortly after beginning their service to see jobs they are eligible for and begin applying early as applications for government jobs often take months to process.

If VISTAs are relocating at least 50 miles for their position, they are granted a relocation travel allowance of $.40 per mile in addition to a settling allowance of $750 to cover travel expenses and first month's rent.

All members of the Siena VISTA program live and work in the Capital Region, allowing them to connect with each other for social gatherings and support as well as to expand their network with nonprofits across the region. We encourage our VISTAs to partner with their peers at other organizations to expand the reach and capacity of their project, so that ultimately, they can have a larger impact on the community.

The connection to a college campus provides resources other programs do not, providing a more enriching VISTA year. Siena VISTAs receive a campus ID, providing them with 10 free meals per week at the Siena dining hall, free bus transportation, and access to the campus' gym and library. Many of our members regularly eat lunch or dinner at the dining hall to save on groceries.

VISTAs also have the opportunity to connect with Siena faculty, utilizing their expertise to support site work. A VISTA member recently worked with a professor in the psychology department as they developed a mental health program for youth at their site, the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area.

In addition to on the job experience, Siena hosts monthly training days providing a space for all of our members to come together and grow with one another by discussing their challenges and successes and through team building activities and trainings. The purpose of these monthly training sessions is not only to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their work during their year of service but to prepare them for their future professional career as well.