Project Proposal Applications for the 2025-2026 service year are open!

Is your nonprofit organization, school, or government agency addressing poverty in northwest Pennsylvania? Do you engage residents of the low-income community in creating sustainable solutions?  Read below to see if hosting a VISTA is right for you.

Our project wants every member to have a rewarding experience when they serve. Therefore, organizations must adhere to our project guidelines and policies as stated below. 

Host sites must contribute $6,500* to support project administration and member development. They also must provide Lake Effect Leaders with in-kind support valued at at least $1,000. 

*Contribution amount is subject to change year-to-year. For more information, contact the Project Director. 

Providing VISTAs with weekly supervision and support almost always ensures a successful service year. This means site supervisors must:

• Ensure that VISTA members are working on appropriate assignments that build capacity within the organization, as outlined in the member's VISTA Assignment Description.
• Support VISTAs participation in project activities such as trainings, national service days, and professional development opportunities. 
• Communicate with Project Director if concerns arise during the term of service. 

Host sites must provide VISTA members with resources to perform their tasks, i.e. adequate work-space, computer, telephone, consumable supplies, etc. VISTAs must also be reimbursed for on-the-job transportation expenses. 

Host sites must sign a Memorandum of Agreement with Allegheny College and the Lake Effect Leaders AmeriCorps VISTA Project before receiving a service member.

Host sites must also offer a VISTA position with your organization regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disability.