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What is Lake Effect Leaders?
AmeriCorps VISTA Project
Lake Effect Leaders (LEL) is an intermediary AmeriCorps VISTA Program Grant based out of Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. LEL serves as a liaison between host sites, VISTA members, and AmeriCorps.
Lake Effect Leaders Mission
LEL aims to increase the reach, effectiveness, and efficiency of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and schools to collaboratively address issues related to poverty in NW Pennsylvania through indirect service.
Cohort Model
LEL differs from other AmeriCorps VISTA positions as the cohort model provides VISTA members the built in community of 10-15 other VISTA members in the area, a dedicated Project Director, and VISTA Leader.
Benefits of the Cohort Model
Year after year, LEL alum identify the cohort as their favorite part of the experience for the following reasons:
- Network of professionals
- Monthly socials (ex. happy hours, escape rooms, book club, movie night, hikes, etc.)
- Monthly 1:1 check-ins with the VISTA Leader
- Opportunities for professional collaboration
- Lifelong friends
- Professional development workshops
- Opportunity to live in shared housing with other VISTA members
- Conferences and retreats
Project History
Project Beginning
In 2003, the Lake Effect Leaders project began as The Children & Youth AmeriCorps VISTA Project of Northwestern Pennsylvania. As a collaborative effort of Allegheny College, Edinboro University, Gannon University, and Mercyhurst College, the project was built to serve nonprofit agencies addressing the needs of under-served children and youth living in Erie and Crawford counties.
Project Now
Today, the Lake Effect Leaders is a multi-county intermediary AmeriCorps VISTA Program Grant that serves as a pipeline for nonprofit leadership development. Led by a partnership consisting of Allegheny College, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, and Penn State Behrend, the program professionally equips VISTA members to serve critical capacity-building functions in nonprofit organ
Project Future
Lake Effect Leaders is building the next generation of community leaders by harnessing the skills and passions of service members, as well as training and mentoring in best practices of capacity building and sustainiability.