Benefits of Service

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VISTA members are compensated for their service through a living allowance worth $24,894 per year (VISTA Leaders receive $27,289). The allowance is broken down into bi-weekly stipends that can be deposited directly into your bank account. In addition, VISTAs are eligible to receive up to $8,150 in healthcare allowance.

AmeriCorps VISTA members will have 10 Personal and 10 Sick days for the year. 

Members who successfully complete a VISTA service year are eligible to receive either the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (education award), or the VISTA end-of-service cash stipend. 

• The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: The education award, which is valued at $7,395, is in the form of a voucher (not cash), and can be used for future educational training and related expenses at Title IV schools, and/or to repay existing eligible federal student loans (www.vistacampus.gov/in-service/benefits-service).*
  Some higher education institutions will match the Segal Education Award. You can find the full list of matching institutions by clicking here: Segal Ed Award Matches.

• VISTA End-of-Service Cash Stipend: The cash stipend is paid in your last two living allowance checks, and can be used however you like. The value of a cash stipend is approximately $1,800.* (VISTA Leaders receive a $3,000 cash stipend.)

*The value of both the Segal Education Award and the End-Of-Service Cash Stipend are subject to change year-to-year. 

Depending on which end of service options you select, if you have federal student loans, they may qualify for forbearance or deferment. 

AmeriCorps VISTA is also a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), so service can go towards the 10 years of public service required for this program. 

AmeriCorps VISTA members are eligible for relocation assistance if they are moving to a new community more than 50 miles from their permanent address

Relocation Assistance: Mileage between your home address and AmeriCorps service site, calculated at $0.40/mile. 

Settling-In Allowance: One time payment of $750 to over initial settling-in costs, such as utility deposits and rental application fees.   

LEL members may also have the opportunity to live with other VISTA members in affordable shared housing.

LEL offers a unique opportunity to serve with 10+ other VISTA members living in Erie and Crawford counties. Members meet for professional development workshops, group socials, and coworks throughout the year.  

Lake Effect Leaders participate in more than 80 hours of professional development trainings throughout their service term in order to successfully complete VISTA Assignment Descriptions. Additional free trainings and courses can be taken advantage of through the VISTA Campus and Nonprofit Partnership websites. 

VISTAs who complete their service receive one year of non-competitive eligibility for employment in the federal government.  

LEL VISTA members also have access to various local benefits and partnerships including:

• Gannon University Gym Membership
• Nonprofit Partnership Membership
• Free Library Card 
• Access to the Mercy Center for Women's Dress for Success Program