AmeriCorps VISTA

Americorps VISTA

Established in 2007 through a partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Campus Compact of Oregon AmeriCorps VISTA program enables colleges, universities, and community organizations to develop equitable community-engaged programming that increases educational access and success for students from low-income backgrounds and communities of color. Using an equity lens, VISTAs build capacity for college campuses and organizations to increase access to educational resources to alleviate poverty based on community identified issue areas.

Program Goals

Develop programing to address K-12 and college access and success for low-income students
Engage first generation and low-income college students in critical, poverty reducing activities
Build relationships and partnerships between their institution and the surrounding community
Increase civic engagement on college campuses and in the communities they serve
Implement campus and community-wide service days
Promote racial justice and educational equity
Provide leadership development, training, support, and reflection activities for volunteers.

Campus Compact of Oregon VISTA Equity Statement
We know that a college education is a critical tool to break the cycle of poverty and improve the health and welfare of low-income communities. Many low-income students lack the historical privilege and social capital to effectively navigate the college application and financial aid process. This becomes even more clear when you focus on low-income students of color who also face institutional racism and a growing educational opportunity gap. Campus Compact of Oregon is looking for motivated, energetic candidates who can use their passion for social justice, equity, and education to serve on our VISTA Team to empower Oregon’s low-income students, with a specific focus on students of color.