WRC - USA or VISTA?

ESD 112 > Services > WRC > USA or VISTA?

What is the difference between AmeriCorps*State (USA) members and AmeriCorps*VISTAs (VISTA)?

AmeriCorps members do direct service – they're the ones out digging ditches, tutoring kids, or putting out fires. AmeriCorps*VISTAs do indirect service – they're the ones setting up community programs, recruiting tutors, and grant writing. VISTA stands for "Volunteers in Service to America," and is an older program than AmeriCorps; however, upon creating AmeriCorps in 1993, former President Clinton placed VISTA under the AmeriCorps umbrella, thus changing VISTAs to Americorps*VISTAs.

For more information:

For more information about how Early Learning Pilot USA members, K-6 VISTA and USA members work within the WRC Program at ESD 112, please see the chart below.

For more information about the VISTA and USA roles within WRC at ESD 112 please contact the Project Supervisor at wrc.recruitment@esd112.org.

WRC at ESD 112 USA and VISTA Comparison Chart

 

WRC USA Early Learning Pilot

WRC
USA K-6

WRC
VISTA K-6

Focus of service

Provide support and plan events for early learning programs; lead/support literacy-related activities for preschool or child care children either 1:1 or in small groups; family involvement events

Tutor elementary students in reading; collaborate with VISTA on family involvement events

Develop sustainable literacy projects, recruit community volunteers, and develop community and family involvement; tutor 10 hrs/wk

Service sites

Vancouver, Stevenson-Carson, Klickitat

Vancouver, Toutle, Kelso, Stevenson, Carson, Klickitat, Wishram

Vancouver, Toutle, Kelso, Stevenson, Carson, Klickitat, Wishram

Number of positions available

7

14

6

How will my time be spent Monday - Thursday?
(on average)

Site specific; most sites: 4-6 hrs working with pre-K children and 2-4 hrs prep, professional development, projects as determined by site

6.5 hrs. tutoring and 1.5 hrs prep/org.

About 2-2.5 hrs tutoring with the rest of your time spent organizing community mobilization, family involvement activities, conducting outreach, and community volunteer recruitment

Friday responsibilities

Team Meetings / Service Projects / Member Development
Together with all 30 regional teammates.

Application deadline

APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED IN THE
ORDER WE RECEIVE THEM

Monthly living allowance per month

$925

$925

$865

FICA withheld from living allowance?

Yes

Yes

NO

Average grade level of students served

Children ages birth to 5 years old

K-6

K-6

Relocation allowance

No

No

YES

Is living allowance considered income for food stamp eligibility?

No

No

Yes, but can receive food stamps if receiving them prior to service

How many paid sick/personal days do I have?

8 Sick & 8 Personal Days
(no hours are counted on these days)

8 Sick & 8 Personal Days
(no hours are counted on these days)

10 Sick & 10 Personal Days
(no hours are counted on these days)

Eligible for paid holidays?

Yes
(Cannot count hours)

Yes
(Cannot count hours)

Yes
(Cannot count hours)

Education Award

$4,725

$4,725

$4725 Ed Award OR $1200 cash stipend at end of service

Length of term of service

10-1/2 Months

10-1/2 Months

12 Months

Can I work or go to school during my term of service?

Part time only with approval from your Project Supervisor

Part time only with approval from your Project Supervisor

No outside job. School ONLY with prior approval from your Project Supervisor and state VISTA office

Approx. how many hours per day am I expected to serve?

8

8

8

How many hours will I serve a day directly tutoring students?

6.5 hrs/day: working with children aged birth to 5 years old
(pre-literacy activities)

6.5 hrs/day

Up to 2.5 hrs/day

Age requirements

At least 18 years old

At least 18 years old

At least 18 years old

Skill requirements

Preference for people with experience working in a child care setting or working with children.

All skill levels are needed

Bachelor's degree or three years of related volunteer/job experience is preferred.

Student Loans

Members may qualify for postponement or forbearance of the repayment of their student loans during their term of service. The $4,725 ed award can be used to help either pay off existing student loans or future education expenses.

Health Insurance & Child Care

Receive health insurance and may qualify for child care assistance.

Receive health insurance and may qualify for child care assistance.

Receive health insurance and may qualify for child care assistance. Have the option of purchasing life insurance.