Information, Opportunities, and Resources for AmeriCorps VISTA Alumni

Friend,

On behalf of AmeriCorps, we want to thank you for your service to our nation. As you reach this national service milestone, possibilities and decisions await. Whether you're preparing for school, transitioning into the career world, or considering another service opportunity, use the following resources to celebrate the skills you gained in AmeriCorps and transition to life after service.

Add Leadership Skills to Your Resume

Haven’t decided what’s next after your year of service? Consider serving as a leader in an AmeriCorps program. Check out what it means to be a leader in the VISTA program or a team leader in the NCCC program.

Find your opportunity

Use Your Non-Competitive Eligibility

AmeriCorps members who successfully complete a full year of service in the VISTA program receive one year of non-competitive eligibility status. This enables you to apply for federal jobs without going through the standard public competitive selection process.

Learn more about using your non-competitive eligibility benefit on our VISTA Benefits page under "Professional Development" or in the "Member Benefits" and "Life After VISTA" learning paths on the VISTA Campus.

"After my year of service, I was able to successfully leverage my non-competitive eligibility to join my agency. There are so many agencies that use non-competitive eligibility to hire VISTA alumni outside of the formal competitive job announcement process.”
- Anne Otih, AmeriCorps VISTA 2015-16

How to Save a Letter Certifying AmeriCorps Service for Non-Competitive Eligibility 

1. Go to My.AmeriCorps.gov.
2. Enter your username and password.
3. Click on "My Service Letter" from the left-hand column.
4. Select the appropriate "Service Term" from the first drop down menu.
5. Select “Verification of Service” from “Letter Type” drop down.
6. Enter recipient or leave blank.
7. Print or save as a PDF.

If you have any difficulties accessing your letter, contact the AmeriCorps Hotline,   
800-942-2677.

Check out Employers of National Service

More than 600 employers have pledged their support for AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni by becoming employers of national service. These employers are committed to creating career opportunities for alumni and recognizing that national service produces highly qualified, mission-oriented candidates with unique skills.

Explore More Job Search Boards

Hundreds of employment opportunities can be found on USAJOBS. On USAJOBS, you'll see the icon below on a job announcement that is open to AmeriCorps VISTA and Peace Corps alumni with non-competitive eligibility. 

Follow AmeriCorps VISTA on LinkedIn where we often post current jobs.

Check out the Return Peace Corps Volunteers job board for career opportunities that are also available to AmeriCorps alumni.

Learn about Schools of National Service

Through schools of national service, AmeriCorps partners with higher education institutions to improve college access and affordability for AmeriCorps alumni. Participating trade schools, community colleges, and other institutions provide incentives and awards to AmeriCorps alumni in recognition of their service.

Explore over 250 schools and the benefits they offer to AmeriCorps alumni.

 Explore Schools

Apply for the Harris Wofford Joint Service Award

AmeriCorps and Peace Corps partnered to launch the Harris Wofford Joint Service Award to honor the legacy of Harris Wofford, whose contributions helped establish both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps programs. This award is available to individuals who have successfully completed both a full-time service term or its equivalent in AmeriCorps and completed Peace Corps or Peace Corps Response. 

You can apply for this award throughout the year. To be considered for that year’s award, you must apply by June 30 of that calendar year.

Learn more

Share Your AmeriCorps Story

Every AmeriCorps experience tells a story. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers represent the best of America, tirelessly serving people and communities across the country. AmeriCorps programs are doing amazing work across the nation, and we want to share that on a national scale. Share your story and help us raise awareness about the positive impact our programs, volunteers, and members have on their communities.

Submitted stories may be featured in social media, emails, and other media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to see other members’ service stories.

Additional Resources

We offer additional resources for our members to take the next step after serving with AmeriCorps. Check out these AmeriCorps alumni support services.