Careers in Service

person putting canned goods on a shelf.

Interested in opportunities that allow you to continue to focus on community service? This page provides information about several pathways available after graduation.

AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA, or Volunteers in Service to America, is a national service program that helps fight poverty. VISTA members serve full-time for one year with nonprofit organizations and public agencies. How VISTA works:

  • VISTA members help communities by developing and expanding programs that address poverty.
  • They work on issues like public health, education, the environment, public safety, and employment.
  • VISTA members are recruited directly by organizations.

There are several VISTA jobs available: Transform Mid-Atlantic VISTA positions (Maryland and DC). 

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Fredericksburg has an AmeriCorps VISTA position available in Fredericksburg. The goal of the VISTA project is to expand capacity to serve youth by enhancing volunteer engagement, strengthening resource development, and increasing opportunities for enriching mentorship activities. The AmeriCorps VISTA member will help build the organization’s capacity by promoting volunteerism, evaluating data for fundraising and grant opportunities, and expanding match activity programming. The Member will do this by researching systems, improving grant application processes, and securing partnerships to enhance the experience for the youth we serve. For more information, reach out to Sandra at sandraerickson@bbbsfred.org.

Virginia College Advising Corps

The Virginia College Advising Corps (VCAC) is a public service program that helps high school students plan for college. The program is based at the University of Virginia and is part of AmeriCorps. The adviser positions are for recent college graduates. Candidates apply throughout December and January, go through interview rounds in February and March, and if selected as a finalist, visit an assigned high school site in April. They begin service in July with a two-week training in Charlottesville.

Purpose:

  • Increase the number of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students who go to college
  • Remove barriers to higher education for these students
  • Create a college-going culture in schools.

Learn more and apply by visiting this page. 

Two AmeriCorps VISTA Position with Serve Virginia

Virginia Capacity Building Project: This project supports Serve Virginia in Richmond and their partners in alleviating the effects of poverty through organizational capacity building. This is a summer position. While our project covers a wide range of issue areas, from substance use disorder to educational opportunities, all of our members are dedicated to increasing the impact and reach of volunteerism and to pursuing healthy futures for all Virginians. The efforts of our AmeriCorps members will help us build towards a healthier, happier, and stronger Commonwealth. For more information, contact Alex at alexander.vanik@dss.virginia.gov.

This image shows student volunteers standing in front of a screen that says Morning of Service.

Statewide Volunteer Infrastructure VISTA: This position is with Serve Virginia in Richmond. Serve your community and develop your professional skills through a year of service with AmeriCorps VISTA! In this teleservice position, the Serve Virginia Statewide Volunteer Infrastructure VISTA will build capacity by expanding statewide programming to support service and volunteerism. The Member will do so by expanding usage of a statewide volunteer center platform, providing training and technical support to volunteers and organizations, and connecting local organizations with resources to enhance connectivity and collaboration. The right fit for this position will be self-driven and highly motivated, with a passion for serving their communities. Applicants should be comfortable learning a new web-based technology platform and communicating with a variety of organizations and individuals. Applicants should have a valid Virginia Driver’s License or other means of reliable transportation.

Benefits for members include:

  • Biweekly living allowance of $957.46, pre-tax
  • 80 hours each personal and sick leave
  • Holidays on the state calendar, typically 116 hours / year
  • Option of a health benefit plan (essentially a basic insurance plan for members without insurance) or a healthcare allowance (reimbursement for copays and other eligible costs for members who already have insurance), enrollment in either plan is free
  • Childcare allowance, if applicable
  • Relocation stipend, if applicable

Upon successful completion of their term, members will also receive:

  • One year of non-competitive eligibility for federal employment
  • Option of either a Segal education award ($7,395) OR a cash stipend (~$1,800).

Applicants should apply on the MyAmeriCorps Portal: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=128658

U.S. Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is a U.S. government program that sends volunteers to help with community projects in developing countries. The Peace Corps’ mission is to promote peace and friendship by helping people understand each other better. To work in the Peace Corps, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and commit to two years of service. Peace Corps volunteers receive a living allowance and other support.

How does the Peace Corps work?

  • Volunteers work on locally prioritized projects in areas like health, education, and the environment.
  • Volunteers receive a stipend and other support while immersed in a new culture.

To learn more about how to get involved in the Peace Corps, visit UMW’s Peace Corps Prep Program.