OCC AmeriCorps*VISTA Summer Associate Program

The Corporation for National and Community Service is committed to ensuring a brighter future for all of America’s youth and engaging students in community. The AmeriCorps*VISTA Summer Associate Program gives campuses an opportunity to invest in both of these goals.

Ohio Campus Compact’s “Healthy Food for All” Summer Associate Program allows OCC members the opportunity to host up to 5 AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteers for 8 weeks to enhance and sustain projects. The goals for this initiative are to:
•    Develop, implement, and manage educational programs that build awareness of food insecurity and hunger issues in local communities
•    Assist with the management and implementation of local community garden projects
•    Assist with the management and implementation of local summer feeding programs
•    Build awareness of hunger issues through education and community gardens and summer feeding programs. Help the community understand the gap and show that when community members do not receive healthy fresh food there is an increase obesity and diabetes in the community.
•    OCC Summer Associates will recruit and train at least 1,000 students/faculty/staff/community member volunteers to serve in local communities of need.
•    Assist in securing funding for projects and programs addressing issues of poverty as well as seeking funding to ensure the sustainability of these projects and programs beyond the completion of the OCC AmeriCorps*VISTA Summer Associate Program.
•    Build capacity of continuing community gardens. As a result of the OCC AmeriCorps*VISTA Summer Associates’ engagement of community and campus volunteers, local organizations will increase their capacity to serve the low-income community.

Timeline of the Program:
March 1: Applications go out to member campuses
March 19: Applications are due to OCC
March 29: Host Campuses are announced
May: All new hire paperwork is due
June 14: Summer Associate Orientation at OCC
June 14-August 6: Summer Associate Program runs for 8 weeks
August 6: Summer Associate Banquet at OCC

AmeriCorps provides:
•    A subsistence allowance equal to a pro-rated amount received by the full-year members serving in the same area
•    A $1,000 education award from the National Service Trust if the Associates serves a minimum of 8 weeks OR a $200 post-service cash stipend
(Note: Unlike year-long VISTAs, Summer Associates do not receive: health coverage, life insurance, child care allowances, or relocation allowances from AmeriCorps)

Host Campus provides:
•    Day to day supervision of the Summer Associate(s)
•    Office space and office supplies
•    Budget for travel or other expenses to campus work and OCC events
•    Optional: on campus housing and/or meal support

Ohio Campus Compact provides:
•    Weekly reflection and professional development activities
•    Support of the Ohio Campus Compact VISTA Director
•    Assistance with meeting requirements of reporting