Back to Earth is a youth development organization rooted in a simple but urgent belief: youth thrive when they feel connected—to themselves, to each other, and to the living world. Our anti-poverty initiative expands access to outdoor education, mentorship, and scholarship support for low-income youth. We address poverty-related barriers that limit educational success, including social isolation, chronic stress, and lack of enrichment opportunities. A VISTA member will strengthen our capacity by creating the frameworks that expand scholarship access, deepening community partnerships, and developing systems that make sustained engagement possible for families navigating economic hardship. We do this through immersive wilderness expeditions and year-round mentorship with more than 500 youth. Each summer, more than 150 youth enter the Sierra Nevada backcountry—hiking through mountains, sleeping under open skies, cooking together, and learning to move as a group through challenge and beauty. Guided by experienced mentors, youth build emotional regulation, confidence, resilience, and leadership—competencies directly linked to school engagement and academic persistence for students facing poverty. We focus especially on youth from low-income and historically underserved communities with limited access to nature-based learning and enrichment opportunities. Throughout the year, we stay in relationship with youth, families, schools, and community partners through mentorship, classroom presence, and local gatherings. The VISTA will strengthen these touchpoints by developing outreach infrastructure, volunteer systems, and partnership frameworks that extend our reach into communities most impacted by poverty—helping youth build critical life skills and pursue future educational and economic opportunities.
Member Duties : This role will be a critical part of the team and the organization’s growth over the next year. Build and strengthen partnerships with schools and community organizations to expand access for low-income youth Develop referral pipelines with counselors, educators, and youth-serving partners Support scholarship fundraising systems, donor pipelines, and grant research Create outreach materials, partnership toolkits, and clear program messaging Build systems for volunteer recruitment and alumni leadership pathways Track participation, scholarship distribution, and youth outcomes to strengthen evaluation and impact reporting
Program Benefits : Training , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Relocation Allowance , Education award upon successful completion of service , Living Allowance , Health Coverage* , Childcare assistance if eligible .
Terms :
Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended .
Service Areas :
Education , Community and Economic Development , Community Outreach .
UWCCR & BacktoEarth Community Outreach Coordinator VISTA
Minimum: 18 Maximum: None
Program Locations
CALIFORNIA
From 05/28/2026 To 07/12/2026
