Nearly 4 out of 10 Vista Unified students are not reading at grade level, leaving hundreds of children without the foundational literacy skills needed for lifelong success. Meanwhile, families face a fragmented ecosystem of resources, making timely support difficult to access.
To solve this, We Strive for Literacy (WSFL) is launching the Vista Literacy Collaborative—uniting schools, families, community organizations, volunteers, and funders into a seamless support network designed to assist ~300 low-income children and families over the next three years.
Important Note: This is a capacity-building service opportunity, not a direct tutoring role. As a VISTA member, you will create the sustainable systems, tools, referral networks, and documented processes that keep this initiative thriving long after your service year ends.
(This is a great opportunity for recent high school or college graduates looking to take a gap year or someone retired)
Key Responsibilities
- Partnership Mapping & Outreach: Assess existing community partners and local resources to build a structured pipeline and partner map.
- Infrastructure & Tool Development: Design reusable meeting agendas, facilitation tools, and follow-up procedures for Collaborative stakeholder meetings.
- Referral & Enrollment Pathways: Co-design, pilot, and refine family-friendly referral systems in direct collaboration with local schools, organizations, and families.
- Knowledge Sharing: Document best practices, train staff/partners on system usage, and contribute tools to the Vista Literacy Collaborative Replication Toolkit.
Year 1 Focus & Measurable Goals
- Establish or strengthen 10 community partnerships.
- Pilot partnership engagement, referral, and planning tools with at least 4 core partners.
- Create and hand off standardized, documented procedures to ensure ongoing program sustainability.
Desired Skills & Qualifications
We are looking for candidates who bring strong interpersonal and organizational capabilities:
- Core Competencies: Community Organization, Relationship Building, Communications, and Leadership.
- Operational Skills: Public Speaking, Technology/Computers, Project Coordination, and Teamwork.
- Background/Interests: Education, Business/Entrepreneurship, or Nonprofit Management.
Program Benefits
- Living Allowance
- Choice of Segal Education Award or End-of-Service Stipend upon successful completion
- Transportation Reimbursement & Relocation Allowance (if eligible)
- Healthcare Coverage & Childcare Assistance (if eligible)
- Structured supervision, hands-on project coaching, and ongoing professional
IMPORTANT AMERICORPS VISTA SERVICE DETAILS
Before applying, we want to make sure the structure of AmeriCorps VISTA service aligns with what you are looking for:
- This is a full-time AmeriCorps VISTA service position, not a traditional salaried position. VISTA members receive an AmeriCorps living allowance of approximately $32,000 over the one-year service term.
- This is an in-person position in Vista, California. Relocation assistance may be available for eligible candidates who are relocating to serve.
- Candidates must meet AmeriCorps eligibility and background-check requirements.
- Upon successful completion of service, members may choose between a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or an end-of-service stipend, along with other eligible AmeriCorps benefits.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, you MUST submit an application through the official AmeriCorps Portal. Applying through ZipRecruiter alone does not complete the AmeriCorps application process.
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=130523
Pay: $32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Relocation assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
