Resources for AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers

Interested in Exploring AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps offers service opportunities that allow you to address community needs while building skills and experience in support of a future public service career. Programs may focus on areas such as education, disaster response, public health, environmental stewardship and economic opportunity.  

Use the resources below to learn more about AmeriCorps service options, understand how service can connect to government careers and explore whether AmeriCorps is the right next step for you.

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Watch the video above to learn what AmeriCorps service can look like and explore the resources below to learn more.

If you complete AmeriCorps VISTA service, you may qualify for noncompetitive eligibility, often called NCE. This hiring authority allows federal agencies to consider you outside the usual competitive hiring process. While NCE does not guarantee you a federal job, it can help you apply your national service experience to a career in federal service.

Noncompetitive Eligibility for AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers

After completing your AmeriCorps VISTA service, you have one year to use your noncompetitive eligibility. During that time, you may apply for federal jobs that are open to current government employees and other eligible applicants. 

Federal agencies may extend your eligibility for up to two additional years if, after your service, you are: 

• Serving in the military  

• Studying at an accredited college or university  

• Participating in another activity that the agency determines warrants an extension  

NCE does not guarantee you a federal job. You must still apply, meet the qualifications for the position and complete any additional requirements, such as a background investigation. Agencies can only use NCE if you qualify for the hiring authority and meet the minimum qualifications for the role. 

To document your eligibility, log in to your My AmeriCorps account and obtain your AmeriCorps VISTA Verification of Service letter. When applying for federal positions, upload and submit this documentation with your application. You may also mention your NCE status on your federal resume so hiring managers and HR specialists can identify your eligibility.

AmeriCorps State and National members and AmeriCorps NCCC members are not eligible for the AmeriCorps VISTA NCE benefit. 

If you are hired into federal service after AmeriCorps VISTA, your service year may also count toward certain federal benefits, such as leave accrual and retirement calculations. Review the job announcement and agency guidance for details.

How to Find Jobs Open to AmeriCorps VISTA Alumni

To find positions, start with these common search options: 

• USAJOBS: Review the “This job is open to” section of each job announcement. If the position is open to AmeriCorps VISTA alumni with noncompetitive eligibility, the announcement will include the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA hiring path. You can also use the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA filter when searching USAJOBS to see jobs open to eligible alumni.  

• AmeriCorps resources: Log in to your My AmeriCorps account to access your AmeriCorps VISTA Verification of Service letter and review available resources for alumni.