AmeriCorps*VISTA Position
Academic Service-Learning Center
Grand Rapids Community College
POSITION TYPE: This is a one-year, full-time, grant-funded position by the Corporation for National
and Community Service through the Michigan Campus Compact. AmeriCorps is
a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than
70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country’s critical
needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. Position is contingent
on approval of funding.
The VISTA works as part of the team at GRCC’s Academic Service-Learning Center
(ASLC). The ASLC provides students, faculty, and staff with learning opportunities to
encourage them to become responsible citizens.
REPORTS TO:
BENEFITS:
Community Liaison—GRCC Academic Service-Learning Center AND
VISTA Coordinator—Michigan Campus Compact
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START DATE:
Annual living allowance of approximately $9800 depending on county of service
Education Award of $4,725 or End-of-Service Award of $1,200 upon completion
of full term of service
Student Loan forbearance (if Education Award is elected)
Health insurance
10 Personal Days, 10 Sick Days
Childcare assistance subsidies (if eligible)
Training and professional development
July, 2008
END DATE: July, 2009
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The following are the responsibilities of the AmeriCorps*VISTA:
Michigan Campus Compact VISTA Program Goal I:
Creating and sustaining effective partnerships between higher education institutions and community
organizations that address the needs of those in poverty in Kent County, with special emphasis on those
impacting children and youth.
Specific tasks include:
• Interviewing, placing, training, supervising, and evaluating Community Service Work Study (CSWS)
students
• Delivering CSWS community partner supervisor orientations and performing site visits
• Facilitating the Michigan Service Scholar Program
• Evaluating CSWS community partners
Michigan Campus Compact VISTA Program Goal II:
Providing leadership for and coordinating community service and/or service-learning initiatives to connect
those at GRCC with community organizations that address the needs of those in poverty in Kent County.
Specific tasks include:
• Supporting and growing student organization service initiatives
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Developing marketing plans for recruiting student volunteers from student organizations
Coordinating campus-wide Days of Service with students, faculty, and staff and supporting service
projects in the First Year Experience courses
Supporting and growing established student organization service initiatives
Developing and marketing a process for connecting the GRCC community to short and long-term
community service opportunities
Michigan Campus Compact VISTA Program Goal III:
Promoting and documenting effective partnerships between GRCC and institutions and community
organizations in order to build public awareness of the needs of those in poverty in Kent County and the
responsibility of all to address these needs.
Specific tasks include:
• Developing, facilitating, and evaluating reflection and career professional development opportunities for
the CSWS Program
• Revising CSWS student and community partner orientation materials
• Delivering information sessions on AmeriCorps and other National Service opportunities
• Updating VISTA training materials
Other Benefits:
• $1000 Room & Board stipend
• Access to GRCC’s fitness center
• Free parking
• Participation in college-wide professional development opportunities and community leadership
trainings
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelors Degree preferred; Associates Degree required
• Familiarity with: the Federal Work Study program, service-learning, coordinating and providing
trainings, working with Non-Profits and the Grand Rapids community
• The AmeriCorps*VISTA should be well-organized, independent, and show a true commitment to
helping others through service
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must first apply to Michigan Campus Compact via their web site:
http://www.micampuscompact.org/joinvista.asp
Also please send the following materials:
• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of three references
To:
Mr. Michael Schavey, Community Liaison
Grand Rapids Community College
Academic Service-Learning Center
143 Bostwick Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 234-4180
(616) 234-3494 (FAX)
mschavey@grcc.edu
APPLICATION
DEADLINE:
May 9, 2008
or Until Filled