Find answers to the frequently asked questions about the CSU STEM VISTA program here.
The Selection Process
I will be graduating in the Spring. Is full-time work experience a requirement? No, candidates are not required to have full-time work experience. The majority of current VISTA members have had part-time work experiences such as on-campus jobs, sales and service industry experience, student leadership positions, and/or internships and research experiences.
I have a bachelor's degree, but it's not in STEM. Are you open to candidates with educational backgrounds in other areas? Yes! We look for a variety of academic, personal and professional experiences to make up each cohort and meet the skill set required for each of the VISTA projects.
When is the application deadline? You may submit an application, resume and cover letter beginning in mid-March. Priority application deadline is April 26. All positions must be filled by mid June 2024. Applications are reviewed and positions are filled on a rolling basis. We encourage you to submit your materials as soon as possible. If you submit your application later in the Spring, there will be fewer VISTA positions to be matched with.
What does the VISTA team consider when making matches? The VISTA leadership team considers the interests, skills and experience of the candidate, the skill set needed for each of the VISTA positions, and the requirements of the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Learn more about the qualifications
here.
May I choose my VISTA placement? During the application process, we will ask you to share which VISTA positions are of most interest to you. We typically ask that you rank your top three VISTA positions based on your interests, skills and location preferences.
I am not able to relocate. Can I still be a VISTA member? This may not be a problem if you live in an area within driving distance where a CSU campus is located. Current AmeriCorps policy requires VISTA members to reside within the commuting area of the geographic community of their assigned site (a CSU campus).
When would I start my VISTA position? All VISTA members must begin at their campus on Monday, July 15. The start date is not negotiable. The full VISTA term is from July 15, 2024 through July 14, 2025.
VISTA Positions
Where will I work as a VISTA member? Candidates are matched with a VISTA position on a CSU campus. Learn more about the available VISTA positions and their locations here.
What is the time commitment required? The CSU STEM VISTA program is a full-time, one-year commitment from July 15, 2024 to July 14, 2025. In addition to a highly demanding role at your campus that may occasionally require evening and weekend work, VISTA members must participate in the VISTA professional development sessions. Typically, this is up-to two multi-day in-person and several virtual sessions. Learn more about the
terms and conditions of serving as a VISTA member here.
What type of roles will I take on as a VISTA member? VISTA positions and projects are determined by the CSU campus team based on their unique needs. In general, your projects and activities focus on eliminating equity gaps in STEM degree and STEM teacher credentialing programs. You will help build the capacity and long-term sustainability of STEM student success programs and initiatives. VISTA positions are not direct service roles; therefore, you will not be mentoring, teaching, students directly but rather developing and enhancing programs and initiatives that contribute to student success.
What is the salary range for VISTA members? You will receive a modest living allowance set at the poverty level of the county in which you are serving. Find the living allowance rates by county here. Visit the benefits page. to learn more about the additional VISTA benefits.
Who do I contact for more information or with a specific question?
Please email questions to
[email protected].