My name is Reese, and I am the Program Coordinator for the Eco3 AmeriCorps VISTA Program. I served as a VISTA member in 2022-2023 as the Communications and Community Resilience VISTA, then again in 2023-2024 as the VISTA Leader. In August 2024, I joined Ecolibrium3 as a staff member. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and differ in the reasons they are driven to support their communities. As we continue to seek new members for our programs, I want to share my experience with AmeriCorps and the reasons why I joined. Here are five reasons why I joined Eco3’s AmeriCorps programs, and why you should join too.
1. Job Experience
I joined the Eco3 VISTA Corps in 2022, after I finished graduate school. At the time, I did not have much work experience, so I struggled to find a job in my field. AmeriCorps was the perfect solution because it was a great opportunity to gain experience with a lower barrier to entry than some entry-level jobs that required years of experience. The knowledge and experience I gained during my two years of VISTA service were invaluable, and I learned about what it is like to work for a nonprofit organization.
You don’t need a graduate degree to participate in AmeriCorps; that was just my path. The Eco3 AmeriCorps programs are open to applicants with any educational background and experience. Whether you just finished high school or have multiple degrees, there is an AmeriCorps opportunity for you!
2. Exploring Skills and Opportunities
When I was applying for jobs after graduate school, I also struggled with knowing what kind of job would be the right fit for me. I had many interests, but without a lot of work experience. I didn’t know what kind of career I wanted to pursue beyond mission-based community development work. AmeriCorps allowed me to try new things and explore different types of nonprofit work without a major commitment since my VISTA terms were each one year. My AmeriCorps term was an opportunity to try out something new and see if I liked it, all while building my skills for future opportunities
Terms with the Eco3 VISTA Corps are for one year. However, the Energy Training Corps offers different term lengths for you to choose from.
3. Pathways to Other Employment
Serving with the Eco3 VISTA Corps was a great way to get my foot in the door at Ecolibrium3. Without my AmeriCorps service and experience, I would not have landed the job that I have now. Many other AmeriCorps members have taken on job opportunities at their host site or other host sites after completing their service year. AmeriCorps service is also a great opportunity to connect with other organizations in the community. Additionally, AmeriCorps service is a great resume builder to get you to the next step in your career.
4. Education Award
Another great perk of the AmeriCorps programs is the Segal Education Award. After my terms of service, I was able to pay off some of my student loans using the Segal Education Award. The education award varies based on the length of your service term. The maximum education award is, at most, equal to the Federal Pell Grant. Currently, that amount is set at over $7,000. The education award can be used to pay off student loans or pay for classes. Because I served two years in AmeriCorps VISTA, I was able to pay off over $14,000 of student debt!
5. Adventure!
When I moved to Minnesota to serve with the Eco3 VISTA Corps, I’d never been to Duluth or even Minnesota! When I was offered my first AmeriCorps role, I had two weeks to pack my bags and get to Duluth, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Duluth has so much to offer. Since the Eco3 AmeriCorps programs run with a cohort model, I was able to make new friends and meet cool people who are passionate about making their community a better place. We spent a lot of time together, enjoying everything the Northland has to offer. Some of my best VISTA memories are from spending time with my cohort! We drove up the North Shore to watch the Northern Lights, played trivia, had craft nights, and so many other activities!
These five points are just some of the reasons why I joined AmeriCorps. There are so many more reasons to join! If any of these reasons to serve interest you, check out our VISTA and Energy Training Corps programs. We have positions open now! Applications can be submitted at my.americorps.gov. If you have any questions about our programs, feel free to email us at americorps@ecolibrium3.org or give us a call at 218-302-5340.