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Become an AmeriCorps VISTA

Work with local organizations on important community issues and take home an education award at the end of your year of service!

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AmeriCorps VISTA members serve for a year building the capacity of local non-profit organizations and public agencies in the Northland with the ultimate goal of eradicating poverty. The Eco3 VISTA Corps focuses on addressing poverty holistically from various angles such as food access and systems, government policy, community development, education, public health, creative place-making, energy security, and more.

The Eco3 VISTA Program matches passionate individuals to positions with community partners, supports our members with resources and training in community engagement and professional development, and connects members with social, cultural, and outdoor experiences. 

Learn More About Eco3 VISTA

Eco3 VISTA is a program of AmeriCorps. VISTAs serve for a year with local nonprofit organizations or public agencies. VISTAs address issues like poverty, health, hunger, affordable housing, energy security, environment, and community development. 

Eco3 VISTA members work with organizations that are deeply embedded in the community to help develop solutions to community challenges through leveraging resources, building partnerships, expanding reach and improving organizational efficiency.

While serving their communities, Eco3 VISTA members also gain valuable experience and access to professional development opportunities, become a part of a passionate and service-oriented cohort, and upon completion of service, take home an education award or cash stipend. 

  1. Living Stipend: Adjusted to local income levels, the stipend is a modest amount to cover basic living expenses. In Duluth, the stipend is $22,819 per year.
  2. End of Service Education Award or Stipend: Upon successful completion of your VISTA service, members can choose a cash stipend of about $1,800 or a $7,395 award for education expenses like student loans or tuition. 
  3. Professional Development: Includes training, workshops, and a $150 stipend for individual professional development throughout your VISTA service.
  4. Housing Stipend: Members of the Ecolibrium3 VISTA Program receive a housing stipend to help with housing expenses during their service year.
  5. Healthcare and Childcare: Qualified members can choose a health reimbursement or plan and childcare support. 
  6. Public Benefits: Members can enroll in Minnesota benefits, including healthcare and housing assistance with help from Eco3 staff.
  7. Relocation Allowance: VISTA members can receive payment to help with the costs of relocating to Minnesota!
  8. Non-Competitive Eligibility and other Alumni Resources: After service, members can participate in AmeriCorps Alumni networks and receive Non-Competitive Eligibility for some federal employment.

For more information, check out the VISTA Benefits webpage on AmeriCorps.gov or contact us with any questions related to service or benefits!

Our VISTAs serve across Northern Minnesota, but our nucleus is in the City of Duluth. Duluth is a beautiful city located right on the shoreline of Lake Superior. Easy access to the beach, hiking trails, winter sports, live music, restaurants, and a community of passionate individuals and organizations are just some of the reasons to spend your year of service here. 

Why Should You Serve?

“My experiences with St. Louis County and AmeriCorps absolutely prepared me for a public health career!”
-Stephany, ’19-20

“I was able to get into the mindset of ‘I know I can do this, I just have to ask a lot of questions and jump into it, and be confident.’”
-Lena, ’22-23

“I was given the opportunity to work at the intersection between big state and federal resources and intensely local community work.”
-Lucas, ’18-20

“I’m in my last year of law school now, and I use the experience I got at NERSDP every day.”
-Joel, ’20-21

Person with shovel smiles in a field in front of trees.

“VISTA helps you find your vocation: the place where your talents and skills meet the needs of the world.”
-Tracy, ’21-22

Person wearing a face mask smiles, standing in front of several display boards and a model of a house.

“It connected and prepared me for the high performance design work I do now.” 
-Leah, ’20-21

Read more VISTA stories here!

Make an impact in your community by serving with Ecolibrium3's AmeriCorps VISTA cohort!

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2026

During AmeriCorps National Days of Service, members have the opportunity to collaborate with other programs to address community needs and build teamwork. Members volunteer within their communities, highlighting the positive difference AmeriCorps groups can make through service across the nation.

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January 22, 2026