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!
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.
Make an impact in your community by serving with Ecolibrium3's AmeriCorps VISTA cohort!
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Professional Development: Includes training, workshops, and a $150 stipend for individual professional development throughout your VISTA service.
- Housing Stipend: Members of the Ecolibrium3 VISTA Program receive a housing stipend to help with housing expenses during their service year.
- Healthcare and Childcare: Qualified members can choose a health reimbursement or plan and childcare support.
- Public Benefits: Members can enroll in Minnesota benefits, including healthcare and housing assistance with help from Eco3 staff.
- Relocation Allowance: VISTA members can receive payment to help with the costs of relocating to Minnesota!
- 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
“VISTA helps you find your vocation: the place where your talents and skills meet the needs of the world.”
-Tracy, ’21-22
“It connected and prepared me for the high performance design work I do now.”
-Leah, ’20-21
Positions Open Now!
Ecolibrium3 places VISTAs in a variety of host sites to serve in many different fields. All Eco3 VISTAs work toward the shared goals of building community capacity and addressing poverty in Northern Minnesota. Check out our available positions!
The member will build the capacity of Ecolibrium3 and the Duluth Age-Friendly initiative by 1) supporting the development of home safety and healthy aging in place checklists, guidelines, tools, home assessments, and recommendations for trainees; 2) engaging with and training local service providers on home safety and aging in place; 3) assess community needs and interests in intergenerational community social connectedness opportunities and develop engagement opportunities to be held at the LNPK Hub and Eco3 Urban Farm; 4) support outreach and community education opportunities on how we think about life as we age.
Apply Here
Deadline: 05/08/2026
Start Date: 06/01/2026
The member will build the communications capacity of a nationally-recognized community development organization to address poverty. The member will develop strategic communications channels and content to expand successful programs in community wellness, energy security, and the environment. The member will also 1) develop organizational strategic communication plans inclusive of the LNPK Hub, VISTA, and Energy Training Corps programs, and 2) advance Ecolibrium3’s web presence to improve community engagement and accessibility.
The member will build the communications capacity of a nationally-recognized community development organization to address poverty. The member will develop strategic communications channels and content to expand successful programs in community wellness, energy security, and the environment. The member will also 1) develop organizational strategic communication plans inclusive of the LNPK Hub, VISTA, and Energy Training Corps programs, and 2) advance Ecolibrium3’s web presence to improve community engagement and accessibility.
1) Build the capacity of the Ecolibrium3 VISTA Corps members and community project sites by building member skills and facilitating members’ personal growth. 2) Expand community awareness of the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA Program and understanding of the mission of AmeriCorps VISTA. 3) Support VISTA Corps members personally and professionally throughout their service. 4) Assist VISTA members to construct work plans and goals in relation to each member’s VISTA Assignment Description (VAD) and performance measures. 5) Refine the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA Communications Plan 6) Coordinate monthly All-VISTA Meetings and inter-cohort communications. 7) Lead outreach and recruitment for new VISTA members. 8) Create and refine member support resource list. Applicants must have one year of AmeriCorps VISTA or Peace Corps experience.
The member will build the capacity of the United Way of Carlton and Pine County Area. The member will work on a variety of programs that provide services to community members and support engagement with community partners. The VISTA will 1) Actively develop programs and systems to reduce the impact and incidence of poverty. 2) Conduct landscape analyses to identify potential partnerships. 3) Build program capacity, expand partnerships, and leverage funding toward program sustainability. 4) Research best practices and develop impact evaluation methodologies. 5) Develop professional skills to ensure post-service success.
The Digital Systems & Strategy Coordinator VISTA will build Mentor North’s organizational capacity by assessing, improving, and documenting internal systems for data management, reporting, project management, and communication. The member will 1) Assess current digital infrastructure to identify efficiency gaps and recommend strategies and tools that align with organizational needs and long-term program sustainability; 2) Develop and document improved digital systems and create comprehensive, user-friendly resources to ensure staff can sustainably maintain these systems beyond the VISTA service term; and 3) Organize internal digital assets and develop workflows that improve the organization’s ability to share the impact of mentorship through consistent storytelling and outreach.
Apply Here
Deadline: 05/08/2026
Start Date: 06/01/2026
Find Out the Latest
Stay up to date with what our VISTA members are doing in the community!
Energy Training Corps
Eco3 is developing an Energy Training Corps. This AmeriCorps program is an entry into the energy efficiency workforce and will equip members with energy industry certifications. Members will learn the basics of energy assessment, weatherization protocols, and help people improve their housing stock.
Legacy House Fall Updates
The Legacy House continues to moves ever closer to a livable home for future Eco3 VISTAs with the progress of interior and exterior renovations The
2023-2024 Eco3 VISTA Cohort Leaves an Impact
AmeriCorps VISTA members dedicate a year of service to help eradicate poverty in Duluth and surrounding areas by building the capacity of the organizations they