DPI VISTA: How to Apply

The VISTA Applicant

Before applying, keep in mind that VISTA is a highly involved program that requires hard work, initiative, and creativity. We have developed a Self-Screening tool for candidates to help you determine if this is the project for you! You may also want to screen our videos featuring interviews with current and past members accessible via our Google Site here .

What does a DPI sponsored AmeriCorps*VISTA DO? Click here to find out.

Why should YOU become a DPI VISTA? Click here to find out.

What could you GAIN from serving as a VISTA? Click here to find out.

In general, we prefer applicants that have

• A college degree
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Computer and email proficiency
• Excellent organizational skills
• Patience and flexibility
• Entrepreneurial skills (to seek funding)
• Relationship-building skills
• Team and leadership skills
• Research skills
• A willingness to take initiative to promote partnerships
• Commitment to the mission of the project and its impact on schools, libraries and communities

You are also highly encouraged to browse the Current Sites and Projects page to see what our current VISTA Members are doing throughout Wisconsin.

Applying to Become a DPI VISTA Member

RECRUITMENT IS CLOSED. We will open recruitment in early February 2012.

Go to the My AmeriCorps website and apply online. You will need to complete the search criteria as follows. Or, access the posting directly here.

1. Program type: AmeriCorps*VISTA
2. State: WI
3. Program name: DPI

DPI VISTA Alumni

What have former VISTA members said about their experience?

"I loved my VISTA experience with DPI because I was able able to make a difference. Building relationships with parents and teachers helped me increase family involvment in Wausau schools and it was fun!" --Sylvia Sedrak, Wausau Early Childhood Program, 2009-2010

"Along with the obvious gratification that comes from helping people that really need it, VISTA helped me build professional capital by giving me real world experience and providing me countless professional development opportunities." --Chad Olle, Parents Plus, Milwaukee, 2008-2009

"Above all, VISTA allowed me to see what I am capable of doing and has since pushed me to take on projects or tasks that before my VISTA work would have been outside my comfort zone. This willingness to take risks in my learning complemented by a well-defined dual focus on obtaining immediate success and long term sustainability for organizational initiatives and programs has opened many doors for me. That is something I never would have imagined possible when I signed up for VISTA: My work would affect me as much, if not more, as it would the community I was serving in."
--Jim Handorf, Madison Public Library, 2009-2010

"Being a VISTA was a wonderful experience! It was a great opportunity to learn tools that I can still use after my year of service, including grant writing and networking-skills that I know I can make good use of in my future as an educator. People see you in a different light when they recognize that you're a VISTA. They know that you're dedicated to making a difference in the community, and you're given their utmost respect for it."
--Sarah Glassman, Parents Plus, 2009-2010

For more information, contact

Kristine Nadolski, Program Manager
Phone: 608-267-7290
kristine.nadolski@dpi.wi.gov

Or dial 800-441-4563, and request the above extensions

Last updated on 2/7/2012 3:26:20 PM