Arkansas Tech University has been approved as a sponsoring organization for the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program.
As a result, up to five ATU students will have an opportunity to participate in the federally-funded initiative over the next year.
“This program opens up so many great opportunities for improving our community and for engaging our students in the process,” said Dr. Julie Mikles-Schluterman, associate professor of sociology at ATU and director of the ATU Center for Community Engagement and Academic Outreach. “We look forward to getting started.”
According to information provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps VISTA members “build capacity in non-profit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level and empower individuals and communities.”
Volunteers in the AmeriCorps VISTA program serve full time for one year.
More than 220,000 VISTA members have worked to strengthen organizations that combat poverty since the program was initiated in 1965. Active in all 50 U.S. States and all U.S. territories, VISTA mobilizes appropriate resources to bring relief to those in need.
“This program is going to have a positive impact on this campus and, more importantly, the river valley region,” said Dr. Jason Warnick, professor of psychology and assistant vice president for student success at ATU.
Arkansas Tech students interested in applying for AmeriCorps VISTA may seek additional information by sending e-mail to jmiklesschluterman@atu.edu or by calling (479) 498-6050.
