Types of Service

Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) advances the public purposes of colleges and universities by deepening their ability to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. Our AmeriCorps members serve for a year or more in Montana communities, addressing issues of poverty, advancing educational equity, increasing college attainment, supporting veterans, and improving the resiliency of nonprofits. MTCC operates two distinct AmeriCorps programs:

AmeriCorps Leaders (an AmeriCorps State & National program) and AmeriCorps VISTA.

• • Members of both programs are part of the MTCC AmeriCorps Cohort (approximately 100 full-time and part-time members each year);
  • Members of both programs engage in service that alleviates poverty and increases access to education;
  • Members of both programs attend joint in-person trainings and  participate in National Days of Service.

While both AmeriCorps Leaders and AmeriCorps VISTAs share common goals and similar missions, there are distinctive differences between the programs. The table below clarifies these.

Type of Service Activities:

Leaders serve people DIRECTLY.

As a Leader, you engage with students one-on-one and in small groups. You regularly see the beneficiaries of your service in-person, and you have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with them.

• High school coaches mentor first-generation and low-income high school students to build a pathway to college and increase academic success.
• College success coaches mentor first-generation and low-income college students to be successful in completing their degree or certificate programs.
• Student success mentors help younger students to explore careers, develop interests in STEM fields, and explore the idea of college.
• Leaders also develop a team of part-time college student AmeriCorps members to increase the impact of their project and promote volunteerism and community engagement.

VISTAs serve people INDIRECTLY.

As a VISTA you provide “behind the scenes” support. You make it possible for organizations to provide services to more people in more ways with greater efficiency, but you do not regularly meet in-person with the beneficiaries of your service.

• VISTAs serve with schools, colleges, nonprofits, and government agencies.
• VISTAs build an organization’s capacity by writing grants, recruiting volunteers, building partnerships, or developing programs.
• VISTA service impacts K-12 youth, low income and first generation college students, veterans and military families, and refugees.
• VISTA service moves populations out of poverty through education.

Bi-Weekly Living Stipend:

• $579 (pre-tax)

• $513 (pre-tax)