2021 Academic Vista Matching Grant Request

We have received an Impact Grant from the Mankato Area Foundation to support our 2021 academic Vista program. The grant requires dollar for dollar matching in the amount of $5,000. Will you help us in meeting this requirement? 

What is a Vista and how will they impact the youth at MY Place?  

When I think about the Vista program, I think about the Peace Corps as the individuals receive living stipends in exchange for their service. The individuals who have served as Vista's here at MY Place in the past have typically been education majors who are passionate about serving youth and see their service as an opportunity to give back and advance their skills for their future profession. 

Typically, Vista's come with a cost sharing agreement which is what brings us to this request. Our portion is roughly $5,000 per Vista, which is a very cost effective way to add to our team. In addition to amazing candidates, they receive training and support from their respective organizations. 

We are fortunate to be welcoming two Vista's in September who will be with us for the 2021-22 academic year. Both will work on collaborating with other organizations and individuals in our community and will build upon our existing programs to ensure sustainability beyond their time with us. 

Our Literacy Leader Vista will work with our members to improve reading skills including fluency, comprehension and retention. This will be done through building our volunteer tutor program. More information about this program can be found here.

Our AmeriCorps Promise Fellows Vista will work specifically with our teen members to build community based support teams, set individual goals and develop incentives to keep them on track.