Experience + Impact

Join The Oaks as an AmeriCorps VISTA, a full-time year-long service opportunity that provides a living stipend and other benefits. Work alongside educators and fundraising professionals, and make a meaningful impact on students!

Now Accepting Applications for 2022/23 Positions To Begin August 1

Serving as a VISTA member is a great opportunity to gain significant work experience, make meaningful career connections, and serve the community. VISTA is a great opportunity for recent graduates and those looking to explore new fields of work who have a passion for engaging in their community.

The application window for the 2022-23 VISTA Service Year at The Oaks has closed.

If you are interested in applying for a VISTA position at The Oaks, please check back in early 2023.

Previous VISTA positions can be viewed below. The typical service year for an AmeriCorps VISTA at The Oaks starts on August 1st.

Donor Database Optimizer

Optimize a new donor database to encourage true relationship-based philanthropy
Serve with seasoned (and fun) fundraising professionals

Donor Relations Specialist

Assist with creating systems and communications that inspire and engage donors
Serve with seasoned (and fun) fundraising professionals

Professional Development Coordinator

Assist in streamlining professional learning resources to help teachers grow in their ability to provide effective student and family support
Serve with experienced educators in a growing, mission-driven school environment

Sports/Out-of-School Time Strategist

Assist with programming related to The Oaks’ Before/After Care, Clubs, and Athletics
Enhance current athletic and extracurricular programs for over 1,000 students
Develop a *new* intramural sports program

School Communications Specialist

Serve across departments to enhance communications at a growing school
Develop systems to increase equity and efficiency across the organization
Create communication systems, templates, and guideline for multiple stakeholders

Admissions Marketing Specialist

Assist the Admissions team in recruiting Pre-K to 8th grade students to an intentionally diverse school
Enhance admissions events to encourage diversity, equity, and transparency in the enrollment process
Develop and execute admission event marketing strategies, including engagement and lead generation

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sara Fichtner at sfichtner@theoaksacademy.org

what past vistas say

I’ve enjoyed every minute serving as a VISTA at The Oaks Academy. The team provided opportunities for professional development, networking, and personal growth. I came to serve the organization, but they have given me so much in return.

- Nicole Livingston

Serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA allowed me the unique opportunity to not only spend a year in service, but to also gain invaluable job training right after graduating college. I'll be forever grateful for my year in service at The Oaks.

- Erin Wissler Gerdes

About AMERICORPS VISTA

Since 1965, the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) program’s mission has been to strengthen organizations that alleviate poverty through volunteering and the mobilization of resources. The purpose of the VISTA program at The Oaks is to effectively serve families in poverty. Known as the “Domestic Peace Corps,” VISTA offers citizens the opportunity to serve nonprofit organizations while gaining valuable on-the-job skills and experience.

VISTA Program employment requires a full-time commitment (40 hours per week) for 12 months. There is no religious affiliation required of participants in the AmeriCorps VISTA program and no political activity is allowed due to the program’s affiliation with the federal government.

Benefits of the VISTA Program

VISTA Living Allowance: Approximately $1,150 per month
VISTA Health Benefit Program
VISTA Training: Pre-Service Orientation, On-site Orientation
Relocation (~$750) if moving more than 50 miles
Leave of Absence: 10 personal, 10 medical days off
Life Insurance, if requested
Public Assistance, if eligible
End of Service Benefits

End of Service Benefits
Pending successful completion of 12-month service

Approximately $6,500 Education Award and Federal Student Loan Forbearance OR $1,800 Cash Stipend
Non-Competitive Eligibility for Federal Agency Employment

About The Oaks academy

The Oaks is a Pre-K through 8th-grade Christ-centered school with three campuses in Indianapolis, close to the Monon Trail, multiple city parks, and vibrant downtown communities. The Oaks serves an intentionally diverse student body – both racially and socioeconomically. Approximately 50 percent of students are white and 50 percent of students are people of color. Fifty percent of the 973 students live in low-income households, and The Oaks provides them with over $3 million in need-based scholarships. This commitment to creating a balanced mixed-race and mixed-income community since the beginning is a model that research has shown to benefit all.

Learn more at TheOaksAcademy.org.