The purpose of this study is to explore the life decisions and outcomes of VISTA participants, in comparison with similar individuals who were "near members" to answer the following research questions: (1) Which are the effects of VISTA on its members? and (2) How have the behaviors and attitudes of VISTA members changed over time?
Outcomes of interest include civic engagement; educational choices and opportunities; career and employment choices; and the intergenerational transfer of values. The study found there are positive effects of the VISTA program on VISTA members who served over a three-decade span of the program's existence. In the four major outcome areas, there is select evidence that the VISTA program has long-term, life-changing effects on its members.