Join us in recognition of 60 years of the AmeriCorps VISTA program—an enduring commitment to alleviating poverty in communities across America. This milestone is a celebration of the individuals who have dedicated their time, talents, and passion to fighting poverty.
For over six decades, members in the VISTA program have worked tirelessly to address the root causes of poverty, from improving educational opportunities to expanding access to healthcare, food housing, and so much more. Their service has built the capacity of local organizations, empowered communities, and transformed lives—not only those they served but their own as well.
As we reflect on the history of the VISTA program, we honor the past and recommit to the mission of building a better future and disrupting the cycle of poverty.
Reflect, Celebrate, and Share Your Favorite AmeriCorps VISTA Moments
Share Stories
Share your stories of AmeriCorps VISTA – successes, and impact they had on the individuals and communities they helped.
Celebrate Milestone Moments
Help AmeriCorps VISTA celebrate milestone moments that helped change trajectories for what is possible.
Brand Your Events
Brand your induction and graduation ceremonies, and other events as part of the 60th anniversary celebration. Make sure to contact us to share the details, so we can help amplify your event.
The Legacy of VISTA
AmeriCorps VISTA is a testament to the power of service – by investing in people and communities we create lasting change. Find inspiration from leaders, members, and sponsors who make a difference in communities.
1964
President Lyndon B. Johnson realized Kennedy‘s vision for a domestic national service program in the creation of Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), an anti-poverty program authorized under Title 6 - Administration and Coordination.
1964
The first group of 24 volunteers were sworn in. Quote from President Lyndon Johnson in his remarks to VISTA members: “Your pay will be low; the conditions of your labor will often be difficult. But you will have the satisfaction of leading a great national effort, and you will have the ultimate reward which comes to those who serve their nation and who serve their fellow man.”
1966
Program focus areas were expanded to include early child education, work with the mentally disabled, addiction services on tribal reservations and in rural areas, literacy and remedial education, and job skills training. During this time period, legal services for the poor, inadequate housing issues, and poor healthcare become emblematic of the poor and prominent initiatives for VISTA.
1967
A documentary about the VISTA program entitled “A Year Towards Tomorrow” wins an Academy Award for Documentary Short Subject. Narrated by Paul Newman and directed by Edmund Levy, the film documented the lives and work of three volunteers over their year of service.
1967
Summer Associates program created.
1970
This period witnesses a shift in the emphasis of its projects, moving away from community organizing and advocacy towards direct service. VISTA identifies five program emphasis areas for new projects: health, education and manpower, economic development, community planning, and general services. In promoting a more reflective program, and calling for critical self-evaluation, VISTA enters a period of change, evaluation, and re-direction.
1971
President Nixon calls for the creation of a new federal agency called ACTION, a program to support and grow volunteer activity. Eventually, VISTA, Peace Corps, the Senior Companion Program, the Foster Grandparent Program, and RSVP, among others, are transferred to this new agency.
1973
The Domestic Volunteers Service Act transforms VISTA’s purpose from a "War on Poverty" initiative to a national service program. Though it retains its anti-poverty focus, greater emphasis is placed on the member experience.
1988
VISTA initiates a special project entitled Literacy Corps designed to provide literacy services in underserved areas, following a 1986 mandate from Congress. Education becomes a dominant focus activity for VISTA.
1993
VISTA is integrated within Corporation for National and Community Service. It remains a national service program specifically created to address poverty.
2009
Veterans and Military Families become a priority focus area at AmeriCorps, after President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.
2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a significant funding boost for AmeriCorps programs, including $65 million for the VISTA program. This funding led to 3,587 additional AmeriCorps VISTA members, resulting in a 65% increase in the number of members in the field.
2017
Opioid Addiction Recovery is one of VISTA program priorities under “healthy futures” focus area, building on the legacy of programming focused on treating and preventing substance abuse.
2019
The agency received approval to operate under the name AmeriCorps replacing the Corporation for National and Community Service and shifts from state offices to regional offices.
2020
AmeriCorps VISTA joins the agency’s Food Security Initiative as a rapid response during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic to create a comprehensive and collaborative approach to hunger. The VISTA program selected sponsors to deepen food security resources, knowledge, and engagement through participation in a learning community.
2021
As part of the $1 billion allocated to AmeriCorps through the American Rescue Plan, AmeriCorps VISTA received $80 million to support national service efforts in response to COVID-19.
2025
Since 1965, more than 260,000 members have served in the AmeriCorps VISTA program, contributing millions of hours to build sustainable solutions.
60th Anniversary Toolkit
Find video, photos, social media, communications templates, and more.
Have a Story to Share?
Every AmeriCorps VISTA experience tells a story. Our members represent the best of America, tirelessly serving people and communities across the country. And we want to share that on a national scale! Share your story and help us raise awareness about the positive impact our members and sponsors have on their communities.