HPU Americorps VISTA
Join HPU students as we engage in transformational service in the city of High Point and throughout the world!
As part of Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA), AmeriCorps members commit to a year of full-time service in communities across the United States to help advance local solutions, build organizational capacity, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Each VISTA member partners with a nonprofit organization in the city of High Point to develop sustainable programs that address critical needs such as food insecurity and education. At High Point University (HPU), VISTA members are an integral part of the Center for Community Engagement, linking students and faculty with meaningful service opportunities throughout the community. Since the program’s inception at HPU, 62 VISTA members have contributed their efforts to supporting local nonprofits.
For the upcoming service year, HPU will host 5 VISTA members. Three will focus on education initiatives, one on food security efforts, and one will serve as a leader overseeing the overall project. These VISTA members will collaborate with 5 different nonprofits in the High Point community to make a lasting impact.
Education VISTAs will divide up several key tasks:
- Develop marketing and fundraising materials for education non-profits.
- Recruit mentors and tutors for Title I elementary school students.
- Engage community leaders to increase pride in High Point schools.
- Oversee the development of after-school programs for elementary and middle school students.
- Support adolescent parents on succeeding in high school and being college or career ready.
- Increase the engagement of HPU students in the local community.
Food Security VISTAs will divide up several key tasks:
- Promote and develop community gardens throughout High Point.
- Expand market options for farmers in the city.
- Develop corner stores and shared use kitchens to increase healthy food in High Point’s food deserts.
- Deepen the network of food pantries, backpack programs, and hot meal programs in the city.
- Improve food education in High Point.
- Increase the engagement of HPU students in the local community.