Stewards VISTA: Acadia National Park Y1

This VISTA opportunity offers a unique chance to serve in a public-facing role that strengthens access to outdoor education, promotes lifelong learning, and builds meaningful connections between park resources and economically disadvantaged communities.

The AmeriCorps VISTA member will serve with the park¿s education and interpretation team to help expand outreach to underserved groups, with a special focus on reducing barriers for people with disabilities and ensuring inclusive access to public lands. The member will work with local schools, community organizations, and youth groups¿particularly those from lower-income neighborhoods¿to design and deliver engaging programs that increase awareness of public resources, deepen understanding of environmental and cultural history, and cultivate a strong ethic of stewardship.

Through indirect service, the VISTA will build the park¿s long-term capacity by developing new interpretive and educational programming (both in-person and virtual), creating outreach materials, and enhancing communications strategies to reach broader audiences. They will also help identify and address physical, social, and informational barriers to participation, particularly for individuals and families with disabilities.

By connecting youth and underserved communities with enriching experiences in nature, the VISTA supports educational equity, encourages local engagement, and helps lay the foundation for long-term economic and civic participation. This work directly supports the mission of poverty alleviation by creating accessible pathways to opportunity through public lands, education, and workforce-relevant skill development.