AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Authorized in 1964 and founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993. VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 45 years.Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest living allowance and health benefits during their service, and have the option of receiving a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend after completing their service. About 6,500 VISTAs are placed each year in more than 1,200 projects in low-income communities around the country. VISTA members generally do not provide direct services, such as tutoring children or building homes. Instead, they focus their efforts on building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic develop, and otherwise assist low-income communities.Statistics show that low-income students graduate high school, enter college and succeed in college at a lower rate than their peers. GEAR UP Wyoming provides support for income-eligible students to help them succeed academically through tutoring, mentoring, test prep, scholarship and application assistance, college visits and more. Western Wyoming Community College is seeking a VISTA to work in the following areas with GEAR UP: First Year Student Success Program including:Identify GEAR UP students and create a tracking system for services provided; organize and plan workshops and events utilizing current WWCC student success services and programs; and collaborate among WWCC employees and GEAR UP employees in the state. Although engaging with students will be necessary, primary focus will be placed in the implementation, enhancement, reporting, design and structure of the program. Match (in-kind donations):Create a match action plan under the direction of the GEAR UP Coordinator. Develop professional development for GEAR UP staff. Develop relationships with schools and local businesses to seek out donations to provide career development and education opportunities to GEAR UP students. Professional Development:Develop a series of professional development trainings for the WWCC GEAR UP staff. Reporting:The VISTA will work closely with the GEAR UP Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator to review the current reporting structure and filing system to ensure the program is in compliance with the GEAR UP federal grant. Recommendations and procedures will be implemented to increase efficiency of the reporting structure and access to student documentation.