The VISTA Training Continuum
Who provides what?
During their service year, VISTAs receive more than three types of training. Click here to see the VISTA Training Timeline. Read below to see who provides what.
- CNCS is responsible for providing Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) to members. Download the PSO Agenda to learn more about what VISTAs do during PSO.
- The sponsoring organization and site are responsible for designing, organizing and delivering an On-Site Orientation and Training (OSOT) for their members. Work through this section of Encorps to learn more about designing your OSOT. In addition, some VISTA programs find it beneficial to hold "Pre-PSOs." Read more about these events and download tools to help you organize your own.
- CNCS State Offices sponsor In-Service Trainings (IST). Each state is responsible for providing post-PSO training to their VISTA members. Currently each state does this differently; check with your state office to see when these trainings will be offered and what topics will be covered. ISTs happen after the third month of service.
- The sponsoring organization and site are also responsible for providing members on-going ISTs to help them acquire additional knowledge and
skills to meet the Project Plan goals and community needs. Some ways to
provide ISTs for your VISTAs is to send them to:
- Cross-stream conferences within your state
- Specific content Institutes, such as LEARNS
- Classes at a community college or local library
Go on to VISTA On-site Orientation and Training
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