Partners For Campus Community Engagement

Americorps vista (volunteers in service to america) is a national service program that, for over 50 years, has built the capacity of communities to combat poverty. The program places full-time vista members with nonprofits, community organizations, and public agencies to create and expand programs that lift individuals and communities out of poverty. Pcce's role in supporting vista & community partnerships partners for campus community engagement (pcce) supports the americorps vista program through partnerships with colleges, universities, and community organizations across new york and pennsylvania. Pcce vista projects are dedicated to poverty elimination through campus-community collaboration, emphasizing sustainable programming, volunteer mobilization, and resource development. These efforts strengthen community partnerships, promote long-term solutions, and create impactful programming to meet local needs. Impact for fiscal year 2023-2024 during fy23-24, pcce placed 23 full-time vista members (365-day terms) at host sites, including higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations in pennsylvania and new york. These vista members engaged in community-driven projects addressing americorps' anti-poverty focus areas: education: supporting k-12 and post-secondary readiness and success.healthy futures: improving access to nutritious food, healthcare, and wellness education.economic mobility: advancing job readiness, employment success, and housing security.environmental stewardship: providing comprehensive support services that focus on at-risk ecosystems and environmentally-conscious practices.key outcomes:community impact: 208 community organizations reported receiving capacity-building services; 138 organizations reported an increase in efficiency efforts as a result of the pcce vista program.resource development: pcce vista members generated $286,135.69 in cash and in-kind resources during their service term.volunteer engagement: recruited and managed 1,589 volunteers, who contributed a combined total of 11,855 service hours. Direct impact provided: 385 individuals reported increased food security, with over 112,300 pounds of food distributed to families and at-risk individuals, addressing critical nutritional needs. 417 individuals improved their health outcomes through targeted programming and support initiatives. 329 students experienced increased school attendance, paving the way for academic success. 130 students stayed on track with their peers and achieved their high school diplomas.65 individuals earned post-secondary degrees or technical certifications, unlocking new career opportunities and pathways to economic mobility. 670 individuals gained valuable education and training in environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, contributing to a healthier community. 611 individuals reported enhanced job readiness, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workforce.through fostering sustainable community partnerships, mobilizing dedicated volunteers, and securing critical resources, pcce's vista program drives impactful, long-term solutions that address systemic poverty, enhance organizational capacity, and empower communities to achieve greater equity and self-sufficiency. Full-time vista host sites for fy23-24: 13th st. Partnership (albright college), blue print, geneva, cabrini university, drexel university, finger lakes community college, gettysburg college, juniata college, marist college, rochester institute of technology, saint joseph's university, shippensburg university, slippery rock university, and the university of pennsylvania.