Build capacity. Invest in emerging leadership. Host an AmeriCorps VISTA Literacy Leader or Summer Reads Mentor.

Have a dream project on the back burner and just need someone who can dedicate time to getting it off the ground? Literacy Minnesota’s Literacy Leadership Program works with AmeriCorps to place energetic leaders with organizations looking to launch, expand or improve literacy programming for individuals of all ages who are experiencing poverty. Literacy Leaders work behind the scenes recruiting volunteers, developing program content, generating resources, engaging stakeholders, building partnerships, and more. In 2022-23, we have gone national with our program, and we now offer two tracks: Literacy for All and Digital Literacy.

Literacy For All projects build capacity for literacy for children, youth, adults and/or families, while our Digital Literacy Leadership projects focus on digital equity for youth and/or adults.

Looking for help over the summer? Organizations can also host AmeriCorps members with our Summer Reads program for 8 weeks in the summer. Summer Reads Mentors work with children in grades K-5 as literacy mentors, bringing literacy to life through tutoring and enrichment activities. Members support children’s literacy through distance/remote learning, in person (following COVID safety measures) or a mix. Their presence in-person will depend on host site preference.

With Literacy Leadership and Summer Reads, you can increase organizational capacity at minimal cost and improve your impact, all while investing in the next generation of literacy leaders.

Nonprofits, government agencies and Tribal Nations located in the United States are eligible to apply and host a yearlong AmeriCorps VISTA member with Literacy Leadership.

Currently, the Summer Reads program is limited to Minnesotan organizations.

How do I apply as a new host site?

1. Watch an info session (pre-recorded video). 
2. For Literacy Leadership (year-long capacity-building), review the Request for Proposals for more details, application tips and project examples.
3. Submit your application online:
   • Literacy Leadership: due February 14.
   • Summer Reads: due February 14.
4. Contact Courtney at czaato@literacymn.org or 651-251-9151 with questions or to talk through project ideas.