PARACa
VISTA Fellowship
The "Programa de Apoderamiento y Retención de Agentes de Cambio" (PARACa) (Changemaker Retention and Empowerment Program) is a program for young university students, professionals, or recent graduates recognized for their leadership and sense of responsibility for Puerto Rico. The opportunity is aimed at young people interested in developing professionally in the social sector.
PARACa seeks to provide the experiences to develop the necessary skills of Changemakers capable of solving social challenges; empowering and retaining a community of change agents for Puerto Rico.
Social Awareness Modules: Participants analyze and discuss issues that affect the development and well-being of Puerto Rico. Cases of economic, social, and environmental relevance are presented, followed by discussions to exchange ideas and generate proposals for change.
Fellowship: We recognize that for young people to implement change effectively, they need experience in the fields where they wish to work. They will gain this experience by applying their knowledge in a professional setting aligned with their social interests in an internship center.
Field Trips: During the field trips, participants are exposed to the social realities of Puerto Rico and learn first-hand about organizations, communities, and projects that are being carried out to combat social problems.
1:1 Mentorship: To measure progress and provide you with objective tools to cultivate a space for growth, each participant will receive personalized mentoring.
Community: Through the PARACa experience, a community of peers is built who stay in touch to support each other and engage in social action activities into the future. This network of contacts transcends the program and generates long-term collaborations and relationships among participants.
PARACa VISTA Fellowship
Summer
Duration
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8 weeks (June - July)
Annual
Duration
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12 months (August to August)
What to expect
What to expect
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Work in any department of a non-profit organization (NPO) according to their needs.
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The training focused on leadership development and social awareness.
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Work in the development department of a non-profit organization (NPO).
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The training focused on capacity building and fundraising for NPOs.
Increase your knowledge of the social sector and empower your leadership!
Requirements
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Have full-time availability (40 hours per week) during the 8 weeks of the program (June and July).
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Have completed at least one (1) year of university or technical/vocational studies.
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Be interested in getting involved in the work of the social sector in Puerto Rico.
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Be an American citizen.
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Spanish language proficiency
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Live in Puerto Rico during your time of service.
Requirements
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Have full-time availability (40 hours per week) during the 12 months that the Program lasts (August to August).
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Have completed your academic degree (bachelor's, master's or doctorate) or be in your last year of studies.
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Be interested in getting involved in the work of the social sector in Puerto Rico.
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Be an American citizen.
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Spanish language proficiency
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Live in Puerto Rico during your time of service.
Benefits
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A minimum stipend of $1,500 for the two months of service.
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Personalized mentoring to measure your progress in the program and offer you objective tools to cultivate a space for professional growth.
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52 contact hours of leadership and social sector economic development training.
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Full-time experience working in a non-profit organization in Puerto Rico.
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Integration into the MPA community and a network of leaders and professionals in the social sector.
Benefits
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Stipend of $22,882 for one year of service (bi-weekly payments).
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At the end of the year of service, choose between an additional stipend of $1,800 or a student scholarship valued at $6,895.00.
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Personalized mentoring to measure your progress in the program and offer you objective tools to cultivate a space for professional growth.
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80 contact hours of training on leadership, capacity building, and fundraising in the social sector.
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Integration into the MPA community and a network of leaders and professionals in the social sector.
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Health plan supplement.
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10 vacation days and 10 sick days.
Apply here!
Access our Annual Application Guide before completing the form.
First Round: Application
(November 13 to February 29)
To complete the application, go to: https://podio.com/webforms/21939729/1534209 which will evaluate your professional profile, social interests, and availability for the year. You must complete it on or before February 29.
Second Round: MPA Interview + Crreation of a video
(March 22 to April 5)
If you successfully pass the application, you will be called for an interview with the MPA staff, where we will seek to learn more about your preparation. This way, we can match you with the most appropriate service center.
Likewise, you will be creating a short video with a premise that will be announced to you if you reach this round.
Third and Last Round: Interview with Internship Center
(April 12 to 23)
In this second interview, we seek to ensure that you can meet the expectations of the internship center and vice versa.
First Round: Application
(November 13 to June 2)
To complete the application, go to: https://podio.com/webforms/21939729/1534209, which will evaluate your professional profile, social interests, and availability for the year. You must complete it on or before June 2.
Second Round: MPA Interview
(June 20 to July 5)
If you successfully pass the application, you will be called for an interview with the MPA staff, where we will seek to learn more about your preparation. This way, we can match you with the most appropriate service center.
Third and Last Round: AmeriCorps VISTA Application + Interview with Intership Centers
(July 12 to 23)
Part A. AmeriCorps - Once you have completed the above application processes, you will complete the VISTA form which will include a background check and two professional references. This process must be completed in order to receive AmeriCorps VISTA benefits.
Part B. Interview with Internship Centers - In this second interview, we seek to ensure that you can meet the expectations of the internship center and vice versa.