About
Mission
As a key initiative of the Grisham-McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement, the North Mississippi VISTA Project fights poverty through education. AmeriCorps VISTA core principles are poverty alleviation, capacity building, sustainable solutions, and community empowerment.
Where We Serve
VISTA members dedicate one year of full-time national service to build sustainable systems that connect the University of Mississippi to underserved communities throughout a 11-county area. VISTA members serve in schools, community colleges, non-profit organizations, and centers at the University of Mississippi. VISTA members extend and deepen community engagement efforts at UM, and serve as a conduit to connect community partner organizations to the university. The NMVP network brings together campus and community-based organizations working to promote educational success, financial literacy, housing stability, and food security.
2023-2024 NMVP Sites:
University of Mississippi Desoto – Student Services – Desoto County, MS
Yoknapatapha Arts Council – Oxford, MS
Oxford Community Market – Oxford, MS
Doors of Hope Transition Ministries – Oxford, MS
Creative Minds Academy/Griot Arts – Clarksdale, MS
Boys and Girls Club of the MS Delta – Lexington, MS
University of Mississippi School of Education – Mississippi Teacher Corps – University, MS
North Panola School District – Sardis, MS
Holly Springs Career and Technical Center – Holly Springs, MS
Union County Heritage Museum – New Albany, MS
Wear It Well – Tupelo, MS
Sunflower Freedom Project – Sunflower County, MS