DEEP Service Magazine Spring/Summer 2014

POSTGRADUATENEWS The Siena VISTA Fellows Program Welcomes the 2014-2015 Summer Cohort! Sara Balajthy Albany Police Athletic League Jessica Bender Boys & Girls Club of Albany Helen Benton Early Care & Learning Council Over 60 Candidates Apply For the Siena VISTA Fellows Program for the 2014-2015 Service Year By Lamara J. Burgess, Coordinate of ACE In January 2014, the Siena College AmeriCorps* VISTA Fellows Program kicked oﬀ their recruitment season for the July 2014-2015 Cohort. Over 60 candidates submitted applications and were prescreened to move forward in the pool of applicants. After careful consideration, the hiring committee selected about half of those applicants to participate in preliminary interviews. Local candidates interviewed in person, while our national candidates participated in phone and Skype interviews. Following three days of interviews, 15 candidates were extended oﬀers to join our program. Once accepted into the VISTA Fellows Program, candidates participate in speed networking interviews with selected community partner sites based on their interests and skill set to determine their site placement for the year. To prepare for their service term, VISTA Fellows will attend Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) which provides information about national service requirements, the history of VISTA and the fight against poverty, as well as provide a platform for VISTA members to network with others serving across the country. The VISTA Fellows Program provides additional training the following week in On-Site Orientation Training (OSOT). OSOT is a rigorous week of training that provides information about the Siena and VISTA mission, program infrastructure, the transition into the professional work force, and many other interesting topics. The VISTA Fellows’ first day at their sites will be on August 11, 2014. Leah Godin Community Justice Outreach Center Shannon Hardy Albany Barn Bethany Friday Capital District YMCA Cassandra Krom Albany Public Library Monique Lamarre Pride Center Daniel Maddock District Attorney’s Oﬃce Kassandra Martinchek NEXT Fellows Program Joshua Ostrer Mediation Matters Marissa Peck Capital District Community Gardens Christine Renzi Academic Community Engagement Alexis Reyes Trinity Alliance Amanda Williams Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls DEEP Service Magazine | Page 19

DEEP Service Magazine Spring/Summer 2014 | Page 19