OSMRE/VISTA Program

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The authority to award this Cooperative Agreement is found in the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, as amended; Public Law 95-87; 91 Stat. 445-532; in accordance with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, 31 USC 6301 et seq.; subject to the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, 2 CFR § 200, 2 CFR Part 1402 - Financial Assistance Interior Regulation, Supplementing The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards; and under provisions of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended, 42 USC 66 et seq.; and 5 CFR § 315.605, the Appointment of Former ACTION volunteers. The OSMRE/VISTA Program is designed to partner with non-profit IRS 501(c)(3) eligible applicants that have access to AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (hereinafter referred to as VISTA) positions through partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), or other intermediary organization, to administer the OSMRE/VISTA Program. The OSMRE/VISTA Program was developed to provide an opportunity for OSMRE to increase its engagement with young people with university or vocational degrees. Recipients of OSMRE/VISTA Program financial assistance will support an innovative partnership, working directly with OSMRE in the following areas: (1) community and environmental reclamation, (2) community environmental stewardship, (3) economic improvement, (4) educational opportunities, (5) research, and more. This program place recent graduates from colleges, universities, and/or vocational schools as VISTAs in communities impacted by pre-regulatory mining practices to serve for a period of one (1) year. A VISTA is an individual who engages in national service through an activity approved by the CNCS, or an intermediate organization. VISTAs receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, VISTAs may earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from the National Service Trust that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans. VISTAs who successfully complete their term of service also receive non-competitive eligibility for Federal jobs.

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