Subject to VISTA assistance availability, AmeriCorps approves the establishment of summer associate positions based on the following factors:

(a) The need in the community, as demonstrated by the sponsor, for the performance of project activities by a summer associate(s);

(b) The content and quality of summer associate project plans;

(c) The capacity of the sponsor to implement the summer associate project activities; and

(d) The sponsor's compliance with all applicable parts of the DVSA, VISTA program policy, and the sponsor's Memorandum of Agreement, which incorporates their project application.

Summer associates differ from other VISTAs in the following ways:

(a) Summer associates are not eligible to receive:

(1) Health care through a health benefits program provided by AmeriCorps;

(2) Childcare support through a childcare program provided by AmeriCorps;

(3) Payment for settling-in expenses; or

(4) Non-competitive eligibility in accordance with 5 CFR 315.605.

(b) Absent extraordinary circumstances, summer associates are not eligible to receive:

(1) Payment for travel expenses incurred for travel to or from the project site to which the summer associate is assigned; or

(2) A relocation travel allowance to offset the cost of relocating from the summer associate's home of record to the project site to which they are assigned to serve.

(c) AmeriCorps may discharge a summer associate due to a deficiency, or deficiencies, in conduct or performance. Summer associates are not subject to subpart E of this part, or to the grievance procedures provided to VISTAs set forth in §§ 2556.345 through 2556.365.