Program to help low-income students graduate unveiled
Up to $10K tuition offered for eligible community service
CHICO » Northern California higher education leaders gathered Wednesday for a reception at the Albert E. Warrens Reception Center at Chico State Wednesday to kick off recruitment for Californians For All College Corps, a statewide service program which allows lowincome students to graduate college on time and with less debt while also investing in the local community.
Eligible students receive up to $10,000 for college tuition and other fees by participating in community service opportunities. Students must complete 450 hours of community service to be eligible, which amounts to 15 hours per week, per year. This is the same amount students accrue through Pell Grants which they have to pay back, or be working to pay their bills.
California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday spoke to the audience as well as Chico State President Gayle Hutchinson, Butte College President Samia Yaqub, Shasta College Associate Vice President of Students Services Tim Johnston, California Climate Action Corps fellow Davion Johnson and Climate Action Corps fellow Ben Chang.
“This is an exciting day,” Fryday said. “Students are struggling to pay for housing, bills, tuition, etc. and if you’re willing to serve your community we will help you pay for college.”
Hutchinson was also pleased with the reception turnout.
“We are happy to see you all here,” said Hutchinson. “We want to engage college students to serve our community. This is a win-win for students.”
During the first 2 years of the program, hundreds of local students will help their surrounding communities tackle critical issues by participating in climate action, tutoring youth, supporting food banks and meeting other community needs, according to a press release.
This program is the first opportunity for the Assembly Bill 540, the California Dream Act, for students to earn support for college through this state service program.
Yaqub said in her speech that 72% of Butte College students end up transferring to Chico State even while dealing with the disasters of recent years.
“Students have experienced devastating challenges such as the Camp Fire, the North Complex fire and the pandemic and are struggling to pay for college,” Yaqub said. “This will not only benefit them but also the community.”
Fryday stressed the importance of the program.
“Our future and our planet are at stake,” Fryday said. “We, today, here in Northern California are launching recruitment opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity for every student who needs help paying for college. We have heard enthusiasms from the governor and other leaders. This is a win win win for students to serve their communities and network and gain professional skills. This is a win for all of our society.”
The local colleges with students who are eligible include Chico State, Butte College, College of the Redwoods, Shasta College, Cal Poly Humboldt and College of the Siskiyous.
“Equity, diversity and inclusion is our motto at Chico State,” said Hutchinson.
After the speeches Johnson said California society needs California College Corps.
“College Corps is for students and built for students,” said Johnson. “There is a food scarcity and a digital divide.”
For more information or to apply for California College Corps, visit www.cacollegecorps.com or californiavolunteers.ca.gov.