California recruiting more than 3,000 students for #CaliforniansForAll College Corps
SACRAMENTO — California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday and California Volunteers, Office of the Governor announced on February 2 that applications are now open for next year’s #CaliforniansForAll College Corps. More than 3,000 students will be selected from partner campuses to participate during the 2023-2024 academic year, per a press release.
College Corps is a statewide, paid service program, launched during the 2022-2023 academic year, which provides meaningful work to college students in exchange for serving their community. The program helps participants graduate on time and with less debt while gaining valuable work experience. Students will receive up to $10,000 for completing up to 450 hours of community service.
In the first four years of this new program, College Corps will engage more than 12,000 California undergraduates to make a positive difference in their communities, according to the press release. “This service and career development program will help build a diverse generation of leaders prepared to transform California for the better,” it reads.
“Giving back to your community through service is at the very heart of what it means to be a Californian – and that’s what College Corps is all about,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in the release. “There’s nothing more valuable than getting hands-on with service projects that make our state a better place for all.”
Through their service, College Corps Fellows contribute to tackling the biggest issues facing our state, according to the release. Fellows will work in their communities to tutor and mentor low-income students, distribute meals to those facing food insecurity and take climate action.
“In California, if you are willing to serve your community and give back in a meaningful way, we are going to help you pay for college,” said California Chief Service Officer Fryday. “This is a win-win-win: helping to pay for college, gaining valuable work experience, and having a meaningful impact on your community.”
California has an estimated 75,000 undocumented students who don’t qualify for federal work study or most job opportunities, and often struggle to make ends meet. However, College Corps is uniquely open to AB 540 CA Dream Act Students, ensuring that at participating campuses, all eligible California college students have a chance to earn money while serving their community, the release reads.
“As an AB 540 CA Dream Act student, joining the College Corps program was the best decision I made for my education,” Wendi Lizola, Sacramento State College Corps Fellow, said in the release. “I can cover my educational expenses, gain work experience, and make a difference in my community. Students will no longer feel limited due to their background. College students should definitely apply to the program today.”
According to the press release, funding was made possible by the efforts of Governor Newsom and lawmakers.
Priority application deadline is March 15 but the final deadline will vary by campus. Program details, deadlines and applications are available at www.CACollegeCorps.com.