FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT
Katie Vavao, Katie.Vavao@cv.ca.gov, (916) 584-3620
Back-to-School, Back to College Corps: Thousands Get Ready to Serve Their Communties
Thousands of students at participating colleges across the state are starting the new academic year serving their communities while earning money to pay for school and gaining valuable skills for their future careers.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday announced #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is back for its third year, sparking enthusiasm across the state as college students gear up to make a significant impact in their communities.
The overwhelming demand for College Corps is evident, with nearly 10,000 applicants vying for available positions, underscoring the program’s significant appeal and impact on students. More than 3,000 students were selected from partner campuses to participate during the 2024-2025 academic year. College Corps continues to offer invaluable service opportunities and fosters personal growth, community engagement and career preparation among college students.
“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. There’s nothing more valuable than being hands-on with service projects that make our state a better place and equip students with practical experience for future careers,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
College Corps is a paid service program and is part of the larger California Service Corps with 10,000 members. It launched in 2022, providing meaningful work to college students in exchange for serving their community. The program helps participants graduate on time and with less debt while they gain valuable work experience. Students receive up to $10,000 for completing up to 450 hours of community service.
In the first two years, over 6,000 fellows served over two million service hours tackling the state’s biggest issues. Fellows worked in their communities to tutor and mentor low-income students, distribute meals to those facing food insecurity and take climate action. In addition to the millions of hours of service, this program prepares California’s next generation of workers.
Governor Newsom gathers with the first class of College Corps fellows during their swearing-in ceremony in October 2022.
“In California, if you’re willing to serve your community and give back in a meaningful way, we will help you pay for college. This is a win-win-win: helping students pay for college, lifting up communities and preparing California’s workforce,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday.
College Corps fellows address pandemic learning loss by providing personalized support to K-12 students and take climate action and promote environmental sustainability through local projects like tree planting and habitat restoration. Fellows also combat food insecurity by serving at on-campus food pantries and local food banks sorting donations and preparing food boxes.
“Participating in College Corps has been incredibly valuable for me. Without the program’s support and network, I wouldn’t have had the chance to gain firsthand experience in local government,” said Jesse Rosales, a returning fellow at California State University, Dominguez Hills. “I’m excited to continue serving my community, building skills that will prepare me for the workforce and making a meaningful impact.”
College Corps is also 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.
“As an AB 540 CA Dream Act student, joining the College Corps program was the best decision I made for my education and career preparation. I could cover my educational expenses, gain work experience and make a difference in my community,” said Wendi Lizola, Sacramento State College Corps alum and California Volunteers Commissioner. “Students will no longer feel limited due totheir background. College students should definitely apply to the program today.”
Earlier this year, California created Corps to Career, an innovative way to help California Service Corps alumni launch fulfilling careers while meeting the state’s workforce needs. Corps to Career is a component in Governor’s Newsom’s larger strategy to accelerate economic and workforce projects throughout the state and ensure Californians have career pathways and find even more opportunities topower economic growth.
What Higher Education Leaders are Saying:
“We are beyond excited to once again be a part of this innovative program. #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is vital for community college students for a few reasons,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “First, it provides students with the hands-on, real-world job experience they need to succeed. Second, they’re taking part in meaningful work that will have a positive impact in their communities. Third, it focuses on evolving workforce needs in key areas like climate action, which closely aligns with a key part of our Vision 2030 strategic plan for the California Community Colleges. And finally, students earn funds for college while reducing their debt and begin a direct path from college tocareer.”
“#CaliforniansForAll College Corps creates extraordinary opportunities for our diverse and talented students to engage in meaningful service to their communities while helping them pay for their education,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García.“Through this vital and forward-focused partnership, our students also strengthen their job-ready skills and innate leadership abilities, preparing them to become change makers across the state and contributing to a vibrant and thriving California.”
“The University of California is proud to partner with the state and other higher education partners on this innovative program,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “Public service is at the heart of our mission and the College Corpsprogram aligns perfectly. Students serve others, learn valuable skills, connect with their communities — and earn money to help pay for college and reduce debt. This is how we set them on the path to success.”
To learn more and submit an interest form, visit www.CACollegeCorps.com.
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH: California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. Contact Katie Vavao, Katie.Vavao@cv.ca.gov, or call (916) 584-3620.
Photos: Courtesy of California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
B-Roll Footage:
College Corps Fellows Highlights of Swearing-In Ceremony, Oct 2022
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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.
