College Corps
In partnership with the Statewide initiative #CaliforniansForAll, College Corps at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ will provide up to 60 college students with service opportunities in areas of community need such as K-12 schools, food banks/pantries or climate action organizations for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Why Should You Join College Corps at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ?
Students who complete 450 hours of service with College Corps at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ will receive the following benefits:
- $10,000 in Financial Aid which includes: Living allowance (~$800/month) plus a $3,000 Education Award upon completion;
- Real-world job experience and skills to add to their resume;
- Access to 21st century workforce skills trainings, networking, and professional development opportunities;
- A sense of pride and accomplishment in working toward a common purpose alongside young leaders from across the state.
Applications are OPEN for the 2026-2027 Cohort Year!
What You Would Do
Fellows will work with K-12 schools, food banks/pantries, or climate action organizations to build healthier and more equitable communities across California. They will do this in a variety of ways, for example:
- K-12 Education
- Classroom Assistance and Instructional Support
- Small-Group and One-on-One Tutoring
- Mentoring and Social-Emotional Learning Support
- Food Insecurity
- Food Pantry and Food Bank Support
- Supporting Sustainable Food Systems Through Growing and Harvesting
- Community Outreach and Nutrition Education Support
- Climate Action
- Habitat Restoration and Native Planting
- Invasive Species Removal and Ecosystem Management
- Sustainability Workshops and Community Outreach
Where You Would Serve
College Corps at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ offers service positions with local nonprofits and municipal agencies within a reasonable distance from campus, for example:
- K-12 Education
- Shasta County Office of Education
- Acton Academy
- Tehama County SERRF Program
- Raising Shasta
- Food Insecurity
- Salvation Army Food Bank
- Dignity Health Connected Living
- Climate Action
- Western Shasta Resource Conservation District
- Whiskeytown National Recreational Area
- Providence International
- Oliview Community Building Farm Project
We are proud to be one of the only statewide initiatives that includes AB 540 CA Dream Act Students!!
- March – Applications for New Cohort Open
- April – Applicant Interviews
- May – Final Selections Made
- June – Background Checks
- July – Fellow Orientation
- August – Program Year Starts
General Eligibility
To apply, students should meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- Planning to enroll full time for both Fall and Spring semester
- Has a high school diploma or its equivalent by start of program
- Must currently be and remain in good academic standing
- Ability to commit to the program for the full academic year
- Must be a US Citizen, US National, legal permanent resident or AB 540 CA Dream Act Student (see below)
Financial Need
Eligible students should meet at least one of the following four criteria:
- Qualifies for a
- Qualifies for
Undocumented Students:
- Is an AB-540 CA Dream Act Student
- Is a Cal Grant A or B recipient
Criminal Background and NSOPW.org Clearance
Eligible students should be cleared through a LiveScan Fingerprinting process of Murder in the First Degree and also not be listed on the National Sex Offender Public Website.
To request one-time Fellow support, please complete the
To apply, host-sites should meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- Be a 501(c)(3) Organization
- Be able to host 2+ Fellows
- Be able to offer 12-15 hours of service weekly per Fellow
- Have a designated staff to act as Site Supervisor
- Align with one or more of the Focus Areas (K-12 Education, Food Insecurity, or Climate Action
If your organization meets the criteria, please contact the Program Director, Chelsea Kefalas at ckefalas@shastacollege.edu to inquire about becoming a potential host site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is College Corps?
College Corps is a statewide service program that provides college students with paid opportunities to serve their communities while gaining career-ready skills. Fellows serve at local organizations in areas like food security, environmental sustainability, and K–12 education.
What are the benefits of participating in College Corps?
Participants receive:
- A living stipend (paid throughout the year)
- An education award upon completion
- Hands-on workforce experience
- Professional development and career readiness training
How long does the program last?
The program runs for one academic year (fall through spring).
How many hours do Fellows serve?
Fellows are expected to complete approximately 450 service hours over the course of the program.
What is the time commitment?
Fellows typically serve around 12–15 hours per week, depending on the schedule and site placement.
Can I participate if I have a job or full course load?
Yes, but time management is essential. Fellows should ensure they can balance academics, service hours, and any other commitments.
Is this considered a job or volunteer work?
College Corps is a paid service opportunity. While it is service-focused, Fellows receive financial support for their participation.
What types of placements are available?
Placements are typically in:
- Food banks or food distribution programs
- Schools (tutoring, mentoring)
- Environmental organizations
- Community-based nonprofits
Can I choose where I am placed?
Students can indicate preferences, but final placement depends on availability, fit, and community need.
What happens if I don’t complete my hours?
Fellows who do not complete program requirements may be exited early and not receive the full living stipend and will not be eligible for the education award.
Do Fellows receive training?
Yes, Fellows participate in regular training sessions focused on professional development, civic engagement, and career readiness.
Are Fellows required to attend meetings?
Yes, Fellows must attend mandatory meetings and trainings throughout the program.
How are service hours tracked?
Fellows log hours in an online system, which are reviewed and approved by their host site supervisor and program staff.
Can Fellows participate in additional service opportunities?
Yes! Fellows are encouraged to participate in additional service events/activities that align with the program focus areas to build experience and earn extra hours (if applicable).
What if I need to miss a scheduled shift?
Fellows should communicate directly with their host site supervisor and follow program guidelines for absences.
Can I change my host site placement?
Placement changes are limited and typically only occur under specific circumstances in coordination with program staff.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation is typically the responsibility of the Fellow, though some programs may offer support (e.g., gas cards, depending on funding and availability).
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