Students invited to apply for paid service program

#CaliforniansForAll College Corp expands eligibility for 2023-24 academic year

By California State University, Bakersfield

March 1^st, 2023

A program that pays undergraduate students up to $10,000 toward their college education and provides invaluable work experience, networking opportunities and skills is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 academic year.

#CaliforniansForAll College Corps is a statewide, paid service program launched by Gov. Gavin Newsom during the 2022-23 academic year. California State University, Bakersfield is one of several college campuses participating in the program, which will complete its first year in May. The deadline to apply for the upcoming academic year is April 28.

“There have been challenges as this is the first year, but we’ve learned that both partner organizations and our fellows are adaptable and flexible,” said CSUB College Corps Program Coordinator Rachel Hoetker, who noted the program’s eligibility will expand in the second year to include all CSUB students.

College Corps fellows are placed in community-based organizations working in K-12 education, climate action and food insecurity. As part of the service experience, fellows will earn up to $10,000, receive ongoing training and become part of a statewide cohort of young leaders across California. Katrina Gilmore — director of CSUB’s Center for Career Education and Community Engagement — said the program helps students learn skills like resume development, interview techniques, mental health and self-care strategies, financial literacy and time management.

“Each of these areas help to outline a path for fellows for future career opportunities,” she said. “Many of the skills that the fellows learn by completing service include critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, communication and interpersonal development. These skills are necessary for entering any field or industry that the program provides.”

Students who complete 450 hours of service with College Corps will receive the following benefits:

Up to $10,000, which includes a living allowance throughout the service term and an Education Award upon completion.
Academic credit (amount and type to be determined by each partner campus)
A real-world job experience and skills to add to their resume.
Access to training, networking and professional development opportunities.
A sense of pride and accomplishment in working toward a common purpose alongside young leaders from across the state.

Graduates of the College Corps program will be included in the College Corps Alumni Network, which helps to connect former fellows and provide resources for future career goals across the state, one of many long-term benefits, Gilmore said.

“Social empathy also is developed and gained by fellows participating in helping the Kern County community,” she said. “Social empathy is the ability to understand people by perceiving or experiencing their life situations and, as a result, you gain insight into structural inequalities and disparities. Fellows are also introduced to partners in nonprofit organizations, which helps them develop a network that can increase potential for future employment and service opportunities in the community.”