College Corps Gets a $9M Boost
Cal State Monterey Bay’s College Corps program received a $9 million grant and has tripled in size, now partnering with two community colleges to scale paid service-learning opportunities for students. The model signals growing interest in paid, purpose-driven pathways that community colleges can mirror. (kingcityrustler.com)
College Corps fellows must complete 450 hours of community service during the academic year to qualify for awards of up to $10,000, which the CSU system breaks down as $7,000 for living allowances and a $3,000 Education Award. (calstate.edu) CSUMB’s program has operated for four years and has supported 227 fellows who have contributed roughly 81,000 service hours to more than 30 community sites, according to the university’s service-learning institute. (csumb.edu) Under the new funding, CSUMB plans to raise its annual cohort from 70 to 100 students each year for the next three years while Monterey Peninsula College and Hartnell College are slated to recruit 50 fellows apiece. (csumb.edu) Program leaders project the expansion will generate an additional 56,700 service hours annually across four focus areas: K–12 education, food justice, environmental stewardship and healthcare. (calstate.edu) The College Corps Fellowship is a joint initiative of the governor’s CA Volunteers office and AmeriCorps, and the CSU system confirmed the current funding round covers the academic years 2026–2029. (calstate.edu) CSU officials note the program is available to AB 540-eligible Dreamers and that CSUN’s recent inclusion brings the College Corps partnership to 17 CSU campuses statewide. (calstate.edu)
