Become A Fellow

College Corps is a paid service fellowship where SF State students make a real difference in the community—supporting local efforts in K–12 education, climate action, food insecurity, and economic opportunity. Fellows serve about 15 hours a week, gain hands-on professional experience, and receive up to $10,000 in total benefits during the academic year.

No — College Corps is not a volunteer program. It’s a paid, state-supported service fellowship that gives students the chance to serve their community and get compensated for their time. Fellows receive a $7,000 living allowance and $500 transportation stipend distributed throughout the year, plus a $3,000 education award upon completing the program.

This isn’t just about helping others — it’s also about building your skills, gaining real-world experience, and being part of a statewide network of changemakers, and strengthening your resume.  You’ll be part of a statewide network of changemakers, serving in areas like K–12 education, food security, climate action, or economic opportunity — all while receiving training, mentorship, and team support designed for student success.

In short: you’re not “volunteering” — you’re stepping into a structured, paid fellowship that helps you grow while making a difference.

We’re looking for SF State students who are:

• Passionate about creating positive change in diverse communities
• Flexible, open to new experiences, and eager to learn
• Committed, reliable, and enthusiastic team players
• Excited to connect with peers across California
• Able to commute to a local service site (this is an in-person opportunity)
• Proud to represent College Corps on campus and in the community
• Able to demonstrate basic professionalism, including respectful communication, time management, and reliability

✅ General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old by the program start date
• Be enrolled full-time (12+ units) as an undergraduate at SF State in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
• Be in good academic and conduct standing (minimum 2.0 GPA)
• Be one of the following:
  • U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or legal permanent resident (Live Scan background check required)
  • AB 540 / CA Dream Act student

⏱ Time Commitment

• Serve 450 hours across the academic year (August 2025 – May 2026)
• Expect to serve ~15–18 hours/week
• Most placements are in-person with local nonprofit or public agency partners

To qualify for College Corps, you must meet at least one of the following:

Option 1: You Receive State or Federal Financial Aid

U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents:
▪ Submit your 2025–26 FAFSA

AB 540 / CA Dream Act Students:
▪ Submit your 2025–26 CA Dream Act Application (CADA)
▪ Be a Cal Grant B recipient
▪ Submit the California DSIG application by September 1, 2025 to qualify for the $3,000 Education Award

✳️ Need support? Contact the Dream Success Center or email Griselda Madrigal Lara at gmadrigallara@sfsu.edu

Option 2: You Need to Work Part-Time or Take Out Loans

Even if you don’t receive financial aid, you may still be eligible if:
▪ You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and
▪ You need to work to support your college expenses (e.g., instead of taking out loans)

📝 Additional Requirements

• Vaccination & Health Clearances: Some host sites may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or TB clearance
• Site-Specific Onboarding: You may need to complete volunteer paperwork or pre-site training (these hours count toward your 450 total)

To successfully complete the College Corps Fellowship, you’ll need to:

• Serve 450 total hours from August 2025 to May 2026 (average 15–18 hours/week)
• Attend mandatory events and trainings, including:
  • 🟣 Program Kick-off Orientation – Friday, August 29, 2025 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
  • 🟣 Biweekly Friday Team Circles – Choose a session:
    ▪ Morning (9:30–11:30 AM) or
    ▪ Afternoon (1:00–3:00 PM)
  • 🟣 Mid-Year Leadership Workshop – March or April 2026
  • 🟣 End-of-Year Celebration – Friday, May 15, 2026 (morning or afternoon session)
• Participate in biweekly 1:1 check-ins with College Corps staff
• Log your hours consistently using the America Learns platform
• Maintain professional communication, including timely email responses and appropriate conduct with your host site
• Follow all expectations set by your service site, including dress code, attendance, and conduct policies

As a Fellow, you’ll be matched with a local nonprofit or public agency and take on meaningful projects such as:
✔️ Mentoring or tutoring in K–12 schools
✔️ Supporting youth behavioral health and wellness
✔️ Working on community gardens or climate initiatives
✔️ Assisting food distribution and access programs

Fellows serve ~15 hours/week in one of the following focus areas:
📚 K–12 Education – Support young students by helping with tutoring, after-school programs, and in-classroom learning.
🌱 Climate Action – Contribute to sustainability efforts, community gardens, and environmental education.
🥗 Food Insecurity – Address hunger by assisting food banks, pantries, and meal distribution efforts.
💼 Economic Opportunity – Expand access to jobs, housing, and financial resources through outreach and community support.

While the specific duties of each Fellow will vary depending on their service site and focus area, typical responsibilities may include:

● Assisting with tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment activities for K–12 students, under the guidance of school staff or program leaders
● Supporting wellness initiatives through outreach, resource sharing, and activity facilitation for youth and families
● Contributing to the maintenance of community gardens, participating in sustainability projects, or helping with environmental education
● Aiding in food distribution, pantry operations, and outreach to improve access to nutritious meals
● Engaging with community members to navigate job readiness programs, housing resources, or public services
● Creating or updating outreach and educational materials to support community-based initiatives
● Participating in trainings, team meetings, and reflection activities to strengthen civic and professional skills

As a College Corps Fellow, you won’t do this alone. You’ll be supported every step of the way through:

• Team Circles
  Biweekly cohort sessions where Fellows come together to share experiences, reflect on service, and build community
• Site Supervisor Check-ins
  Ongoing feedback and support from your host site supervisor to help you grow in your role
• 1:1 Coaching
  Regular check-ins with your College Corps Coordinator to talk through challenges, celebrate wins, and stay on track
• Skill-Building Workshops
  Virtual and in-person trainings throughout the year to strengthen your professional and personal development

As a College Corps Fellow, you’ll receive:

• 💵 $7,000 living allowance paid in monthly installments throughout the academic year
• 🚍 $500 transportation allowance to support your commute to and from your service site
• 🎓 $3,000 Education Award after completing 450 hours of service
• 💼 Real-world experience in your field or area of interest
• 🤝 Connections with campus and community leaders
• 📄 Resume-building opportunities and potential letters of recommendation

Don’t just get a job—make an impact. College Corps is more than a service opportunity; it’s a launchpad for your future. As a Fellow, you’ll gain:

• Comprehensive Support
  Get hands-on training and ongoing guidance from experienced staff and site supervisors.
• Real-World Experience
  Work on meaningful projects that make a difference in local communities while building practical, career-ready skills.
• Financial Assistance
  Receive a $7,000 living allowance and $500 transportation stipend to support you while you serve.
• Education Award
  Earn a $3,000 Segal Education Award after completing 450 hours—usable toward tuition or student loans.
• Networking & Connections
  Join a statewide network of Fellows and professionals who care about service, leadership, and social impact.
• Resume Boost
  Stand out with relevant, hands-on experience in education, climate action, food security, and economic opportunity.
• A Sense of Purpose
  Know that your service matters—and that you're part of something bigger than yourself.

💬 “This experience helped me grow as a student, a leader, and a changemaker.” – Former Fellow

College Corps is a shared commitment. We’re here to support your growth while you contribute to something meaningful. Here’s how we work together:

💪 Your Commitment

• Service Hours: Serve an average of 15 hours/week from August 2025 to May 2026 (with possible summer extension)
• Timekeeping: Submit biweekly timesheets to track your hours through the America Learns platform
• Community Engagement: Support campus and community events, including occasional Saturdays and State/National Days of Service
• Training & Development: Attend required monthly professional development sessions (typically Fridays)
• Show Up & Stay Engaged: Commit to your host site, your teammates, and your focus area—whether it’s Education, Climate Action, Food Insecurity, or Economic Opportunity

🌟 Our Commitment to You

• Up to $10,500 in Total Support: Including a $7,000 living allowance, $500 transportation stipend, and a $3,000 Education Award
• Training & Professional Growth: Learn practical, career-ready skills through orientation, workshops, and hands-on service
• Real-World Experience: Apply your classroom learning in real community settings while building your resume
• A Leadership Community: Join a statewide network of passionate, purpose-driven students making a lasting impact

👥 “We’re here to support you at every step—professionally, personally, and with purpose.”