How to Apply: College Corps

Dates for 2026-27 AY (Year 5 Cohort) Applicants*​​​​​​

​*Dates are subject to change.

We encourage SF State undergraduates from all backgrounds to apply, especially students who demonstrate financial need, are first generation college students, and students interested in supporting their communities through paid, hands on work.

General Eligibility AY 26-27 (Cohort 5)

• At least 18 years old (at the time of the start of the program)
• Be a full-time, enrolled undergraduate student at SFSU (12 units) during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
• Be in good conduct and academic standing (minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA)
• U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident, or AB 540 eligible student
• Be able to commit to the full academic year (August 2026-2027)

Financial Eligibility

To be eligible, students must meet at least one of the following financial eligibility criteria.

Option 1. Receive financial aid
Students who receive state or federal financial aid are eligible to apply. College Corps compensation is considered part of your financial aid package.

This includes students who have submitted one of the following for the 2026–27 academic year:

• FAFSA
• California Dream Act application (CADAA)
• Cal B Grant

AB 540 students accepted into the program will also be required to submit a CA DSIG application by September 1, 2026 to receive the education award.

Option 2. Need to work to support college costs
Students who need to work part time or borrow loans to meet college expenses are encouraged to apply, even if they do not currently receive financial aid. Students without state or federal financial aid are still be eligible. This option applies to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. AB 540 students must be recipients of Cal Grant A or B.

Final financial eligibility is confirmed after selection into the program. Provisional financial aid awards are available in the Student Center through your SFSU Gateway account. Selected students will have the opportunity to review their financial aid package with the Financial Aid Office before awards are finalized.

We strongly encourage students to apply by March 20, as space is limited and most placements are made during the priority window.

After March 20, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis while positions are still available.

Applying early gives you the best chance of being matched with your preferred focus area and host site.

No. You do not need a finalized Fall 2026 class schedule to apply.

Applications open after all host site positions are posted so you can review real opportunities. When you apply, you will share your best known availability based on current information, such as expected class days or time blocks.

We understand that schedules often change over the summer. This is normal. Most students remain with their original placement. If adjustments are needed, ICCE will work with you to review options and confirm continued alignment.

Tip: As you review host site positions, pay close attention to the programming schedule and required service days. This will help you select sites that best match your anticipated class schedule.

Schedule changes are expected. Placements are based on the availability you share at the time of hire.

If your availability changes, contact ICCE as soon as possible. We will review your updated schedule and discuss options. Changes cannot always be accommodated, but we will work with you to identify the best path forward.

Before selecting your preferred host sites, carefully review the listed service days and programming schedules to ensure they align with your anticipated availability.

If selected, you will complete a virtual interview with the College Corps team. Interviews are conversational and focus on your interests, availability, and goals.

As part of your application, you will select your top focus areas and preferred host sites. We make every effort to align placements with student preferences.

Students who move forward after the interview will be invited to participate in small group Connection Sessions with potential host sites via Zoom. These sessions allow both students and host sites to confirm fit.

After Connection Sessions, selected students will receive a conditional offer from the College Corps team. Final placements are based on student preferences, availability, and site needs.

Fellows commit approximately 15 hours per week during the academic year and must complete a total of 450 hours of service and training between August 2026 and May 2027. This includes weekly service at a host site, required College Corps meetings, trainings, and cohort sessions.

College Corps is a meaningful, paid opportunity to gain hands on experience, build professional skills, and make a measurable impact in the community.

As a paid fellowship, the program includes clear expectations for attendance, professionalism, communication, and follow through. This is not a volunteer opportunity.

Review the full Program Commitments and Responsibilities before applying.

Earn up to $10,000 in financial support
Fellows who complete 450 hours are eligible to receive up to $7,000 in living allowance paid monthly and a $3,000 education award upon successful completion.

As a Fellow, you will:

• Gain hands on experience with community organizations
• Build transferable skills
• Participate in leadership and professional development sessions
• Gain experience aligned with education, climate action, food access, or economic opportunity
• Connect with community leaders and students across California

Academic credit options
Some Fellows choose to earn academic credit for their College Corps experience by working with their department or program. Options vary by major and are coordinated directly with academic advisors and instructors. 

Graduation planning support
College Corps staff work with Fellows to help ensure program participation fits with academic progress and graduation goals.

Fellows are matched with community host partner sites that partner with SFSU. All host sites are nonprofit or public agencies serving San Francisco communities.

As part of the application, students select their top focus areas and preferred host sites. After interviews, selected students participate in small group Connection Sessions via Zoom to learn more about potential placements and confirm fit.

We make every effort to align placements with student preferences.

Final placements are made by the College Corps team based on student preferences, availability, and site needs. Host site availability may vary, and placement at a first choice site is not guaranteed.

Students are encouraged to apply during the March priority window, as most placements are made during this period.