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College Corps Eligibility

 

Eligibility

  • Must be enrolled at UC Berkeley as a full-time undergraduate for the 2024-25 year
  • Students cannot be incoming first year students (transfer students may be eligible)
  • Must be in good academic standing for the duration of the academic year
  • Cannot study abroad or live outside the Bay Area for either fall or spring semester
  • Must either be able to serve 12-15 hours per week for the full academic year OR must serve 10 yours per week for the academic year and be free to serve in-person during June and July 2025 to meet the 450 hour service requirement
  • Must have received a high school diploma or GED
  • Be willing to complete a National Service Criminal History Check & Live Scan in order to formally enroll
  • Students should demonstrate financial eligibility by being eligible for either:
    • a federal Pell grant
    • a State Cal Grant or Middle Class Scholarship
    • qualify as an AB-540 Dreamer
    • and/or needs to work or borrow loans to meet college costs
  • AB-540 eligible applicants must:
    • have submitted a complete California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for 2024-2025
    • have financial need 
    • be an active recipient of a Cal Grant B Award for the 2024-2025 academic year OR be an active recipient of a Cal Grant A Award who is eligible for a Cal Grant B Award
    • submit a CA DSIG Application by September 1 to become eligible for the $3,000 Education Award

Expectations

  • Serve 450 hours from late August 2024-July 31, 2025 through an in-person community service placement 
  • Service hours will average 12-15 hours/week or 10-12 hours week with additional service in June and July, 2025
  • Participate in an orientation, mid-year meeting, & a 2-hour pod every other Thursday from 6-8pm with Fellows in your issue area
  • Participate in a regional service day & virtual meetings with College Corps Fellows across the state of California

Benefits

  • Graduate with less debt as College Corps Fellows will receive $10,000 through:
    • a $7,000 living stipend paid monthly throughout your active service term
    • a $3,000 Education Award upon successful completion of 450 hours
  • Be part of the second cohort of students in a first-of-its-kind statewide partnership addressing societal challenges and helping to build more equitable communities across California
  • Serve in a community service placement focused on an issue you care about: Environmental Justice, K-12 Education, or Behavioral Health & Wellness/Housing
  • Participate in training, professional development, and exposure to the skills and collaboration needed for community change
  • Network with community leaders and students from across campus and the state of CA who are committed to building stronger communities
  • Gain hands-on, real world experience and professional skills that will transfer to future endeavors
  • Instill a sense of pride and common purpose as you work alongside fellow student leaders from across the state

What We’re Looking For

  • Passion for working in partnership with communities to make positive change
  • Growth mindset and eagerness to try new things
  • Interest in connecting with and learning from other students and partners across the state
  • Willingness to be an ambassador for the Fellowship on campus and beyond

What You’ll Do

  • Serve 10-15 hours/week with a local community organization or school with the option of summer service in June and July 2025
  • Service will focus on either environmental justice, K-12 education, or health/wellness & housing
  • You’ll share successes and challenges and will learn from your peers in biweekly pod meetings; each pod will consist of about 35 College Corps Fellows  
  • You’ll have the option to register in Pod for 1-3 units 

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Baker-Smith, Senior Program Manager
cbakersmith@berkeley.edu

 

Alameda Family Services Staff with a 2022-2023 Fellow