The College Corps Fellowship program at Cal State Bakersfield provides students with community service opportunities that can earn them up to $10,000.
After completing at least 450 hours of service in the program by the end of the school year, students will earn money toward their degree while connecting with the community, gaining work experience, and developing skills such as empathy, confidence, time management, and effective communication. The allowance is paid monthly.
The program provides students with knowledge of community resources, as well as training in resume building and financial literacy.
Governor Gavin Newsom introduced the College Corps Fellowship in 2022, a grant program sponsored by California Volunteers that rewards students. CSUB’s Center for Career Education and Community Engagement implemented the College Corps Fellowship in 2022 to make college more affordable while simultaneously giving back to the community. This program has expanded, with completed service hours increasing from 25,297 to 33,993. These hours have increased as the organization now assists 52 campuses since its launch.
“I was drawn to this program because of its strong commitment to both student development and community impact,” said College Corps coordinator Rachel Hoetker.
The community service partners that College Corps collaborates with aim to help K-12 students, address food insecurity, and promote climate action. Some of their K-12 community partners include the Boys and Girls Club, the CAPK Friendship House, the Open Door Network, and Dignity Health. Partnerships. Addressing food insecurity include CSUB’s Edible Garden, Food Pantry, and CAPK Food Bank. Additionally for climate action College Corps works with the Wind Wolves Conservancy.
“For many seniors, [the College Corps Fellowship] also serves as a bridge between college and the workforce, giving them practical experience they can confidently speak to in interviews and future opportunities,” said Vianca Medina.
Throughout the year, Medina creates a manual for fellows that give details about community partnerships. The manuals provide information on the number of available slots, job duties, hours, distance from CSUB, and any required testing or background checks. Medina explains that the program looks for organizations that are committed to mentoring students, providing meaningful work, and addressing real community needs.
In July, College Corps hosts a meet-and-match event in the CSUB Student Recreation Center gym, where various community partners set up tables. Fellows can speak with the partners and choose their top three places of interest, while the partners determine whom they want to reach out to. The program aims to align students’ opportunities with their unique interests and career goals.
“They [the community partners] give our students so much direction, and I think it creates those connections where they have professional mentorship. Lots of recommendation letters and references come out of these engagements,” said Director of College Corps Katrina Gilmore.
Medina mentions that one of her favorite experiences has been seeing the growth of the fellows through watching them build confidence, develop professionally, and make a difference in their communities. Medina explains that hearing positive feedback from both students and partners and seeing fellows transition into full-time roles with their community host partners after graduation, feels fulfilling and reflects the strength and value of the program.
Since 2022, the program has strengthened community partnerships, refined the fellow experience, and expanded support systems for students. College Corps continues to seek new community partnerships, places a larger emphasis on professional development, and creates more opportunities to build skills for the future for fellows.
College Corps is currently recruiting for Cohort 5, which refers to the students participating in the program during the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Students can find the application for this program on the College Corps page of CSUB’s website. June 1 is the priority deadline for applications. The College Corps staff will reach out to students for an interview after reviewing applications.
