$10,000 Community Service Opportunity for Students at Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College
Application for the 2024–25 College Corps Fellowship is now Open
The San Bernardino Community College District has announced that applications are now open for the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps for the 2024–2025 school year. This program offers students at Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College the chance to earn up to $10,000 by contributing 450 hours of community service over the course of one year.
For more details and to apply, visit www.sbccd.edu/college-corps.
Funded by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, College Corps is a statewide initiative designed to offer students debt-free college pathways while involving them in community problem-solving activities. The San Bernardino Community College District recently received a $1.6 million state grant to support the College Corps program.
Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez is inviting students who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities to seize this opportunity, emphasizing the program’s role in supporting their educational paths.
“College Corps is more than financial aid; it’s an opportunity to grow professionally and give back to your community,” says Rodriguez.
Giovanny Arturo Elizarraraz, a former College Corps fellow from San Bernardino Valley College, shared his enthusiasm for the program and his volunteering experience at the Educational Opportunities Help Desk within the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino. This desk offers vital information on financial aid and college admissions to families who are navigating the process for the first time.
Elizarraraz highlighted the profound impact of his service, stating, “I was lucky to assist students and families like my own. Seeing the positive effect on these children and their families every day was transformative. Knowing how many people benefit from this program, I can’t return to the person I was before.”
Fellows like Giovanny have also engaged in various community service activities, including tree planting, beach cleanups, and food distribution drives.
College Corps fellows work alongside local nonprofits, including:
- Akoma Unity Center
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- BLU Educational Foundation
- Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California
- Rotary Club #5330
- Sahaba Initiative
- Tree People
- TruEvolution
- Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire
- Uplift San Bernardino
- Among others
College Corps offers meaningful paid work experience opportunities to all qualified students, regardless of their citizenship status. This encompasses undocumented students, non-citizen permanent residents, individuals protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, and students eligible through the AB 540 California Dream Act Application.
College Corps presents a valuable opportunity for students looking to contribute to their communities while receiving financial assistance to pay for college.
For more information, contact Dr. Ariel Davis, SBCCD College Corps Program Manager at CollegeCorps@sbccd.edu.
