California could give you $10,000 for college — but deadline is near. Here’s what to know

Thousands of undergraduate college students could pocket roughly $10,000 through a California state program geared toward debt-free college pathways for low-to-moderate income students — but the deadline to apply is approaching.

Over the next two academic years, #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, an initiative launched by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Volunteers, will provide up to 6,500 college students across the state with a stipend and education award in exchange for community service, according to its website.

More than $146 million — the state’s largest state-level investment in a college service program — was funneled into College Corps, according to a January statement launching the program. It’s also the first state service opportunity open to AB 540 California Dream Act Students.

“This way we’re really bringing people together to make a difference, solve problems and we hope to graduate a generation of Californians who know what it means and has the experience of working together with people of various backgrounds towards solution,” said Josh Fryday, chief service officer with California Volunteers, in an recent interview.

Here’s what you need to know about the program, who’s eligible to apply, what’s expected of the selected students and how the partner schools were chosen.

About the program

College Corps’ goal is for students to learn from non-profit or government community organizations working in education, climate action and food insecurity. Each organization will host at least two fellows and track their progress, according to the College Corps website.

The 48 partner colleges and universities stretch across California including Sacramento State University, Sacramento City College, UC Davis, and Woodland Community College.

“Campus presidents are really seeing the value of this and excited about the opportunity for their students, especially their low-income students and Dreamers,” Fryday said.

Students in Sacramento will work at places like the Sacramento City Schools, Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center, food banks and more.

Who’s eligible?

Interested students should meet the following minimum eligibility requirements, according to California Volunteers’ College Corps website:

▪ Full-time undergraduate student at a partner campus

▪ High school graduate or its equivalent by August

▪ In good academic standing

▪ Ability to commit to the program for the full academic year

▪ U.S. citizen, U.S. national or legal permanent resident or AB 540 eligible Dream Act Student

Students must also qualify for either the Federal Pell Grant Program, Cal Grant Award or the Middle Class Scholarship to meet the financial need criteria. Students who also need to work part-time or borrow students loans to meet college costs are also welcome to apply, according to the website.

Undocumented students who meet the criteria include AB 540 eligible Dream Act Students and Cal Grant B recipients.

How the $10K is allocated

Over the course of the program, Fryday said most students will focus on one area of service, but noted that there will be instances where others will spend one semester in one activity and one semester in another.

Fellows will receive academic credit, but the amount and type will be chosen by their university.

“Students should not be working more than around 15 hours a week during their services...so they could focus on graduating on time, staying focused on school,” Fryday said.

The $10,000, stretched across the program, is taxed at a Federal Insurance Contribution Act tax of 7.65%, according California Volunteers.

College Corps Fellows will receive a living allowance of $7,000 as they complete their service work. Fryday said the funds are scheduled and allocated throughout the student’s college career.

Students who fail to complete 450 service hours won’t receive the $3,000 education award at the end of the program.

How to apply

To apply to be a College Corps Fellow, visit California Volunteers’ College Corps website and sift through partner colleges to find the school to complete an application.

Deadline to apply

Applications opened April 1 and most campuses will close enrollment at the end of their school year. Colleges will choose their fellows by July and the program will start in the fall.

“Statewide we’re looking for young people who are looking to make a difference in their community, who are looking to create change, who really want to help others and are excited about making change,” Fryday said.

This story was originally published April 26, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "California could give you $10,000 for college — but deadline is near. Here’s what to know."