College Corps Fellowship Program

Helping students make college more affordable through paid community service and leadership development while partnering with local organizations to address critical needs across the region.

Service with Impact

The Cal State Monterey Bay College Corps Fellowship Program is a partnership with California Volunteers and AmeriCorps that helps make college more affordable while preparing students to become community leaders. Through the program, undergraduate students can receive up to $10,000 in financial support in exchange for completing 450 hours of community service and professional training.

Housed within Cal State Monterey Bay’s Service Learning Institute, College Corps connects Fellows with meaningful service opportunities at local nonprofits, K-12 schools, health care organizations and environmental agencies throughout Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.

Learn Through Service

College Corps Fellows gain hands-on experience while addressing important community needs, including food insecurity, environmental stewardship, health equity and K-12 education. Fellows work alongside community mentors, educators and nonprofit leaders to strengthen their leadership skills and create lasting impact across the region.

Through the fellowship, students build professional experience, develop strong community connections and join a statewide network of peers, alumni and community partners committed to service and social change.

Depending on a student’s financial aid package, Fellows may qualify for up to $10,000 through a living allowance and education award.

Leadership with Purpose

As a CSUMB College Corps Fellow, students enroll in a service learning course while serving approximately 12 to 15 hours each week during the academic year. Fellows support projects that improve access to health care, expand food and housing support, strengthen environmental initiatives and create meaningful educational opportunities for K-12 students.

Students may mentor and tutor youth, support wellness and recreational programs, assist teachers in student-centered classrooms or help community organizations advance sustainability efforts throughout the region.

Create Community Impact

College Corps is designed for students who are passionate about service, leadership and creating positive change. The program offers an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a meaningful difference in local communities.

How to Become a College Corps Fellow

Eligibility

To be eligible, students must:

Be enrolled full time as an undergraduate student at Cal State Monterey Bay during both the fall and spring semesters
Commit to serving 12-15 hours of community service each week and enroll in a service-learning course during both semesters

Students must also meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

Qualify for a Federal Pell Grant
Qualify for a Cal Grant or Middle Class Scholarship
Demonstrate financial need through part-time employment and/or student loans to help cover educational expenses
Be undocumented, with or without employment authorization

Apply for College Corps 2026-27

Applications for the 2026-27 College Corps cohort are now open. We encourage all eligible students to apply.

Qualified applicants will be invited to interview. After the interview process is complete, applicants will receive an email with an update on their application status.

Apply Now

2026-2027 College Corps Application

Interested in College Corps for 2027-28?

Planning to attend Cal State Monterey Bay in the future? Join our interest list for the 2027–28 academic year to stay informed about upcoming application deadlines and program updates.

Students on the interest list will be among the first to know when applications open and may receive early access to interview scheduling.

Join the Interest List

2027-2028 College Corps Fellowship Interest List

Become a College Corps Community Host Partner

College Corps partners play an important role in supporting student success while advancing meaningful work in the community. Through the program, organizations host Fellows who serve throughout the academic year on projects connected to education, food insecurity, climate action and health equity.

Partner Responsibilities

Community host partners agree to:

Host one or more Fellows during the fall and spring semesters
Provide 12-15 hours of weekly service opportunities for Fellows
Supervise and support Fellows throughout the academic year
Track student service hours using S4 and AmericaLearns
Complete evaluations at the end of each semester
Participate in College Corps events, including orientations, showcases and celebrations
Sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Cal State Monterey Bay and College Corps

What Partners Receive

As a College Corps partner, your organization will receive:

Support from dedicated Fellows throughout the academic year (August-May)
Additional capacity for programs, events and community outreach
Assistance advancing mission-driven service projects
Opportunities to mentor and support future civic and community leaders

Partner Eligibility and Interest

Community host partners must be nonprofit, governmental or educational organizations that focus on one or more of the following areas:

K-12 education
Food insecurity
Climate action
Health equity

Interested in Becoming a Partner?

Organizations interested in learning more about becoming a College Corps Community Host Partner are encouraged to join the interest list below.

Community Host Partner Interest List Form

Ready to Learn More?

We’re here to answer any questions you may have about the College Corps Fellowship Program.

Get in Touch

Reach out to learn more about becoming a College Corps Fellow, Community Host Partner. We also offer classroom presentations and tabling at your event.

Request Presentation/Tabling

Andrew Amorao

College Corps Director