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The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program will help create debt-free pathways to college while engaging students across California in solving problems in their communities. Irvine Valley College is proud to be one of 45 new partner campuses for College Corps for this initiative. Over the next two years IVC will partner with Concordia University Irvine and Vanguard University in mobilizing students to engage in areas of K-12 Education, Food Insecurity, and Climate Action.

To apply, please complete our Student Interest Form and an IVC representative will contact you about next steps.

Student Interest Form

MORE QUESTIONS? Please email: ivccollegecorps@ivc.edu

About College Corps

As a College Corps Fellow, you will serve 450 hours in an area of K-12 Education, Food Insecurity, or Climate Action over the course of the 2022-2023 academic year (August 2022-May 2023). This roughly equates to 15 hours/week.

As a College Corps Fellow, you'll receive:

  • Up to $7,000 living stipend (throughout service term) + $3,000 Education Award upon completion of 450 service hours (Awarded by AmeriCorps to be utilized for future education needs).
  • Real-world job experience and skills to add to your resume.
  • Access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities.
  • Connections with Fellows across the state via a virtual community platform and regional events.
  • A sense of pride and accomplishment in working toward a common purpose alongside young leaders from across the state.
  • Passion for working in partnership with communities to make positive change;
  • Flexibility to work in different areas and adapt to changing circumstances;
  • 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.

Fellows will work with K-12 schools, food banks/pantries, or climate action organizations to build healthier and more equitable communities across California. They will do this in a variety of ways:

  • K-12 EDUCATION: Serve as a tutor to K-12 students at local schools and/or organizations that provide tutoring services.
  • FOOD INSECURITY: Serve at a local food pantry or food bank, food distribution center providing access to community members facing food insecurity.
  • CLIMATE ACTION: Serve with local organizations that are focused on positive environmental change.

The College Corps staff will do their best to match accepted Fellows with their top field choice, however, it is not guaranteed.

Students selected to join the Fellowship should meet at least (1) of the following criteria:

Additionally, eligible Fellows are required to:

  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (I.e., GED) by the beginning of 2022-2023 AY
  • Be a full-time, enrolled undergraduate student at Irvine Valley College
  • Complete a National Service Criminal History Check and Live Scan, upon selection
  • Hold a 2.5 minimum GPA and remain in good academic standing
  • Commit to the program for the full 450 hours during the academic year (Aug-May)

College Fellows Orientation:

  • August 17, 2022 (Vanguard University)
  • August 18, 2022 (Concordia Irvine)

Saturday Symposiums:

  • October 8, 2022 (Irvine Valley College)
  • January 28, 2023 (Vanguard University)
  • April 15, 2023 (Concordia Irvine)

Regional Meetings: Dates TBD

College Corps FAQ

As a College Corps Fellow, you'll receive:

  • Up to $7,000 living stipend (throughout service term) + $3,000 Education Award upon completion of 450 service hours (to be utilized for future education needs).
  • Real-world job experience and skills to add to your resume.
  • Access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities.
  • Connections with Fellows across the state via a virtual community platform and regional events.
  • A sense of pride and accomplishment in working toward a common purpose alongside young leaders from across the state.

Selected undergraduate students will be referred to as College Corps Fellows throughout the duration of the program.

The fellowship refers to the year-long commitment and service completed with an external community partner. As a College Corps Fellow, you will be assigned an external community partner to work with and complete a majority of the 450 hours of service with this community partner.

Yes! AB540 students are eligible, but:

  • Must have a completed & submitted California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for 2022-2023 AY
  • Must be enrolled at a Cal Grant Eligible School (Irvine Valley College is!)
  • Must be an active recipient of a Cal Grant B Award for the 2022-2023 academic year
  • Must have sufficient financial need (determined by IVC’s Financial Aid Office).
  • Must submit a CA DSIG Application by September 1 to become eligible for Education Award

Let's break it down. 90% (405 hours) of your 450 hours must be done at your external service partner. Working 15 hours, for 28 weeks out of the 2022-2023 academic year will put you at 420 hours. This will allow for the remaining 10% of your service hours to be utilized for organized on-boarding, ongoing academic and vocational support, and professional training.

  • Complete this Interest Form below and an IVC representative will contact you about next steps.
  • Students selected for an on-campus interview will be notified via email.
  • Students awarded a Fellowship position will be notified via email.
  • Students who accept the fellowship program will be asked to participate in the signing ceremony that will take place May 20th.

Yes, students are eligible to participate in both years of the grant award. More information and the application process for repeat Fellows during the 2023-2024 academic year will be posted at a later time.

Fellows will receive financial compensation for the hours served on an ongoing basis. Should a Fellow need to discontinue from participating in the program, they are ineligible to receive the remaining balance of the $7,000 award as well as the $3,000 Academic Award.

While we are working hard to ensure placements are within a reasonable distance to IVC’s campus, we understand that not every Fellow has access to personal transportation. Please be sure to share any transportation needs on your application and the College Corps staff will attempt to assist to the best of our ability. One resource available to IVC students is the OCTA Free Bus Pass Program, which offers unlimited rides on all OCTA fixed-routes.

Yes! Pending availability of spots in the program you are eligible once you have registered for Fall 2022 you are welcome to apply to the Fellows program.

Each student's financial aid package is different. We encourage you to connect with the IVC Financial Aid Office to make sure you understand how the $10,000 award through this program will impact your specific situation.

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Partners Interest Form

IVC is proud to be a member of the OC College Corps Consortium along with Concordia Irvine and Vanguard University. Together, we will be mobilizing 200 Fellows to serve our local community.

GOAL FOR THIS PROGRAM

  • Create a generation of civic-minded leaders with the ability to bridge divides and solve problems.
  • Help low-income students graduate college on time and with less debt.
  • Address societal challenges and help build more equitable communities across California