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What is 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 2024-2025 academic year (August - July). This roughly equates to 15 hours/week. Through this year of service, you will earn up to $10,000 in a living stipend and educational award. IVC will be mobilizing 67 Fellows to serve our local community.

  • 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

As a College Corps Fellow, you'll receive:

  • Up to $7,000 living stipend (throughout service term) + additional $3,000 Education Award upon completion of 450 service hours (Awarded by AmeriCorps to be utilized for future education needs).
  • For Dreamers, up to $5,500 living stipend (throughout service term) + $4,500 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.

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  • 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 an AVID Tutor at IUSD, or serve in TUSD’s Expanded Learning program in collaboration with the YMCA.
  • 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. Provide community education in-class workshops covering Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s services and initiatives in high school classrooms throughout Orange County.

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

K-12 Education:

Food Insecurity:

Climate Action:

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

  • Qualifies for a Federal Pell Grant OR Qualifies for State Cal Grant
  • Is an AB-540 eligible Dreamer who is an active recipient of Cal Grant B

Students who meet one of the criteria above must also:

  • Have an Unmet Need (assessed by our financial aid office) that allows for you to receive the full College Corps benefit. Eligibility will be communicated to students who apply to College Corps based on the processing timeline of FAFSA and CA Dream Act Applications.

Additionally, eligible Fellows are required to:

  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (I.e., GED) by the beginning of 2023-2024 the AY
  • Be a full-time, enrolled undergraduate student at Irvine Valley College
  • For US Citizen and legal permanent residents only: Complete a National Service Criminal History Check and Live Scan, upon selection
  • Hold a 2.5 minimum GPA and remain in good academic standing
  • For AB540 students only: Complete the Dream Service Incentive Grant Program Application (sent to you through IVC College Corps)
  • Commit to the program for the full 450 hours during the academic year (July)

2025-2026

  • March 1, 2025: Applications Open 
  • July 31, 2024: Applications Close
    • Fellowship slots are limited, it is recommended to submit your applications as soon as possible
    • Eligible Applicants will be invited to complete a Zoom interview.
  • July 2025: College Corps Fellows are selected
  • Mandatory Orientation: August 2025
  • College Corps fellows begin serving at host sites as early as August 1, 2025