College Corps

The first of its kind initiative launched in partnership with California colleges and universities. Over the next two years these partner campuses will deploy more than 6,000 College Corps Fellows to tackle statewide challenges.

COD College Corps fellows serve at FIND Food Bank and on campus Central Pantries to address food insecurity in the Coachella Valley. 

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

• Qualifies for a Federal Pell Grant
• Needs to work part time to meet their educational costs
• Is an AB-540 Eligible Dreamer 

Students must also meet the following minimum eligibility criteria: 

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (i.e. GED) by August 2025
• Full-time, enrolled undergraduate student attending College of the Desert both Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
• No minimum GPA, but students must currently be and remain in good academic standing
• Ability to commit to the program for the full academic year (2025-2026)

Students will first complete the College Corps 2025-2026 application. Prospective fellows will first submit their initial applications, students will receive personal statement prompts. The College Corps staff will review students application and responses, and will invite students for an interview based on students eligibility and fit for the program. 

The College Corps program will send send students a conditional offer to participate in the College Corps program. Official acceptance in the program is dependent on students completion of the onboarding process. 

Yes, we have 59 fellowship opportunities. Students who are offered a conditional seat may lose their seat if they fail to complete the onboarding process or maintain their eligibility. Students from the waitlist will be offered a seat once it becomes available. Students on the waitlist will be expected to complete the onboarding process in case a seat becomes available.

College of the Desert’s College Corps will be working to increase awareness and address issues around Food insecurity through our partnership with Find Food Bank.

Students who are offered a seat will be invited to attend a mandatory onboarding in June 2025. Once students are cleared, and attend summer orientation they can start their service hours as early as August 1st, 2025. 

College Corps has three goals: 

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

Fellows will be able to complete their service hours at the College of the Desert Palm Desert campus, Indio campus and Find Food locations across the Coachella Valley.

Fellows need to complete a total of 450 hours of service with College Corps to be eligible for all benefits. Required hours will include onboarding, leadership development trainings, and other College Corps Fellow activities. Students can complete a maximum of 90 professional hours and the remaining 360 hours of service. 

Students can submit their application and email collegecorps@collegeofthedesert.edu for assistance with meeting enrollment eligibility requirements. 

There are several benefits to participating in College Corps including: 

• Living stipend up to $7,000 stipend (living allowance), plus a $3,000 Education Award, award amounts depend on eligibility;
• A real-world job experience and skills to add to their resume;
• Access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities;
• A sense of pride and accomplishment in working toward a common purpose alongside young leaders from across the state. 

College of the Desert will be hosting 59 Fellows in the 2025-2026 academic year.