College Corps
About
College of the Desert is launching its College Corps fellowship program this Fall. College Corps is part of a state grant that is designed to reduce college debt, engage college students in public service and leadership opportunities, and better the community.
Fellows in College Corps will build their leadership skills and work with community leaders to address critical issues in the Coachella Valley while achieving their college goals.
Students who complete a year of service will be eligible to receive $10,000. Nearly 6,500 college students across the state will participate in service opportunities around critical issue areas. There are 56 spaces available for the 2023-2024 COD Cohort 2.
College of the Desert’s year-long service opportunity will be with our partner Find Food Bank. Fellows will learn about the efforts to address food insecurity in the Coachella Valley as well as take part in direct service activities.
College Corps Application
Are you interested in making a difference in your community? Do you need financial assistance to pursue higher education? College Corps offers a way for you to do both!
Coming soon! College of the Desert College Corps program will be accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year starting February 1st through March 27. For questions regarding the application please contact Lizbeth Hurtado at collegecorps@collegeofthedesert.edu.
Three Core Goals
In partnership with Find Food Bank, we are joining a statewide effort to tackle statewide challenges. This initiative has three core goals:
- Create a generation of civic-minded leaders with the ability to bridge divides and solve problems.
- Help Fellows graduate college on time and with less debt.
- Address societal challenges and help build more equitable communities across California.
Benefits of Being a Fellow
Students who complete 450 hours of services with College Corps will receive the following benefits:
- $7,000 stipend (living allowance paid monthly), plus $3,000 Education Award upon program completion
- 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.
Eligibility
In order to participate, students must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (i.e. GED) by August 2023
- Full-time (12 or more credits), enrolled College of the Desert student
- No minimum GPA, but students must currently be and remain in good academic standing.
- Able to commit to the program for the full academic year (Fall 2023 and Spring 2024).
Students selected to join the Fellowship should also meet at least (1) of the following criteria:
- Qualifies for a Federal Pell Grant
- Qualifies for a State Cal Grant or Middle-Class Scholarship
- Needs to work part-time to meet their educational costs
- Is an AB-540 Eligible Dreamer and be a recipient of a Cal Grant A or B
Student Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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 and recipient of a Cal Grant A or B
Students must also meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (i.e. GED) by August 2022
- Full-time, enrolled undergraduate student attending College of the Desert
- 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 (2023-2024)
Students will first complete the College Corps 2023-2024 application. Students who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited for an interview with the selection committee.
Students will be offered a conditional offer to participate in the College Corps program.
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 training in June 2023. Once students are cleared they can start their service hours as early as August 1st, 2023.
College Corps has three goals:
- 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.
Fellows will be able to complete their service hours at the College of the Desert Palm Desert campus or Find Food locations.
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:
- $7,000 stipend (living allowance), plus a $3,000 Education Award;
- 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 56 Fellows in the 2023-2024 academic year.
