There is new hope and opportunity for California college students struggling to pay for their education. Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state leaders launched a historic program that includes two San Diego universities on Tuesday.
"California is a world leader in both higher education and service," Newsom said. "The Californians For All College Corps advances these priorities by connecting Californians of different backgrounds with enriching service opportunities throughout the state while making college more affordable for our state’s future leaders. We hope the corps will be replicated across the nation."
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The online event included the announcement of 45 colleges and universities that will partner with the state in providing support to their students who qualify to join the Californians For All College Corps. The University of San Diego and UC San Diego made the cut. Starting this fall, students on those campuses can apply for a year of service that could include climate action, tutoring, supporting food banks and COVID-19 recovery efforts.
There is funding for up to 6,500 college students over two academic years. Those who complete a year of service will receive $10,000 while gaining valuable experience they could use in future careers. Students on PELL grants could use the 10-thousand dollars to pay their half of the remaining financial cost of tuition instead of borrowing it.
University of California president Michael V. Drake said, “California is and always should be a place where education turns dreams into reality. Where people of all backgrounds and walks of life can succeed.”
The College Corps is open to the so-called Dreamers, brought to the U.S. as very young children by their undocumented parents. Unlike the federally funded AmeriCorps volunteer organization, California’s College Corps will accept eligible Dreamers into the state service program.
Forty-five total campuses representing University of California, California State University, community college and private university systems have been selected as program participants via a competitive grant application process.
The full list of schools is available at californiavolunteers.ca.gov.
