SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Cuesta College is celebrating the continued success and regional impact of the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program as statewide partners, including Cal Poly, received renewed funding to expand the initiative for three more years.
At Cuesta College, College Corps connects students with meaningful, paid service opportunities that address critical community needs while helping reduce the cost of higher education.
“College Corps gives our students the opportunity to gain real-world experience while making a tangible difference in their community,” said Cuesta College Volunteer Services Coordinator Darlene Azevedo.
Cuesta College Fellows serve in key focus areas, including K-12 education, food insecurity, climate action, and healthy futures, supporting organizations across San Luis Obispo County. Students commit approximately 450 hours of service during the academic year, gaining hands-on experience aligned with their academic and career goals.
In return, Fellows can receive up to $10,000 in combined financial support through a living stipend and education award, helping reduce reliance on student loans and allowing students to focus on their education.
The program is designed to support students with financial need, including those receiving Pell Grants or balancing work and school, and is open to a diverse range of students, including AB540 and undocumented students.
Regional Impact on the Central Coast
Since 2022, College Corps has made a measurable impact across the Central Coast through a partnership between Cuesta College, Allan Hancock College, and Cal Poly:
- 1,196 total Fellows served
- 311,400+ service hours completed
At Cuesta College specifically:
- 147 Fellows served
- 35,943 service hours contributed
- Support provided to approximately 15 community partner sites
Local partners include organizations such as The Marine Mammal Center, El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO), and the SLO Food Bank, which joins the program as a new partner for the 2025-2026 year.
Student Impact in Action
For many students, the College Corps experience is as personal as it is professional. Amori Fernandez and Kyah Jimeson, two Cuesta College Fellows and close friends, are placed at ECHO in Paso Robles and have spent the past year serving their community side by side while pursuing their academic goals. After starting at Cuesta College together, both were accepted into nursing school and are preparing to transfer, bringing with them hands-on experience supporting local residents in need.
Now Recruiting Fifth Cohort
Cuesta College is now recruiting its fifth cohort of College Corps Fellows for the 2026-2027 academic year. With 34 available positions, this marks the largest cohort since the program’s inaugural year at Cuesta College.
The program runs from August through May. Applications are open now and will remain open until all positions are filled.
Students interested in applying can learn more at: Cuesta College Corps
About Cuesta College
Cuesta College empowers students to imagine and achieve brighter futures through high-quality
education, personalized support, and a welcoming community. With a main campus in
San Luis Obispo, a North County Campus in Paso Robles, a South County Center in Arroyo
Grande, and a variety of online offerings, we offer opportunities that inspire growth,
spark innovation, and open doors, helping every student succeed on their unique path.
Learn more at cuesta.edu.
About College Corps
The #CaliforniansforAll College Corps is a statewide initiative that provides college
students with opportunities to serve their communities while earning financial support.
The program focuses on addressing California’s most pressing challenges while preparing
students for future careers. It is administered by California Volunteers, an Office
of the Governor program.