Cuesta College Corps

As a College Corps Fellow, you will serve 450 hours over the course of the academic year (August 2024-May 2025) in one of four areas: K-12 Education, Food Insecurity, Climate Action, or Community Support. This roughly equates to 15 hours/week. Additionally, you will receive:

• Up to $7,000 living stipend – distributed via Financial Aid in monthly amounts of $700 throughout the academic year
• An Education Award of $3,000 upon completion of 450 service hours (awarded by AmeriCorps to be utilized for future education needs)
• Academic credit, if you enroll in a work experience course
• Real-world job experience and skills to add to your resume
• Access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities
• Connections with Fellows across the region and 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

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

• Needs to work part time and/or borrow student loans to meet their educational costs
• Qualifies for a Federal Pell Grant
• Qualifies for a State Cal Grant or Middle Class Scholarship
• Is an AB-540 Eligible Dreamer

Additionally, eligible Fellows are required to:

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (i.e., GED) by the beginning of 2024-2025 AY
• Be enrolled full-time student at Cuesta College (full-time status is typically 12 units; students can take a Work Experience course for 3 units, and therefore should be enrolled in a minimum of 9 units of additional coursework)
• Complete a National Service Criminal History Check and Live Scan, upon selection, at the expense of Cuesta College
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA and remain in good academic standing
• Commit to the program for the full 450 hours during the academic year (Aug-June)
• Plan to be a student at Cuesta College in both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 and enrolled full time each semester

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: Examples of service in this area include serving as a tutor to K-12 students at local schools and/or organizations that provide tutoring services.
• FOOD INSECURITY: Examples of service in this area include supporting food distribution efforts at local food banks, food distribution centers, or at Cuesta College’s Food Pantry.
• CLIMATE ACTION: Examples of service in this area vary greatly but focus on local organizations that are focused on positive environmental change.

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

Yes! Once you have completed the CCC Apply and have your student ID in hand (the 900… number) you can apply to be part of the program.

We will ensure you are a full-time student after classes begin in August. 

AB540 students are eligible and encouraged to apply!

To qualify as an AB 540 student, the following criteria must be met:

• Have a completed & submitted California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for 2023-2024 AY
• Enrolled at a Cal Grant Eligible School (Cuesta is!)
• Active recipient of a Cal Grant B Award for the 2023-2024 academic year
• Submit a CA DSIG Application by September 1 to become eligible for Education Award

Here is a brief timeline for the 24-25 College Corps Program:

• Application Period: January 2024 – March 15, 2024
• Interviews: April 2024
• Selected Fellows Notified: May 2024
• Fellows Complete Enrollment (including background check): June 2024
• Deadline for Fellows to Begin Service: August 31 (can begin earlier) 

Let's break it down.

The 450 hours have to be completed by the end of the academic year in May. The program starts with the school year in August with some training hours that count toward the 450 goal. Therefore, the 450 hours will be spread across 10 months (as will the stipend). So, the target is to complete 45 hours of service per month, which roughly equates to 12 to 15 per week, to compensate for holiday closures.

The majority of your hours will be spent working at your assigned site, but some hours will be spent in training to become a Fellow, professional development, and activities with the other Fellows in your region, or at Cuesta. 

Included in the 450 hours are time for training, and regional activities. The dates of these training and activities will be communicated to Fellows once determined. 

Please share any transportation concerns on your application. Cuesta College is hoping to offer either a gas card or bus passes to offset any costs of participating. Amounts are still to be determined. 

Each student’s financial aid package is different. The purpose of this grant, however, is to try to reduce or eliminate the need for student loans. Please contact a Financial Aid counselor to discuss how this award may impact any other financial aid that you receive. 

Yes. Students are eligible to participate in multiple years but will need to complete the application process for each year. Selection for each year is not guaranteed even if there was participation the previous year. 

Fellows will receive financial compensation for the hours served on an ongoing basis. Should a Fellow need to discontinue from participating in the program, they are ineligible to receive the remaining balance of the $7,000 award as well as the $3,000 Academic Award. Checks will be done monthly to make sure the fellow is keeping pace to continue with the program.

Please communicate regularly with program staff if you have illness, or other commitments that interfere with your ability to make regular progress with your hours.