The statewide service program is a new opportunity for thousands of California college students to serve their communities in critical issue areas, such as climate action, education and food insecurity.
During the news conference, President Covino shared that the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program aligns with Cal State LA’s longstanding ethos of service to others.
“We’re proud to work with our regional partners and the governor’s office to offer this opportunity, which benefits our students and our communities and serves the public good,” Covino said at the news conference in the Janice Cordova Garden of Well-Being at Cal State LA. “We encourage our students to apply to participate in this historic initiative.”
The news conference at Cal State LA was part of a statewide effort to kick off student recruitment for the new service program, which also aims to help low-income students graduate college on time and with less debt.
Students will benefit from two opportunities to strengthen their future at the same time: receiving $10,000 for completing a year of service and gaining valuable experience by serving their community. This groundbreaking program also aims to unite young Californians of all backgrounds in service, and specifically creates opportunities for AB 540 CA Dream Act students to serve their communities.
“If you are willing to serve your community and give back in a meaningful way, we are going to help you pay for college,” Fryday said. “This is a win-win-win: helping to pay for college, gaining valuable work experience, and having a meaningful impact on their community.”
East Los Angeles College President Alberto J. Román, RĂo Hondo College Board of Trustees President Vicky Santana and Durazo, whose Senate District 24 includes Cal State LA, also spoke during the news conference, praising the historic service program and echoing the call for students to apply to join the effort.
Cal State LA leads a regional consortium of colleges and universities participating in the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program. The East Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley Regional Consortium includes Cal Poly Pomona, East Los Angeles College, Rio Hondo College and Cal State LA.
The consortium will offer meaningful civic and community engagement opportunities to at least 200 low-to-moderate income students, helping to reduce their college debt through financial support while addressing key challenges facing some of the most underserved communities in the eastern region of Los Angeles County.
Modeled after the California Volunteers’ pilot Civic Action Fellowship program, the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program aims to engage students across the state in solving problems in their communities, while learning key skills that will advance their own academic and career success.
“Being a part of this program has opened my eyes to a world I had never been exposed to before,” said Cal State LA student Ceeszely Aguilar, who participated in the Civic Action Fellowship program. “Through my service with our partner, the Southeast Community Development Corporation, I’ve learned that there is a great sense of satisfaction that comes from being able to support the community members that we serve.”
Students can learn more about the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program and apply now by visiting the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps website at www.cacollegecorps.com.
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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 26,000 students and has more than 250,000 distinguished alumni.
Cal State LA is home to the critically-acclaimed Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility, Billie Jean King Sports Complex and the TV, Film and Media Center. For more information, visit www.CalStateLA.edu.
