College Corps FAQs

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

• Up to $10,000 in a living allowance and educational award depending on eligibility
• Academic credit for completed required coursework
• 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 towards a common purpose in your community 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) before being accepted to the program
• Be enrolled full-time student at Monterey Peninsula College (full-time status is 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 Monterey Peninsula 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 Monterey Peninsula College in both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 and enrolled full time each semester

Fellows will work with K-12 schools, food banks/pantries, or climate action organizations to build healthier 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 Monterey Peninsula 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.
• HEALTHY FUTURES: Examples of service in this area include supporting the community with housing, mental health, medical services, and basic needs.

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, you can apply to be part of the program.

We will ensure you are a full-time student (enrolled in a minimum of 12 units)  before classes begin in August.

AB 540 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 2026-2027 Academic Year
• Enrolled at a Cal Grant Eligible School (MPC is!)
• Active recipient of a Cal Grant B Award for the 2026-2027 Academic Year
• Submit a CA DSIG Application by September 1 to become eligible for Education Award

Here is a brief timeline for the College Corps Program:

• Application Period: Starts March and will remain open until all positions are filled
• Interviews: April
• Selected Fellows Notified: May
• Fellows Complete Enrollment (including background check): June
• 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. So, the target is to complete 40-45 hours of service per month, which roughly equates to 10 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 completing required program coursework, training to become a Fellow, and participating in professional development and other approved activities with the other Fellows in your region or at Monterey Peninsula College.

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

Fellows will receive financial compensation for the hours served on an ongoing basis. Should a Fellow need to discontinue from participating in the program, monthly living stipends will stop, and the Fellow may become ineligible for the education award, which is only granted after all 450 hours are completed. Check ins 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.