California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday and Central Coast California Educators Kick Off #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Recruitment

New service initiative helps low-income students graduate college on time and with less debt

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Today, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday joined campus officials from Central Coast colleges to encourage students to apply for the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program – 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.

Students will strengthen their futures by receiving $10,000 for completing a year of service performing valuable work in their communities. This groundbreaking program intends to unite young Californians of all backgrounds in service and will create opportunities for AB 540 CA Dream Act Students to serve their communities.

“Students are graduating with crippling debt. This service and career development program helps create a debt-free college pathway while promoting service. If you are willing to serve your community and give back in a meaningful way, we are going to help you pay for college. This is a win-win-win: Helping to pay for college, gaining valuable work experience, and having a meaningful impact on your community,” said Fryday.

Over the next two years, College Corps will engage 6,500 California undergraduates in service — roughly the size of the entire Peace Corps. This service and career development program will help build a diverse class of leaders set to transform California for the better. Funding was made possible by the efforts of Governor Gavin Newsom and lawmakers.

Applications opened April 1, 2022. Students can learn more and apply by visiting www.cacollegecorps.com.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE: California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. Contact Katie Vavao, Katie.Vavao@cv.ca.gov, or call 916-584-3620.

Jeffrey D. Armstrong, President of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo:

“This program is truly a win-win-win situation: students win; our communities win; and the state as a whole wins by having more college graduates in the workforce and as taxpayers. I applaud Governor Newsom for seeing that there’s a win for all involved, and for committing the funding to make sure that it comes about.”

Jill Stearns, Superintendent/President of Cuesta College:

“As an institution that builds the workforce of tomorrow, Cuesta College understands that students are seeking employment that aligns with their attitudes and beliefs. The College Corps provides an early experience in the educational journey for students to explore positions with purpose and meaning. We are excited for students to have this opportunity to apply what they are studying and impart a significant positive impact on sustainability and our community.”

Kevin G. Walthers, Superintendent/President of Allan Hancock College:

“We are very excited to take part in this new and promising program. The California College Corps offers Allan Hancock College students authentic, real world volunteer work experience today, preparing them to solve tomorrow’s challenges. Hancock is proud to join this venture and change the odds for our community and state.”

Allison DelGrande, Center for Service in Action:

“Getting involved with service in college provides students the perfect opportunity to connect with their new home and create positive change outside the classroom. With College Corps, students are able to do just that by selecting a cause they feel passionate about and taking action within their local college communities.”

VIDEOS AVAILABLE:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2bkqyIn3vA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/366761632165188/posts/383004093874275

###

Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. #CaliforniansForAll is a California Volunteers service initiative launched in response to COVID-19 to establish a volunteer corps to support the state’s response to emergencies and disasters.