For Immediate Release
April 29, 2022
Contact: Katie Vavao, Katie.Vavao@cv.ca.gov, (916) 584-3620 

Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday Joins Senator Durazo and Local College & University Officials to Kick Off #CaliforniansForAll College Corps  Recruitment in Los Angeles

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

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Chief Service Officer (CSO) Josh Fryday joined Senator Durazo and campus officials from Cal State LA, East Los Angeles College, and Río Hondo College at Cal State LA on April 29 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 benefit from two opportunities to strengthen their future at the same time: $10,000 for completing a year of service and gaining valuable experience by serving their community. This groundbreaking program intends to unite young Californians of all backgrounds in service, and specifically creates opportunities for AB 540 CA Dream Act Students to serve their communities.

Over the next two years, College Corps will engage 6,500 California undergraduates in service — roughly the size of the entire Peace Corps. Thanks to Governor Newsom and lawmakers who helped make funding possible, this service and career development program will help build a diverse class of leaders set to transform California for the better.

Cal State LA leads a regional consortium of colleges and universities participating in the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps. The consortium includes Cal Poly Pomona, East Los Angeles College, Rio Hondo College and Cal State LA.

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

“Students are graduating with crippling debt. This service and career development program helps to 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 their community,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. 

William A. Covino, Cal State LA President:

“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. We encourage our students to apply to participate in this historic initiative.”

Maria Elena Durazo, State Senator of District 24:

“Our communities are facing crises on multiple fronts – from our worsening climate crisis, to rising economic and educational inequality, to a daunting COVID-19 recovery. Young people understand these issues and their long-term implications better than anyone, and they are looking for ways to get involved to create a better future for themselves and their communities. The College Corps is an ideal opportunity to do just that, in addition to offering a debt-free path to graduation. I am very proud California is offering this program.”

Wendy Carrillo, State Assemblymember of District 51:

“As an alumni of both East LA College and Cal State LA, and a formerly undocumented student, I know first hand the hardships and realities that first generation college students face in their quest for upward mobility. The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program is an example of how to bridge the economic divide in disenfranchised communities while providing real opportunities for students. This endeavor is an example on how our state budget is a reflection of our values in creating a more inclusive California.”

Alberto J. Román, East Los Angeles College President:

“We are honored to have been selected to participate in the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program. One of the most important aspects of this program is the inclusion of AB540 students. ELAC has historically been at the forefront of providing educational access to undocumented students. From the creation of our Dream Resource Center to now providing the financial support and job training opportunities to our students, I am proud that ELAC is continuing to help students achieve their goals.”

Teresa Dreyfuss, Río Hondo College Superintendent/President:

“Río Hondo College is thrilled to be part of the Californians For All College Corps. We believe that community service and philanthropy is paramount to making our world a better place. Moreover, we love the fact that this program provides our students with financial assistance that will ensure they continue their education while remaining debt-free as they move toward their dreams.”

Soraya M. Coley, Cal Poly Pomona President:

“Cal Poly Pomona is part of the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps because we understand the transformative opportunity that comes with purposeful community service. Through this unique program, students will be actively involved in addressing the most pressing challenges facing California and the world, and regardless of what they pursue in college and beyond, they will be gaining critical skills and experiences that will launch them into a lifetime of success.”

Vicky Santana, Río Hondo College Board of Trustees President:

“The Californians For All College Corps is a game-changing program. We at Río Hondo College are proud to be a part of this program that drives student success. We believe that the students who participate will walk away with deep, meaningful hands-on experience that will help shape both their careers and personal lives all while supporting them financially.”

Ceeszely Aguilar, Civic Action Fellow and Cal State LA Student:

“Being a part of this program has opened my eyes to a world I had never been exposed to before. Through my service with our partner 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. There are so many resources available to us as students, like this program, and it is up to us to reach out to find them.”

LIVESTREAM RECORDINGS:

###

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.