GettingSmart.com – Connecting College to Communities: California’s New Service Agenda

By Mason Pashia, Nov 27, 2023

In a move to foster both personal and community development, the state of California has launched the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program. This initiative promises to bring a wave of positive change not just to the students who participate, but also to the communities they serve.

At its core, the College Corps program is a first-of-its-kind paid state service and career development initiative established in partnership with community colleges and universities across the Golden State. One goal of this program is to assist students in graduating on time and with reduced debt, but what really sets it apart is its dual focus: while students earn and learn, they also make a tangible difference in areas such as climate action, K-12 education, and food security.

“These paid service programs are about restoring the social contract between government and its citizens,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This public investment builds upon California Volunteers’ army of service members, which is larger than the Peace Corps, and exemplifies the spirit and idealism I see in young people across California.”