Governor Newsom, Chief Service Officer Fryday Induct First Class of #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Fellows

New service program helps thousands of students pay for college by serving their community

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom and California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday administered the service oath to the first #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Fellows. Higher education leaders, community organizations and the California Volunteers Commission joined more than 3,200 fellows who will serve during the 2022-2023 academic year.

College Corps is a statewide paid service program which provides meaningful work to college students, helping them graduate on time and with less debt while benefiting the local community.

Gov Newsom, Josh Fryday, College Corps Cohorts Swearing-in

“Part of the California way is giving back to help uplift others, and that is a core principle of the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “College Corps is about restoring the social contract between government and its citizens. 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.

College Corps Fellows will dedicate the academic year to tackling the biggest issues facing our state. Fellows will work in their communities to tutor and mentor low-income students, distribute meals to those facing food insecurity and take climate action.

“In California, 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 California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday.

Students will receive up to $10,000 for completing a year of service. This program is the first opportunity for AB 540 CA Dream Act Students to earn support for college in a state service program.

“College Corps is about serving and growing together as a community,” said Yusbely Delgado Medrano, College Corps Fellow from UC Davis.

Over the next four years, College Corps will engage 13,000 California undergraduates to make a positive difference in their communities. 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 Newsom and lawmakers.

“I decided to apply because I am pursuing a career in education, and #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is a way for me to earn as I learn,” said Tia Rowe, College Corps Fellow from Sacramento State. “I’m looking forward to working in my community and playing an active role in bringing people together.”

The celebration included entertainment, music, and remarks by Governor Newsom and others, including Shandela Contreras, the 2022 Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate finalist.

Learn more at www.CACollegeCorps.com.

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

CLIPS & B-ROLL:

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Twitter: Twitter.com/CalVolunteers

College Corps Cohort 1 - Meet the Fellows Infographic

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond:

“This new generation of leaders are coming at a time when our students need them the most. My hope is these fellows and their peers take advantage of the scholarship opportunities we are making available to those who want to pursue careers as teachers, counselors or mental health professionals serving our youth and schools.”

Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Interim Chancellor of California Community Colleges:

“We are proud of the many California community college student fellows embarking on a journey to serve, learn and improve local communities while solving statewide challenges,” said California Community Colleges Interim Chancellor Daisy Gonzales, PhD. “Students will benefit tremendously from service-based opportunities that offer on-the-job training in a collaborative environment all while earning money for college. I am proud to partner with Governor Newsom on this innovative program that will help our students become future leaders, graduate sooner, reduce their debt, and begin a direct path from college to a career.”

Michael V. Drake, President, University of California:

“The University of California is proud to join state leaders and partners in celebrating this inaugural class of #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Fellows. These service-minded students represent the best of California and our shared commitment to giving back. I can’t wait to see what they will achieve in the coming year.”

Jolene Koester, Interim Chancellor, California State University:

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the first cohort of #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Fellows. The California State University is proud to be a part of this important statewide initiative that so closely aligns with our mission and core values. I am excited to learn more about the transformational, service-learning experiences our fellows will engage in this year. This next generation of service-minded leaders will not only earn funds to support their higher education journey, but they will also make a positive impact in their communities that will span generations.”

Kristen F. Soares, President, Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities:

“The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is a visionary program that leverages the can-do spirit of college students to meet the needs of local communities and the state. This program creates opportunities for underserved students from all backgrounds to gain valuable professional development that prepares them for their careers while simultaneously addressing the total cost of attendance. I commend Governor Newsom, leaders from the California Legislature, and California’s Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday for the funding and implementation of this program. I look forward to witnessing the collective impact that will be made by these students, which includes the nearly 300 participating from four independent California colleges and universities.”

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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.