Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about becoming a Fellow. If you need further assistance, contact us at (951) 827-1508 or by email at collegecorps@ucr.edu. You're also welcome to visit our office at 2218 Student Services Building, 2nd Floor, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521.
What is College Corps?
College Corps is a statewide fellowship that pairs students with local service placements in education, climate action, or food insecurity, while providing a financial award in return for hours served.
How do I know if this program is right for me? How do I apply?
If you're looking for paid, resume-building service experience tied to your community, this program is a strong fit. Applications open each spring through the College Corps portal — check the Become a Fellow page for the current cycle's dates.
Who can I talk to about College Corps in person?
Stop by our office at 2218 Student Services Building, 2nd Floor, or reach out by phone or email to set up a time to chat with our team.
What does the application process look like?
You'll submit an online application covering your interests, availability, and preferred focus area, followed by a short interview with our team before placement.
What is the application deadline?
Deadlines vary by cohort year — check the Become a Fellow page for the current priority and final deadlines.
If I have questions, who do I send them to?
Email collegecorps@ucr.edu at any point during the application process and our team will get back to you.
I am an AB-540 eligible student, can I apply?
Yes — AB-540 eligible students are welcome to apply. Reach out to our office if you have questions about eligibility documentation.
Is this a competitive program?
Space is limited each year, so we encourage applying early and being specific about your interests and availability.
Is this open to all majors?
Yes, Fellows come from every college and major at UCR — the program is not restricted by field of study.
Will I receive college credit for this?
College credit isn't guaranteed automatically, but some departments allow it — check with your academic advisor about independent study or internship credit options.
Do I choose where to serve? What about my focus area?
You'll rank your focus-area preference (education, climate action, or food insecurity) during the application, and we do our best to match you with a placement that fits.
When and what is the priority application deadline?
The priority deadline typically falls several weeks before the final deadline and gives you first access to placement matching — see the current cycle's dates on our site.
Will I need to do a background check?
Yes, most placements — especially those working with K-12 students — require a background check as part of onboarding.
What criminal offenses will make me ineligible to participate in the program?
Eligibility is reviewed case-by-case depending on the placement site's requirements. Contact our office directly for guidance specific to your situation.
What are the three different focus areas, and what does service look like for each one?
Fellows serve in K-6 Education, Climate Action, or Food Insecurity placements, working directly with schools, community organizations, or local agencies depending on the focus area.
Will I be serving at the same site for the whole program year, or will that change? What about my focus area?
Most Fellows stay with the same site and focus area for the full program year to build consistency with the community they're serving.
Can I have a job while serving? Is this considered a job?
Yes, many Fellows balance College Corps with part-time work — the program itself is a service fellowship rather than traditional employment.
What are the financial benefits of the program?
Fellows receive a living allowance stipend plus an education award upon successful completion of their service hours.
Will my hours be the same each week?
Hours can vary slightly week to week depending on your site's schedule, but you'll agree on a general weekly commitment with your placement supervisor.
What does the time commitment look like?
Fellows typically serve 12–15 hours per week from September through June or July, depending on the cohort.
How will the living allowance stipend be distributed?
The stipend is distributed in regular installments throughout the service year rather than as a single lump sum.
What if I am falling behind on my hours?
Talk to our team as soon as possible — we can help you put together a plan to catch up before it affects your completion status.