UCR College Corps

General Questions

• What is College Corps?
  • College Corps is a statewide initiative designed to help College Students on time, with less debt, while helping address societal challenges in three focus areas. These areas are food insecurity, climate action, and education.
• How do I know if this program is right for me? Why should I apply?

  This program is right for you if: 

  • You have a desire to serve your community and grow your professional skill set. 
  • You are able to serve 15 hours each week 
  • You meet the general eligibility and financial need requirement. 

  The program will provide you the following benefits, among others: 

  • A sense of pride and accomplishment in working toward a common purpose
  • Access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities 
  • A real-world job experience and skills to add to your resume
  • Up to $10,000
  • Meaningful service experience.
• Who can I talk to about College Corps in person?
  • You can visit Student Services on the Second floor and talk to the Director or any of the College Corps Staff
  • Feel free to send an email to our team at collegecorps@ucr.edu

Application Process

• What does the application process process look like?

  • Visit our "How to Apply" page once applications are open to access the application link

  • You will be prompted to attach your resume and cover letter.

  • Your cover letter must address the following questions: 

    • What impact do you want to make in the field of education, climate action, or food insecurity? 

    • How will you prioritize or adjust your schedule to accommodate 15 hours per week at your site while maintaining good academic standing? 

  • College Corps staff will review your application and send an invitation to interview if you are eligible for the program.

  • If selected for the program, Fellows must complete a background check.

• What is the application timeline?
  • Application window will be open in the Winter Quarter of 2025.
  • Invitations for interviews will take place throughout Spring Quarter. 
• If I have any questions, who do I send them to?

  Please email all questions to CollegeCorps@ucr.edu
   

• I am an AB-540 eligible student, can I apply?

  Yes, we encourage AB-540 Eligible Dreamer students to apply for the College Corps program! Please note in your cover letter that you are an AB-540 eligible student. 

• Is this a competitive program?

  Yes, it is. There are limited spots in the program for AB-540 eligible dreamers and for non-dreamers. 
   

• Is this open to all majors?

  This program is open to all majors! Students must be a full time, undergraduate student throughout the entire academic year. 
   

• Will I receive college credit for this?

  At this time, there is no college credit received for participating in the College Corps program. Education majors, however, can count these hours towards their fieldwork graduation requirement. 
   

• Do I choose where to serve? What about my focus area?

  We take your preference into consideration; however, the final decision is dependent on the needs of the program. We try to place our fellows in sites and focus areas that help them grow in their professional career.

  
   

• When and what is the priority application deadline?
  • The priority application deadline will be in Spring Quarter 2025.
  • Submitting your application by this deadline guarantees your application will be reviewed and increases your chances of being invited to interview. This does not guarantee a spot in the program. 
     
• Will I need to do a background check

  Students will need to complete a Live Scan and NSCHC background check in order to participate in the program

• What criminal offenses will make me ineligible to participate in the program?

  Because College Corps receives AmeriCorps funding, there are two offenses (sexual assault and/or murder) which will make candidates ineligible to participate in the program

Your Year of Service

• What are the three different focus areas, and what does service look like for each one?
  • Climate Action Fellows serve with local non-profit organizations and government agencies that promote a more sustainable future. Fellows serving in this area can expect to get hands-on field experience in sustainability, agriculture, natural resource conservation, green advocacy and more. 
  • Food Insecurity Fellows serve with local non-profit organizations and government agencies that are focused on providing food to community members who are experiencing food insecurity. Fellows who serve in the Food Insecurity Area also participate in harvesting food and collecting resources for food distribution. 
  • Education Fellows serve with local schools and community centers. Fellows serving in this area can expect to tutor students, organize after-school activities, and assist teachers in the classroom. 
• Will I be serving at the same site for the whole program year, or will that change? What about my focus area?
  • Fellows are expected to serve at the same site for their entire year of service. 
  • Fellows are expected to serve in one focus area.
  • Community service event opportunities may occur throughout the year. These may allow students to do community service at other sites and focus areas. 
     
• Can I have a job while serving? Is this considered a job?
  • You can have a job while serving, but you will need to prioritize your time with College Corps and other responsibilities. Fellows are expected to complete 450 hours of service by the end of the contract period.
  • No, the College Corps program is not considered a job. Fellows are considered paid volunteers. 
     

Hours and Financial Information

• What are the financial benefits of the program?
  • Fellows who participate in the program are eligible to receive up to $7,000 in living stipends, and up to $3,000 in education awards. 
     
• Will my hours be the same each week?
  • Fellows will determine their schedule with the Assistant Directors of their focus area and Site Supervisor at their assigned site. Ideally, Fellows are serving the same amount of hours each week with a consistent schedule. 
     
• What does the time commitment look like?
  • Fellows are expected to complete 450 service hours during their contract period. Fellows are expected to complete these hours during the academic year. 
     
• How will the living allowance stipend be distributed?
  • The stipend will be distributed throughout the academic year.
    The amount you will receive each month is not dependent on the amount of hours you served.
     
• What if I am falling behind on my hours?
  • College Corps staff are committed to helping our fellows be successful in this program. Staff will work with the Fellow to make sure they are able to serve all their hours.
  • Fellows can also make up hours through community service activities.