Application Process

• What does the application process process look like?
  • When the application opens up on Handshake (link coming soon), you can search for UCR College Corps and submit your application there.
  • You need to include 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? 
  • If you have your fall schedule available, please include that as well. 
  • 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.
  • Priority application deadline is April 30th
• What is the application timeline?
  • Application window will be open in the Spring Quarter and will close on May 31, 2023. 
  • There is a priority deadline for applications, which is April 30th. 
  • Invitations for interviews will be sent out throughout Spring Quarter. 
• If I have any questions, who do I send them to?

  Email all questions to CollegeCorps@ucr.edu
   

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

  Yes, you can apply. 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?

  Yes, 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. Education majors, however, can count these hours for their 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 is on April 30th.
  • Having your application in 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. 

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 their hands dirty working 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 serving in this area can expect to perform hands-on work assisting organizations with food pickup and distribution to those in need. 
  • 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 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 can only 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 need to be able to prioritize your College Corps year of service, and other priorities accordingly. You must be able to serve your 450 hours. 
  • No, the College Corps program is not considered a job. Fellows are considered paid volunteers. 
     

Hours and Financial Information

• What are the financial benefits?
  • 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. 
     
• Are my hours the same each week?
  • Fellows will determine their schedule with the Assistant Directors of their area and Site Supervisor. 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 is my living allowance stipend 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 will help Fellows be successful in the program. Should a Fellow fall behind, then College Corps staff can work with the Fellow to make sure they catch up with their hours.
  • Fellows can also make up hours through community service activities. 
     
• Does this program affect my financial aid?
  • The living allowance stipend does not affect your financial aid this year. However, your education award will need to be reported the year that you use it. 
     

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
  • 10,000 Dollars
  • 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 Program Director, Jess Saldivar, at Jessicamarie.saldivar@ucr.edu or to collegecorps@ucr.edu