Making an Impact Through Service

For the second year, Cal State East Bay students are encouraged to apply for the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program. The state-funded fellowship offers students a living allowance and education award for 450 hours of community service and professional development training activities. Notably, AB 540 Dreamer students are eligible to participate. 

Students can build their leadership skills through service learning and provide support for community-based organizations that are already addressing major local priorities. Another program priority is to promote academic success and economic well-being with students from a variety of backgrounds. Students identify their preferences and the program matches them to the project that fits best.

College Corps Fellows have already made a major impact. According to Mary D'Alleva, Director of the Center for Community Engagement, through the middle of February, College Corps students have engaged in over 7,000 program hours with their community host sites and with program training and development activities. Tania Martinez, CSUEB’s College Corps Program Coordinator, said, "Our College Corps students have integrated themselves in positions focused on our key priorities, including K-12 education, food scarcity and climate action. Through these experiences, our students were able to build a stronger sense of community by servicing and bringing together people from different backgrounds. These actions not only improve the quality of life for the community but it also provides opportunities for personal growth." 

Shariyah Owens, a freshman intending to major in nursing, works with adults at the Hayward Public Library and noticed the way her project connects to her overall CSUEB experience. “It’s giving me so much help in learning how to be a leader and helping people out, which is a big thing in the medical field,” she said. “I feel like since I’ve started working with these adults and doing adult tutoring, I realized how much it’s a privilege to be in America, to know English and to have a basic education foundation. There’s a lot you can’t do without it.” 

Cristina Nava, a senior studying English, promotes scholarship opportunities and resources to local high schoolers. “Something I have learned from this project so far is how much Hayward cares about promoting higher education to students and will provide many resources, all students have to do is take advantage of them,” said Nava. 

Nava encourages all CSUEB students to join College Corps. “There are so many ways to give back to your community while supporting your own pathway to higher education and professional opportunities,” she said. Full-time undergraduates can build their skill set while giving back to the community and earning money.

Apply for the 2023-24 cycle and learn more here »

Thank you to our current community partners, which include:

Alameda County Community Food Bank

Castro Valley High School

Hayward Promise Neighborhoods (in partnership with Chabot College)

Hayward Public Library

Institute for STEM Education’s MESA College Prep Program

Math Science Nucleus

Monument Crisis Center

Scientific Adventures for Girls