Contact: Diego Abeloos
805-756-7414; dabeloos@calpoly.edu

Applications accepted through March 17 for statewide service-learning initiative

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly’s #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program is accepting priority applications now through March 17 from Cal Poly students interested in joining its 2023-24 cohort.
 
Created by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps provides more than 6,000 college students throughout the state with service-learning opportunities to address statewide challenges in climate action, K-12 education and food insecurity. The program also provides participating students with up to $10,000, which includes monthly stipends and an award to be used for educational purposes at the conclusion of their service.

Among other efforts, Cal Poly’s College Corps fellows contributed to local storm cleanup efforts in January, assisting residents in need in Los Osos and organizations in San Luis Obispo.

“I am proud of the way our fellows contributed to the local community this year,” said Allison Priola, program manager for Cal Poly’s AmeriCorps Programs. “The experiences and service-learning skills they have learned as part of this program will stay with them for the rest of their lives and will serve them well in the future. That’s what this program is all about — helping our students gain critical skills while making a positive impact in the communities they serve.

“The stipend is another win-win aspect of the program for students. Not only do they gain important skills, knowledge and experience, they also earn a monthly stipend toward living expenses and an additional award at completion of their hours that they can apply toward their college education.”

Cal Poly is one of more than 40 institutions to participate in the statewide program, now in its inaugural year. The university serves as the lead institution for the Coastal California Civic Leadership Consortium, which also consists of CSU Long Beach, Cuesta College and Allan Hancock College.

Cal Poly’s 2022-23 cohort currently consists of 175 fellows who partner with a wide range of local and regional organizations to provide much-needed service work. The organizations include Community Climate Solutions, SLO Climate Coalition, Ecologistics, San Luis Coastal Unified School District and City Farm SLO, among others.

“College Corps has given me the chance to connect with people of diverse backgrounds, majors and levels in school,” said College Corps Fellow Lily Fulton, a second-year environmental science major at Cal Poly. “I have gained professional experience in communicating effectively and organizing events, which will help me in the future. I also have been exposed to potential career paths within the field I want to pursue, which excites me for the future.”Cal Poly’s #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is hosting informational sessions for interested students through Feb. 28. For additional details and to apply to be a 2023-24 College Corps fellow, visit https://serviceinaction.calpoly.edu/information-about-college-corps.