California Service Corps expands opportunities through College Corps program for students

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives, including the California Service Corps and the College Corps program. The meeting began with a critical commentary on the use of technology in educational institutions, highlighting concerns about compliance with state laws regarding surveillance and student rights. A speaker expressed a lack of confidence in implementing technology that could infringe on students' privacy, emphasizing the need for educational institutions to focus on providing time and resources for students to develop their skills rather than relying on commercial products.

Following this, Deputy Chancellor Rowena Tomanang introduced the California Service Corps and College Corps program, which aims to engage students in community service while providing financial support for their education. Ginny May, a visiting executive, presented the program's objectives, which include climate action, tutoring, and mentoring students. The program offers students the opportunity to earn up to $10,000 towards their education in exchange for 450 hours of community service.

Josh Friday, a member of Governor Gavin Newsom's cabinet, elaborated on the program's impact, sharing that it has attracted thousands of students across various campuses in California. He emphasized the dual benefits of the program: students gain valuable experience and skills while contributing to their communities. The program has seen significant interest, with over 11,000 applications for 3,000 positions in the previous year.

Two students, Miguel Duenas from East Los Angeles College and DJ Nunley from College of the Desert, shared their personal experiences with the College Corps program. Duenas highlighted the transformative impact on students' lives and career opportunities, while Nunley described how the program helped him find purpose and direction, ultimately leading to his acceptance at UC Berkeley.

Board members expressed their support for the program, with discussions focusing on its scalability and potential expansion to more campuses. Concerns were raised about the financial sustainability of the program amidst federal budget cuts and state deficits. However, Friday reassured the board of the governor's commitment to the program and the ongoing efforts to secure funding and partnerships to ensure its growth.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration and innovation to expand the College Corps program, aiming to provide every student in California with the opportunity to engage in community service while pursuing their education. The board recognized the importance of these initiatives in fostering social capital and supporting students in their academic and professional journeys.