College Corps gives you the chance to turn public service into real impact! If you’re driven by service and shaped by your lived experience, College Corps is your opportunity to give back where it matters most. Create meaningful change in your immediate community.
Join College Corps Today!
Email with Questions
collegecorps@mpc.eduCalifornia College Corps Fellowship
The California College Corps Fellowship is a statewide paid service program that empowers college students to support their communities while earning financial support for their education and gaining valuable, career-ready experience.
Fellows will focus on one of four key local priorities:
Student Fellows will:
- Fill their resume with valuable civic focused experience
- Reflect practical experience that appeals to transfer institutions in college transcript
- Earn an MPC Certificate in Public Service and Civic Engagement upon completion
- Earn up to $10,000 to support your education
College Corps Fellows complete a 450-hour service commitment during the academic year (August-May) including:
- Participation in an August orientation, alongside the fellows from both CSUMB and Hartnell
- Enrollment in 4 units of Work Experience Education courses during the Fall 2026 semester, .5 units of Work Experience Education classes during the Early Spring, and 6 units of Work Experience Education courses Spring 2027 semester, all service hours are completed as a part of these courses
- Work Experience units may be taken as credit or non-credit classes depending on a student’s education pathway, with coursework reflected on transcripts to document participation in this program
- Participation in state-wide and regional conferences with the chance to meet fellows from across California
- Monthly meetings with College Corps instructors, counselors, support staff, learning support, and other resource groups
- Students can repeat this program at Monterey Peninsula College and at transfer institutions throughout their entire college career, including CSUMB, San Jose State, San Francisco State, Sacramento State, and more!
Thinking About Joining College Corps?
Program Timeline
| March 10 | Recruitment Begins |
| June 1 | Priority Application Deadline |
| June 31 | Final Application Deadline |
| Early August | Fellowships Announced and Cohort Onboarding |
| Mid-August | Program Orientation* and Service Term Begins |
| *Selected fellows must attend pre-service onboarding and in-person orientation to participate in the program. | |
Want to Learn More?
Program Details & Requirements
- Have applied to Monterey Peninsula College and have an MPC ID number
- Be a full-time undergraduate student at Monterey Peninsula College (minimum 12 units) during the Fall and Spring terms, including required program coursework
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and remain in good academic standing
- Commit to the full academic-year service term (August-May)
- Complete a National Service Criminal History Check and Live Scan, which requires fingerprinting
- Attend an in-person Fellow Orientation if selected
- Be prepared for a potential interview with nonprofit partners
Most Fellows spend about 15 hours per week at their assigned community partner site. Remaining hours are earned through completion of the following requirements to meet the total 450-hour program commitment:
- Coursework
- Orientation
- Monthly Cohort Meetings
- College Corps Partner Events
- One-to-One Meetings with Faculty and Staff
- Professional Development Activities
- Other Approved Program Components
Note: If a Fellow is unable to complete the program, monthly living stipends will stop, and the Fellow may become ineligible for the education award, which is only granted after all 450 hours are completed.
- Need to work part-time or borrow student loans to meet educational costs
- Qualify for a Federal Pell Grant
- Qualify for a State Cal Grant
- Are AB 540/Dreamer Student
AB 540 students are eligible and encouraged to apply. To qualify, students must:
- Submit a California Dream Act Application for the academic year
- Be enrolled at MPC (a Cal Grant-eligible school)
- Be an active recipient of a Cal Grant B Award
- Demonstrate sufficient financial need
Financial aid applications are accepted once per year, typically from February through May. Because every student’s financial aid package is different, Fellows are encouraged to meet with the Financial Aid Office to understand how participation in College Corps may affect their individual aid.
Become a Community Host Partner
Open your doors to motivated MPC students ready to make a difference. College Corps fellows provide meaningful support to your organization while gaining hands-on experience and professional growth. Partner with MPC to expand your impact and invest in the next generation.
Why Partner with MPC College Corps?
- Expand your organization’s capacity with dedicated student support
- Contribute to workforce development in Monterey County
- Engage with diverse, motivated, and service-driven students
- Advance projects aligned with education, sustainability, and community well-being
- Strengthen connections with MPC and the broader community
Want to learn more? Please contact us: collegecorps@mpc.edu.