The College Corps Fellowship program is a partnership between CA Volunteers and AmeriCorps that supports high-need and first-generation college students. In return for participating in training and community service, students gain financial support to make college more affordable while developing valuable professional and leadership skills.
2026 -2027 Application is Now Open!
Interested in an opportunity to serve your community, gain real-world experience and earn up to $10,000? Priority application date is May 1st. Application will remain open until all slots are filled.
Benefits of the Hartnell College Corps Fellowship Program:
Financial Support
Qualify for up to $10,000 in combined living allowance and education award, depending on the financial aid package.
Real-World Experience
Gain hands-on experience working with schools and community organizations focused on health, environmental stewardship, food access, and K–12 education.
Career Connections
Build meaningful relationships with community leaders and professionals that can open doors to mentorship and future job opportunities.
Supportive Network
Join a strong community of peers, staff, and partners, from Hartnell College to campuses across California who share your passion for service.
Guided Community Impact
Serve with a Community Host Partner and perform impactful service, with support and guidance from experienced staff and faculty.
As a Hartnell College Corps Fellow, you will:
- Enroll in a Work Experience course in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
- Serve at a Community Host Partner site for about 12-15 hours per week through the academic year and commit to 450 total hours of service and training between August 2026 and May 2027.
- Impact the community by:
- Learning about environmental stewardship with local nonprofits and statewide agencies.
- Increasing access and affordability to high quality health care for all
- Providing meals, access to shelter, and wellness activities to community members experiencing isolation, poverty, and/or houselessness.
- Working with teachers to implement a student-centered curriculum.
- Educating community members about the latest environmental stewardship projects and initiatives.
- Tutoring, mentoring, and supporting students in writing, math, sciences, and physical education.
- Providing recreational and skill-building activities to support student wellbeing.
Am I Eligible?
To qualify for the College Corps Fellowship, a person must meet the following requirements:
Program Timeline
Recruitment Begins
Priority Application Deadline
Final Application Deadline
Fellowships Announced and Cohort 2026-2027 Onboarding*
Program Orientation* and Service Term Begins
Program Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
You’ll complete 450 hours over the academic year, from August through May. Since that’s about 10 months, most students aim for around 40-45 hours per month, which comes out to roughly 10-15 hours per week. Most of your time will be spent at your assigned service site, but some hours will also include required coursework, training, and professional development activities. The program is designed with some flexibility to account for holidays and breaks.
Service during breaks is optional. Some students choose to continue working or get ahead on hours, but it’s not required.
Fellows serve in one of four areas:
- K–12 Education – tutoring or supporting students
- Food Insecurity – helping at food banks or distribution centers
- Climate Action – working with environmental organizations
- Health Equity (Healthy Futures) – supporting housing, mental health, or basic needs
You’ll be asked to rank your preferences, and staff will do their best to match you, though placement in a specific area isn’t guaranteed.
After learning about available partner organizations, you’ll rank your top three choices. The program will try to place you in one of your preferred options, and if that’s not possible, they’ll work with you to find a good alternative fit.
Yes, it’s possible to serve at more than one site if you’re interested in gaining experience in different areas.
As a College Corps Fellow, you can receive up to $10,000 through a combination of a living stipend and an education award, depending on your eligibility. You’ll also earn academic credit, gain real-world experience to strengthen your resume, and have access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities. Many students also value the connections they build with other Fellows across the region and state.
Before joining the program, you’ll meet with a financial aid officer who will review your eligibility for the living stipend and education award.
The application period begins in March and stays open until positions are filled. Interviews typically take place in April, and selected Fellows are notified in May. Enrollment, including a background check, happens in June. You’ll need to begin your service by August 31, although you may be able to start earlier.
If you need to leave the program early, you’ll still be paid for the hours you’ve already completed. However, your monthly stipend will stop, and you may not be eligible for the education award, since that requires completing all 450 hours. It’s important to stay in regular communication with program staff if challenges come up so they can support you.
If you don’t complete all 450 hours, you won’t receive the education award. However, students who complete at least 300 hours are still recognized as program graduates. In some cases, you may be able to request an extension to finish your hours with approval from the program director.
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