California Offers $10k to College Students for a Year of Public Service
By Peter Schurmann
Fernando Martinez, 22, studies applied mathematics at San Jose State University and is part of the first cohort of students to participate in the #CaliforniansforAll College Corps program
San Francisco – Fernando Martinez never owned a computer until he left high school. Today the 22-year-old Kansas native is teaching computer programming to Bay Area youth while he studies applied mathematics at San Jose State University.
Martinez is among the 6,500 college students across California expected to participate in a pioneering program that awards $10,000 towards college costs in return for completing community service work.
“This opportunity gave me the funding I needed to focus on my classes,” says Martinez, who spoke at a media briefing on Wednesday at San Francisco State University highlighting the # CaliforniansforAll College Corps program. “It’s also allowed me to work with and help young people who were like me.”
Launched by California Governor Gavin Newsom, the #CaliforniansforAll College Corps provides participating students $7,000 stipends along with a $3,000 education grant that can be used to pay for tuition and related costs upon completion of one year of service with a select non-profit. Students will also receive credits toward graduation for their service.
Students will be required to work in one of three areas: climate action, K-12 education, and COVID-19 recovery. The program is also open to undocumented AB 540 eligible students — known as Dreamers — those brought to the country as children who have access to in-state tuition under California law.
Some 48 colleges and universities across the state have joined in the initiative, including the University of California school system, California State University, as well as community colleges and private universities.
“We need more Fernandos in this world,” said California Chief Service Officer and program head Josh Fryday, who called the #CaliforniansforAll College Corps a “win, win, win… making this state better for everyone.” – Ethnic Media Services
