California State University, San Bernardino’s College Corps initiative has been selected as a 2026–2029 College Corps campus and awarded nearly $3.7 million in state funding over the next three years.

This three-year grant will support program years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29, providing CSUSB College Corps with up to $3,697,500 to fund College Corps fellow positions. The renewal ensures the university can continue to support eligible undergraduate students, including AB 540-eligible California Dream Act students, as they serve their communities while earning financial support for college.

CSUSB College Corps fellows are part of the California Service Corps, the largest service force in the nation, which includes four paid service programs:

  • #CaliforniansForAll College Corps,
  • Youth Service Corps,
  • California Climate Action Corps, and
  • AmeriCorps California.

The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program is administered by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, in partnership with colleges and universities across the state. California Volunteers leads statewide efforts to engage Californians in service, volunteerism, and civic action to address the state’s most pressing challenges.

Each College Corps fellow completes 450 hours of service during the academic year, averaging 10-15 hours per week. To be eligible, students must be enrolled as undergraduates at CSUSB and meet residency or eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or AB 540 Dream Act eligibility with DSIG qualifications.

CSUSB College Corps welcomes 87 fellows annually who engage in meaningful service through local K-12 school districts and community organizations across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Fellows work closely with the Office of Pre-College Programs to make a lasting, positive impact in the region.

A group photo of CSUSB College Corps students.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants may receive a financial benefit of up to $10,000. Additional benefits include real-world job experience, resume-building skills, and access to training, networking and professional development opportunities. Fellows also build valuable connections with peers while contributing to their communities' well-being.

“We are excited to continue funding College Corps at CSUSB and to provide students with opportunities to develop leadership and civic engagement skills while serving their local communities and earning money for college,” the program shared.

“The renewal of College Corps is something we’re truly proud of at CSUSB. It reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting our fellows while strengthening the communities they serve. Over the next three years, College Corps will bring more than 108,000 hours of service into our region — hours that translate into mentorship, support, and tangible change. This program is a powerful example of how investing in students also means investing in our community,” said Summer Steele, executive director, Office of Pre-College Programs at CSUSB.

“We are incredibly excited to continue building on the foundation we have built for College Corps here at CSU San Bernardino,” she said. “College Corps fellows are truly the next generation of leaders. These are students who are choosing to give back to their local community as mentors and role models. They see the challenges that impact people's day-to-day lives in their region, and instead of turning away, they ask how they can get involved.”

Veronica Guzman, program director for CSUSB’s College Corps, has been closely involved with the initiative and expressed enthusiasm about its continuation for an additional three years.

“Currently, our fellows serve in five school districts and 11 non-profit organizations, providing academic support, college access knowledge, and social-emotional support and mentoring in the Riverside and San Bernardino counties,” Guzman said. “Our fellows also participate in regular service trips that support climate action and food insecurity throughout each region. This funding will allow us to continue to provide this opportunity to more students over the next three years and provide sustained support to our community partners.”

"I am so excited to hear that CSUSB College Corps has received continued funding through 2029,” said Melissa Saldana Munguia, a College Corps Fellow. “This funding isn't just three more years of financial support, it is three more years of opportunities for our AB-540 students, leadership building, networking, direct impact in our communities, all through helping in K-12 education, climate action, and food insecurity. This program changed my life, and I cannot wait to see how it continues to change the lives of others.”

The three-year renewal reinforces CSUSB’s commitment to student success, civic engagement, and community partnership, ensuring College Corps continues to create meaningful opportunities for students while addressing critical needs across the region.

For more information, visit the College Corps Office website, the CSUSB Office of Pre-College Programs and the California College Corps website.