Pacific College Corps fellows demonstrate a high level of motivation and community focus and will work with one of four focus areas during their time as a fellow. Enrolled students from across programs and majors are welcome to apply for the College Corps fellowship and will earn credit and funding in exchange for their service during a full academic year.
Fellows who complete 450 hours of service over the academic year (15 hours per week during fall and spring semesters) will be eligible for up to $7,000 in living allowance. Students who complete all program requirements are eligible for a $3,000 Segal Education Award to be used in a later semester or academic year.
Fellows are required to take two 2-unit “Civic Action” seminars during the academic year they serve (one each semester) that will guide them in critical reflection about their service learning. This form of experiential education provides students with deep learning about themselves, their communities and their purpose. Fellows will produce a group project for the community partner at the conclusion of the fellowship. The course also satisfies both the Diversity requirement and the Civic & Global Inquiry area in the General Education program.
Fellows will sharpen career skills in the Civic Action Seminar class and at the community or civic organization where they complete their service assignment. Oral and written communication, professional etiquette, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in teams are transferable skills that students will develop in the program—skills that employers and graduate programs seek.
Fellows will work with dedicated staff to ensure that committing to the College Corps Fellowship will not delay their graduation date. We have partnerships with Career Services and Financial Aid on campus.
Undergraduate students at the University of the Pacific who will be enrolled full-time at the Stockton campus for the duration of the school year. Students must have a 2.0 or higher overall Pacific GPA and be in good academic standing. Students must also have the ability to enroll in the 2-unit Civic Action seminar each semester in addition to maintaining full-time Pacific enrollment.
What is the Pacific College Corps? What about #CaliforniansForAll and AmeriCorps?
Pacific College Corps Program is a 1 academic year commitment to serve the Stockton community at a local organization. #CaliforniansForAll is a program designed by California Volunteers, the state commission for AmeriCorps, to engage young people around our state. AmeriCorps is a national organization committed to engaging citizens to make a difference across America. The AmeriCorps network of over 1+ million folks provides 1.6 billion hours of service annually. What is AmeriCorps?
When does the program take place?
The program will take place from Fall ‘24 through Spring ‘25.
How many service hours do I have to complete at a local organization?
By the end of the ‘24-’25 academic year, you should have completed 450 service hours (approx. 15 hrs/week) at a local organization.
Can I take courses and participate in the College Corps Program?
Yes, in fact it is required that you take a full course load (minimum of 12 units) during the program. In addition to taking courses for your degree, you will have to take a 2-unit seminar in the fall and spring.
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
Along with serving the Stockton community and developing experiential skills, participants will earn up to a $7,000 living allowance that will be dispersed through the academic year, and a $3,000 Education Award.
Who can participate in the program?
1st, 2nd, and 3rd years of any major can apply. Students must be available the entire subsequent academic year to serve.
How do I apply?
Continuing students can apply using this form.
For admitted students, the application is available via your Pacific application.
When are applications due?
Priority Applications for continuing students are due Feb. 23, 2024.
*While continuing students may still apply, applications submitted after Mar. 14 will not be reviewed until after April 14th.
Applications for first-year and transfer students are due Mar. 15, 2024.
Why are there multiple application deadlines?
The application deadlines coincide with specific timelines for each type of student.
What can I expect from the interview?
Interviews are approximately 30 minutes long and can be done in person or via Zoom. All incoming first-year students will be expected to participate in one. Other applicants may be asked to interview based on the strength of their application or if program staff are interested in learning more about a candidate.
I have more questions about the Seminar...
What does the Civic Action seminar series look like?
There are two, 2-unit seminars that meet once a week at 8am on Tuesdays. You’ll sign up for 96A in the fall and 96B in the spring.
Why is it at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays?
All of the sections meet at the same time so if there’s a guest speaker, we can all attend without having to schedule a separate time.
Does seminar count for GE?
YES! The units for seminar can count for breadth, the Civic and Global Responsibility area of inquiry, and the Diversity requirement.
How many sections of the seminar will there be?
There will be at least 5 sections of the seminar, that all meet on Tuesdays at 8 a.m. They’ll be offered as POLS 96 A/B, EDUC 96 A/B, and more.
What if I’m not a ED/POLS major?
Not a problem! You can sign up for whatever seminar most interests you. While assignments are generally the same across sections, each will have discipline-specific content and readings.
How are community placements determined?
Students will be asked to rank the focus areas (K-12 education, Climate Action and Food Insecurity) they would like to serve in. From there, placements will be made based on local organization needs, focus-area ranking, and the application as a whole.
Will transportation be provided?
There are options available for students to rely on. We will be providing bus passes for students to utilize public transportation. Students also have access to ZipCar on campus.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Please contact the Pacific College Corps Program via email at CollegeCorps@pacific.edu.
Instagram: @pacificcollegecorps
