College Corps Becomes Permanent State Program; MVC to Expand Fellow Participation

The California College Corps program has been established as a permanent initiative in the state’s 2025-26 budget, receiving $83.6 million in ongoing annual funding and a one-time $5 million allocation to support expansion. The investment ensures continued support for college students serving their communities while earning up to $10,000 for their participation.

The program, which provides students with meaningful opportunities in service and civic engagement, was preserved despite a challenging fiscal year and widespread budget constraints, reflecting the state’s commitment to equity, student success, and community impact.

Moreno Valley College is entering its second year as an independent College Corps grantee, although it has participated since the program’s inception in 2022. For the 2024-25 academic year, MVC enrolled 25 fellows. Due to its strong performance and retention, the college has been approved to expand to 50 fellows in the 2025-26 academic year. More than 100 applications have already been submitted.

“At Moreno Valley College, we’ve seen firsthand how College Corps transforms lives,” said Brandi Avila, Ed.D., dean of student development and wellness. “Our students are reducing financial stress, developing professional skills, and building a culture of service in our region. We are thrilled to expand our program and provide more students with this life-changing opportunity.”

The program’s success at MVC has been driven not only by student enthusiasm but also by the leadership of dedicated employees and faculty.

“We’ve greatly benefited from the leadership and commitment of our faculty, particularly Frankie Moore, coordinator of student activities, and Andrea Stoll, associate professor of accounting, whose contributions over the past two years have been instrumental in building a strong foundation for the program,” Avila added.

In support of the program’s continued growth, MVC recently hired Frederick Jones as director of College Corps. His leadership will help expand partnerships and deepen the program’s impact across the Inland region.

Fellows serve in areas including K-12 education, food insecurity, climate action, and mental health, both on campus and in the surrounding community. College Corps continues to evolve with a focus on expanding access for students with varying financial needs and strengthening its operational impact statewide.

For more information about the College Corps program at Moreno Valley College, visit the MVC College Corps webpage.