Student Selected as Statewide College Corps Ambassador
Moreno Valley College student Lauryn Chin has been selected by California Volunteers to serve as a College Corps Fellow Ambassador, representing both the college and the state in a program that provides students with hands-on service opportunities across California.
Chin, a Nursing major also pursuing a transfer degree in Business, became involved with College Corps through her work as a student employee in the Student Activities Center. There, she collaborated closely with the Associated Students of Moreno Valley College and discovered College Corps, a program that allows students to serve their communities while earning a stipend.
“I was drawn to College Corps because it allowed me to give back to my community and receive meaningful compensation for my service,” Chin said. “That combination of passion and purpose made the experience especially rewarding.”
As an Ambassador, Chin will facilitate workshops, lead campus activities, and share her story with peers and community members. She cites workshop facilitation as the part of the role she is most excited about, building on her previous experience with TRIO, where she led activities for middle school students.
“Facilitating workshops lets me combine creativity with education to inspire others,” she said. “I am looking forward to bringing that energy to my peers here on campus.”
Chin describes her ambassadorship as a responsibility to both her peers and the broader community. “Representing Moreno Valley College and the state of California is a significant honor,” she said. “It means being a voice for students and demonstrating the impact that service can have when supported by programs like College Corps.”
Her time as a College Corps Fellow has influenced her leadership style and outlook on service. “I’ve learned that effective leadership does not require being the loudest or most outgoing person in the room,” she said. “Authenticity and consistency matter, and my view of community has expanded beyond my neighborhood to include the entire Inland Empire.”
The College Corps program places students in service positions at local nonprofits and municipal agencies, including K-12 schools, food banks, and climate action organizations. Fellows complete 450 service hours, earning a living allowance and an Education Award totaling up to $10,000. The program also provides professional development opportunities, training, and networking with peers across the state.
Frederick Jones, director of College Corps Grants at Moreno Valley College, nominated Chin for the Ambassador role. “With Lauryn it was a no brainer. It is a huge responsibility. She is the voice of the students and the voice of the campus. A lot of people will apply but don’t necessarily have that skillset. I nominated her because she is someone we could rely on. She kept throwing it out of the park,” Jones said.
Chin encourages other students to pursue leadership and service opportunities. “From the outside, these roles might seem intimidating, but it is about starting where you are,” she said. “Every small step makes a difference, and your journey is unique.”
Chin credits a team of MVC and District employees for supporting her journey, including Frankie Moore, Veronica Horton, Darci Manzo, Freddy Jones, Brandi Ávila, Shantine Alex, Andrea Stoll, Micki Grayson, Yesenia Perez, and Angel Orta-Perez, all of whom she says played pivotal roles in her development as a student leader.
Through her ambassadorship, Chin will continue to demonstrate the value of service-based learning while representing Moreno Valley College on a statewide stage.
To learn more about College Corps and apply, visit the program webpage.