The College of the Desert (COD) is joining with Find Food Bank as part of the California College Corps Initiative with $10,000 in scholarships and fellowships for students who perform community service, the college said in a June 6 tweet.
The College Corps Initiative will launch its fellowship program in the fall of 2022, according to the college website. California has awarded a grant for this program, which is designed to reduce the debt of students, while engaging them in leadership and volunteer roles around their communities.
"Through this, COD is offering up to $10,000 in paid fellowships and scholarships to 50 students who serve a year of community service," the tweet said.
As part of the partnership with Find Food Bank, COD's program will task students with helping solve food insecurity issues within the Coachella Valley and partake in service activities, the COD website states.
When students complete one year of service (450 hours of service), they will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 ($7,000 stipend and $3,000 education award), according to the college. Applications for the program are available on the College Corps page of the school’s website.
The goals of the program, as outlined on the College Corps page, are to "create a generation of civic-minded leaders with the ability to bridge divides and solve problems; help Fellow’s graduate on time and with less debt; and address societal challenges and help build more equitable communities across California." The goals match the requirements for the state's grant.
To be eligible for the program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent by August. They must be enrolled full time at COD and commit to the program for the entirety of the fall 2022-spring 2023 academic year.