Invest in your community. Invest in you.

What We’re Looking For

• Passion for working in partnership with diverse communities to make positive impacts;
• Flexibility to work in different focus areas and adapt to changing circumstances;
• Growth mindset and eagerness to try new things and explore new ideas;
• Interest in connecting with and learning from other students and partners across the state;
• Willingness to be an ambassador for the Fellowship on campus and beyond;
• A commitment to Fresno State's core values of Exploration, Excellence, Inclusion, and Community;
• Ability to commit to serving 450 hours over the course of the entire academic year – averaging 12-20 hours per week.

When You Would Serve

Service will take place between August 1, 2024 – May 17, 2025, with some pre-service events taking place during summer 2024. Fellows must commit to serving for the full academic year

What You Would Do

Fellows will work with local community benefit organizations in the areas of climate action, food insecurity, and K-12 education, in order to build healthier and more equitable communities across California. They will do this by working closely with select partner organizations who are dedicated to positively impacting our region.

What You Would Gain: Benefits

• A living allowance paid monthly throughout the service term, plus an Education Award paid upon completion of 450 service hours.
• Total financial benefit up to $10,000.
• Academic credit through participation in a course that will meet on Fridays from 3:00 – 4:50 PM
• Real-world job experience and skills to add to your resume
• Access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities
• Connections with Fellows across the state via in-person regional events
• A sense of pride and accomplishment in working toward a common purpose alongside young leaders from across the state

Where You Would Serve

Fresno State College Corps offers service positions with local nonprofits and municipal agencies within the greater Fresno area, including some positions in outlying communities.

Eligibility Requirements

In order for a student to participate as a Fellow in the Central Valley College Corps (CVCC), they must meet the following basic criteria:

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (i.e., GED) by the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year
• Enrolled full-time (12 or more units per semester), undergraduate student attending Fresno State
• Currently be in good academic standing and remain so throughout the academic year; minimum GPA of 2.0
• Commit to actively participate in the program and to maintain full-time enrollment status for the entire academic year—August 1, 2024 – May 17, 2025
• Not planning to:
  • Participate in a semester off-campus (Study Abroad) during the upcoming academic year,
  • Graduate during Fall 2024, or
  • Transfer to another campus in Spring 2025
• Commit to serving 450 hours over the course of the entire academic year – averaging 12-20 hours per week.

This Fellowship is designed to target low- to moderate-income students. Students selected to join the Fellowship should therefore meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Needs to work at least part time and/or borrow student loans to meet their educational costs
• Qualifies for a Federal Pell Grant
• Qualifies for a State Cal Grant or Middle Class Scholarship
• Needs to work at least part time and/or borrow student loans to meet their educational costs
• Has an unmet need of $10,000
• Must have submitted or plans to submit a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for 2024-2025 academic year prior tot hat application deadline (and is considered AB-540 eligible).
  • Must be an active recipient of a Cal Grant B Award for the 2023-2024 academic year

How to Apply

Priority application deadline for returning Fellows: April 30, 2024

Priority application deadline for new applicants: Jun 1, 2024

Final application deadline: June 28, 2024

The application process for this program is rather extensive. Below, is an outline of the steps to follow. Be sure to follow each of the steps and frequently check your email throughout the process to ensure a timely response to all requests for information and interviews. Note that successful candidates will need to make satisfactory progress through each of the steps listed below. Our team will provide you with updates and instructions as you move through each step of the process.

2024-25 Fresno State College Corps Fellow Application Process

1. Complete Part 1 of the Application via Qualtrics by visiting bit.ly/fscc2425app
2. Complete Part 2 of the Application through Adobe Sign
3. Application will be reviewed and eligibility check will be performed
4. Participate in a screening interview with College Corps Staff
5. Receive a conditional acceptance
6. Attend a Financial Aid advising meeting
7. Participate in interviews with Community Partner Host Sites
8. Accept offer for a position with a Community Partner Host Site
9. Complete Onboarding

Should you need accommodations to go through the selection process, please contact our office at 559.278.5515 or cvccinfo@mail.fresnostate.edu.

Attend an Information Session to Learn More

During the information session, our team will provide more details about the program, review the application process, and answeer your questions. Visit https://bit.ly/fsccinfo to register for a session. All sessions will be conducted on Zoom.

• Friday, April 5, 2024, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
• Monday, April 8, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
• Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
• Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
• Thursday, April 18, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
• Monday, April 22, 2024, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
• Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
• Friday, May 3, 2024, 9:00 - 10:00 AM

Do I have to be a full-time student to participate?

Yes. Fellows must be enrolled full-time at Fresno State for the entire 2024-25 academic year.

Where will I complete my service?

While we are still finalizing placements for the 2024-25 cohort we can tell you that most service will take place in the greater Fresno area and will focus on Climate Action, Food Insecurity, or K-12 Education. Example community partner host sites include Every Neighborhood Partnership, the Poverello House, Fresno Metro Ministry, Sierra Resources Conservation District, and Scout Island, among others.

Can I choose my own service site?

No. Fresno State College Corps will identify placements in advance. We are in the process of finalizing these placements. During the application process, you will be able to view position descriptions for available placements and select your top choices.

Are there set hours for completing my service?

Yes. However, this is dependent on each placement. The position descriptions (mentioned above) for each placement will indicate the required availability.

Who can I contact if I need help or have questions?

Call the FSCC main office at 559.278.5515 and any of our staff will assist you. You can also email cvccinfo@mail.fresnostate.edu.

mjessen@mail.fresnostate.edu

559.278.6986

Mellissa Jessen-Hiser (she/her) is an educator and writer with a deep commitment to education and community engagement. In 2020, she earned an MFA in creative writing from Fresno State, where she essayed about the things we inherit and the things we pass on. As the dedicated Director of Fresno State College Corps within the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning, Mellissa has been passionately serving students since 2008.

With an additional M.A. in international human rights from the University of Denver, Mellissa brings a diverse educational background to her role. Her commitment to student engagement and leadership development is evident through her previous role as assistant director for the Richter Center, where she pioneered groundbreaking student-leadership programs.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Mellissa earned her B.A. in English from Fresno State in 2001. Her passion for serving students is evident in her work and dedication to creating opportunities for their growth. Living in Fresno with her spouse, Darrin, and child, Samuel, Mellissa finds joy in spending quality time with her family, indulging in her love for reading, exploring creative paper crafts, and embracing continuous learning. Mellissa's life and work embody a dedication to education, community, and the vibrant culture of the Central Valley.

martinez_alo@mail.fresnostate.edu

559.278.5514

Welcome to Fresno State College Corps, I'm Alondra (she/her)! With over 7+ years of experience in higher education as a student services professional, I bring a wealth of knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to assist students like you in navigating their educational path.

In my role as the Student Success Coordinator, I am fully committed to ensuring that you meet the program's requirements through personalized case management. Whether you're navigating the complexities of college life or facing challenges, rest assured that I am here to support you every step of the way, guaranteeing your success in the program.

Your insights are invaluable, and I am dedicated to actively incorporating them to enhance the College Corps experience. Together, we are shaping a curriculum that is not only comprehensive but also tailored to suit your individual needs and aspirations. As we embark on this journey together, my overarching goal is to make your time at College Corps not only educational but also personally fulfilling, laying the foundation for a remarkably successful future.

Got questions? Hit me up anytime! Let's make your College Corps experience a total game-changer in your academic journey.

yosagandhi@mail.fresnostate.edu

559.278.5516

Yosagandhi Tarvin (she/her/ella) serves as the Fresno State College Corps Community Partnership Coordinator where she is driven by the belief that our collective actions can create a brighter, more inclusive, and compassionate world for all. Yosagandhi is a dedicated individual who values the importance of volunteering and collaborating with community benefit organizations to make a positive impact in our region. As such, she is committed to continuing her efforts to support community partners and college students as they engage in meaningful volunteer work. 

Yosagandhi was raised in Fresno and attended Fresno State as a first-generation college student, earning her B.A. in Sociology in 2016. Yosagandhi enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and exploring the outdoors.

away@mail.fresnostate.edu

559.278.5542

Allison Way (she/her), serving as the Program Support Specialist of Fresno State College Corps, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. A proud alumna of the University of North Florida, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Psychology. Additionally, she has earned a Master of Science in Educational Psychology from Capella University.

With a rich professional background in non-profit work and teaching at various educational levels, including elementary, middle, and high school, Allison has consistently demonstrated her commitment to helping others. Her passion lies in witnessing individuals' growth as they navigate new opportunities and paths.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Allison finds joy in the great outdoors and has a penchant for exploring new destinations. She also harbors a love for the music of Taylor Swift. In her multifaceted journey, Allison combines her love for education, dedication to community service, and appreciation for life's adventures.

2018lesly@mail.fresnostate.edu

559.278.5515

Lesly Beas (she/her/ella) currently serves as a graduate assistant at Fresno State College Corps. In 2022, she graduated from Fresno State, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a minor in Communication.

As a proud first-generation Chicana scholar, Lesly's professional goals have been driven by determination and a passion for supporting students in their educational journey. Currently pursuing a Master's in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, Lesly's choice reflects her deep-seated interest in student affairs.

Coming from a small town named Corcoran in the Central Valley, she credits her love for serving the community to her roots. Beyond her professional endeavors, Lesly enjoys an array of hobbies in her free time, including exploring new destinations, embracing new experiences, working out, and spending time with her two dogs, Sunny & Bambi.

eulyyses2019@mail.fresnostate.edu

559.278.5515

Eulyses Lopez (he/him/his) is a trailblazing first-generation Latino graduate student, currently immersed in the pursuit of his Master's in Student Affairs and College Counseling. Having earned his Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Deaf Studies from Fresno State, Eulyses hails from the rural town of Corcoran in the heart of the Central Valley.

In his capacity as one of the dedicated Graduate Assistants, Eulyses plays a pivotal role in orchestrating and facilitating program events and projects, all while serving as a mentor to fellows. His passion lies in forging meaningful connections with the fellows at Fresno State College Corps, cherishing the opportunity to get to know them on a profound level.

Beyond his academic and professional endeavors, Eulyses embraces life with zest. He finds joy in exploring diverse culinary delights, staying active through exercise, indulging in video games, and sharing quality moments with his cherished family and partner. Guided by the mantra, "Always take one day at a time," Eulyses navigates his journey with resilience and a commitment to making each day count.