Serve like a Bulldog. Lead like a Champion.

What We’re Looking For

• Passion for working in partnership with 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;
• 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, 2025 – May 16, 2026
• Fellows must commit to serving for the full academic year

What You Would Do

Fellows will work with local organizations to provide critical service to the community. Sample activities include tutoring and mentoring young children, distributing food to those experiencing food insecurity, engaging in disaster preparedness activities to help support Valley residents impacted by wildfires, etc. 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 – 5:00 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 Fresno State College Corps (FSCC), they must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (i.e., GED) by the beginning of the 2025-2026 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, 2025 – May 16, 2026
• Not planning to:
  
  • Participate in a semester off-campus (ex. Study Abroad) during the upcoming academic year,
  • Graduate during Fall 2025, or
  • Transfer to another campus in Spring 2026
• Commit to serving 450 hours over the course of the entire academic year – averaging 12-20 hours per week.

Financial Need

Students selected to join the Fellowship, should also meet at least one of the criteria below:

• 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

Undocumented Students

• Is an AB-540 CA Dream Act Student
• Must have submitted or plans to submit a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for for 2025-26

Applications are open until filled!

Please fill out the entire application here: https://bit.ly/fscc2526apply. Applications are continuing to be accepted as of July 2025.

How to Apply

The application process for this program is 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.

2025-26 Fresno State College Corps Fellow Application Process

1. Complete Part 1 of the Application via Qualtrics 
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 info session
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 collegecorps@mail.fresnostate.edu.

 

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

Yes. Fellows must be enrolled full-time at Fresno State for the entire 2025-26 academic year.

Where will I complete my service?

While we are still finalizing placements for the 2025-26 cohort we can tell you that most service will take place in the greater Fresno area and will focus on  Environmental Stewarship/Disaster Preparedness , Food Insecurity, and K-12 Education. Example community partner host sites include Every Neighborhood Partnership, the Poverello House, 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 collegecorps@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.

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.

angelicaq@mail.fresnostate.edu 

559.278.5515

Angelica (she/her) serves as the Recruitment and Program Support Specialist, leading outreach and engagement efforts to connect students with meaningful opportunities in the program. Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, Angelica is a proud two-time Fresno State Bulldog alumna, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL).

With a strong background in student leadership and event planning, Angelica is passionate about creating engaging experiences that support college students’ personal and professional growth. As a dedicated advocate for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), she strives to make every student feel at home at Fresno State and within the program.

In her free time, she enjoys exploring music, crafting, and spending quality time with her beloved 5-year-old pug, Luna. If you ever have a question, feel free to reach out!

luzet209@mail.fresnostate.edu 

559.278.5515

Luz (she/her/ella) is a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESL). Currently in her first year of the Master’s program in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) at Fresno State, she combines academic expertise with practical experience to support students in achieving their goals.

As a Graduate Assistant, she is dedicated to fostering student success through mentorship, advocacy, and resource development. She is especially passionate about working with first-generation students and AB540 students.

Beyond her work with College Corps, she is an active member of the L.E.A.D. Club at Fresno State, the first club dedicated to supporting DACA, AB540, mixed-status students, and their allies. If you’re interested in joining, she would love to connect with you.

In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys thrift shopping, getting boba, and making jewelry. These hobbies reflect her creativity and zest for life, which complement her dedication to fostering inclusive and empowering communities.