Students

College Corps @ the Beach program works with campus and community partners to place students in two-semester paid internships. Internships will focus on key issues related to climate action and environmental justice, food insecurity, and K-12 education with an emphasis on climate literacy.

As a student participating in College Corps @ the Beach you will:

  • Commit to a two-semester internship (fall 2023 and spring 2024) during which you will complete 450 hours of meaningful work while honing professional and educational skills and knowledge, exploring career opportunities, and building/expanding your networks with community professionals. This breaks down to about 12-15 hours a week at your internship site.
  • Engage in real-world job experiences that can bolster and strengthen your resume.
  • Enroll in a 3-unit internship course during the fall 2023 semester.
  • Attend professional development trainings and workshops.
  • Connect with other interns across the state via a virtual community platform and regional events.
  • Receive up to $7,000 toward living expenses (paid out in monthly installments) and a $3,000 educational award at the completion of your 450 hours that can be used to pay off education loans or put toward future educational expenses (e.g., tuition, books).

For the second student cohort that will complete the program during the 2023-2024 academic year, we are selecting 50 students. Students from all colleges and majors are encouraged to apply, including AB540 students and those who are first in their families to go to college.

Eligibility

Priority will be given to students who demonstrate a financial need. As a reflection of our campus's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and the elimination of educational opportunity gaps, we highly encourage AB540 students, students who are the first in their families to attend college, and students who demonstrate financial need to apply.

We are looking for committed students who have:

  • passion for working in partnership with communities to make positive change.
  • a growth mindset and eagerness to try new things.
  • an interest in connecting with and learning from other students and partners across the state.
  • a willingness to be an ambassador for the internship program on campus and beyond.

Students selected to join the program should meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • work part time and/or take student loans to cover their educational costs.
  • have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2023-24 academic year and qualify for a Federal Pell Grant.
  • have completed the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the 2023-24 academic year and qualify for a State Cal Grant.
  • be an AB-540 Eligible Dreamer.

Additional Requirements

Additionally, eligible students ;are required to:

  • Be a full-time, enrolled undergraduate student at CSULB (12 units).
  • No minimum GPA, but students must be in good conduct and academic standing.
  • Be committed to the program for both the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters (August 2023-May 2024).
  • Students graduating in fall 2023 are not eligible for this program but should check out other paid internship programs like the Long Beach Community Internship Program.
  • Students studying abroad during either/both semesters are not eligible.
  • Attend an online Student Orientation on May 15, 2023 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, if selected.
  • Attend an in-person Welcome Reception at CSULB the week of August 14, 2023.
  • Complete interviews with nonprofit organizations in June 2023, if selected. These interviews will determine your site placements for the academic year (more information about these interviews will be given once students are selected for the program).

AB540 Students

AB540 students are eligible for this program if you:

  • Have a completed and submitted a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the 2023-2024 academic year.
  • Are an active recipient of a Cal Grant B Award for the 2023-2024 academic year.
  • AB540 students who are accepted into the program will also be required to submit a CA DSIG Application (PDF) by September 1, 2023 to become eligible for the $3,000 Education Award.

AB540 students interested in applying are encouraged to contact the Dream Success Center for assistance with their program applications and/or for questions. Please also feel free to reach out directly to Norma Salcedo (Norma.Salcedo@csulb.edu), Director of the Dream Success Center.

Waitlist Available

College Corps @ the Beach is excited to announce Cohort #2 Student Fellow interns have been selected for the 2023-2024 academic year! If you are still interested in becoming a College Corps Intern, a waitlist is available.

Apply to Waitlist