California expands student support via College Corps and CalFresh

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced initiatives to support university students through financial aid and improved food security. Under the College Corps program, students can receive up to $10,000 in financial support after completing 450 hours of community service. The program, which includes undocumented students eligible under state law AB 540, focuses on areas such as K–12 education, climate action, and food security.

Additionally, the state has streamlined access to CalFresh, California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Undergraduate students enrolled at California Community Colleges (CCC), California State Universities (CSU), and University of California (UC) campuses now meet the initial application requirements. This change aims to remove bureaucratic barriers for students who meet financial eligibility criteria, ensuring they can access nutritious food to support their academic success.