Challenged Paying for College? Think About the California Conservation Corps

Lost. It’s how Karina Mendez describes her time in college. What made her experience even more dizzying is knowing she’s plowing herself into debt over an education that she’s not certain is what she wants to pursue.

“I dropped out of college because I was lost,” explains Mendez. “I didn’t know where to go.”

Each year nearly a third of new college students end up dropping out. While reasons vary, the most common is the cost. The California Conservation Corps can help students explore career options and pay for those classes when they’re ready to return to school.

“I think having the opportunity to gain some scholarship money is really amazing because a lot of people don’t have the resources to go to school,” said Mendez, who is a Corpsmember at the CCC Fresno Center. “This money will help them get somewhere. You can use it for books, transportation, housing, or for general school purposes.”

Fresno Corpsmember Karina Mendez works on building a slash pile, which will later be burned to reduce fuel for a wildfire. Experiences in the Save Our Sierra program is leading Karina to pursue forestry jobs and educational opportunities. 

A full year of work in the CCC can earn Corpsmembers up to $8,000 in scholarships. Corpsmembers automatically earn the $2,000 CCC Brad Duncan Scholarship for completing a year of service, finishing core training classes, and volunteering for at least 48 hours.

“Volunteering is a great way for our Corpsmembers to see the difference they can make in their own communities,” said CCC Director Bruce Saito. “It’s part of the CCC’s goal to develop young adults with character, credentials, and commitment. Corpsmembers learn the meaning of hard work and earn these scholarships to further their education and careers.”

The scholarship opportunities are a big reason why Corpsmembers enroll in the program.

“It’s a great opportunity,” says Magalia Corpsmember Elisa Campos. “I’m using the CCC as a way to get my foot in the door so I can make a long-term career path for myself. I’m happy that I’m getting the scholarships. It’s kind of hitting two birds with one stone.”

Magalia Corpsmember Elisa Campos stands on a hillside in Magalia, waiting to chain up debris during a fuel reduction project. Elisa is using the CCC to help her resume and pay for college. 

Corpsmembers are also eligible to earn the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The award is earned by completing work hours on AmeriCorps eligible projects. Corpsmembers sign up to earn various amounts, receiving a maximum of $6,345 per year.

“I should be leaving the CCC with about $16,000,” said Siskiyou Corpsmember Rick Gomes. “That’s two years of the CCC scholarship, plus the AmeriCorps scholarships. I literally saw a sign that said ‘scholarships’, and I pulled off the road and said, ‘where do I sign up?’ Now I’m going back to College of the Siskiyous to get an environmental science degree.”

The CCC doesn’t just offer scholarship money to Corpsmembers. It also offers young adults the chance to figure out what they want to do with their life, earn an income, and even a place to call home at residential centers.

Siskiyou Corpsmember Rick Gomes clears out dirt from a drainage area at Angel Island State Park. Rick plans to change his major from welding to environmental science after earning almost $16,000 in scholarships with the CCC.

Mendez added, “I didn’t know where to go. I started writing down what I liked, which is the outdoors. I came across the CCC Facebook page and came across the Save Our Sierra program. That’s when I learned about forestry work and what you can do. And now I’m here. I want to use my scholarship to go to Reedley College because I want to get into forestry technician jobs.”

Corpsmembers earn industry recognized certifications while enrolled. They’re also paid $2,700 a month to earn the scholarships, gain work experience, and receive exposure to different career paths.

“It’s very comforting knowing that I’m working toward something long-term and something that’s beneficial toward myself,” Campos said. “The CCC really gives you exactly what you need. You really get to gain experience, job references, and certifications as well.”

Learn more about the CCC’s Scholarship opportunities on our scholarship web page.