Student Opportunities

Community Service Days - Meet people and make a difference in the local community!

Make A Difference Day

National Make a Difference Day happens on the fourth Saturday of October. The CCE collaborates with Student Life to lead a Make a Difference Day service project.

Fall 2025 Make a Difference Day will be Saturday, October 25th. More info coming soon!

Year Long Opportunities to Earn Money, Build Skills, and Gain Experience!

College Corps is a "serve, learn, and earn" program where students receive a living allowance and education award for 450 hours of community service and professional development training activities. College Corps is funded by a grant from the Governor's Office, California Volunteers https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/

Students who complete all fellowship requirements (450 program hours) will receive the following benefits:

Up to $10,000 combined in a living allowance (monthly) and education award (at the end of the year);
Real-world experience and skills to add to their resumes;
Training, networking, and professional development opportunities

General Eligibility:

Students must be enrolled full time as undergraduate students at Cal State East Bay
Good Academic Standing

Financial Eligibility:

1. Students who receive financial aid (state or federal): College Corps compensation will be considered as part of your financial aid package. Important Notice to Federal, State, and Institutional Financial Aid Recipients

Federal Eligible Students - Federal Application for Student Financial Aid for Year of Enrollment (FAFSA)

AB 540 Eligible Students - California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for year of enrollment academic; active recipient of Cal Grant B Award for year of enrollment OR an active recipient of a Cal Grant A Award who is also Cal Grant B eligible.

*Final Financial student eligibility will be determined after financial aid awards have been confirmed by the Office of Financial Aid in July/August. The College Corps program may help offset student loans by replacing or reducing the amount a student needs to borrow. The Office of Financial Aid will work with students to determine the best option. Students with questions about financial aid or CADAA status or process should contact the Office of Financial Aid at Cal State East Bay. https://www.csueastbay.edu/financialaid/index.html

2. Students who do not receive state or federal financial aid: Are still eligible for the College Corps program. (Applies to U.S. Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents only. AB 540 students must be recipients of Cal Grants A or B.)

College Corps Application!

For more info email: collegecorps@csueastbay.edu

Pioneers for Change

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) works to create community engagement experiences that inspire and empower students by connecting them with the University, their studies, and each other, while having a positive impact on the surrounding community.

Pioneers for Change (PFC) student leaders support these efforts by working as peers leaders for CCE programs and activities. The guiding principles of the PFC program are Personal, Professional, and Social Responsibility, which for us means personal accountability, self-motivation, respect for others, motivating others, and a commitment to making a difference within the community.

The CCE hires PFC student leaders in the spring for the following academic year.

Email us for more info! cce@csueastbay.edu

Careers in the Public Sector

What are careers in the public sector or in public service?

Public sector or public service jobs include those in government (local, state, federal), and organizations that are funded by the government. Jobs in education, health care, law enforcement, and social services are also public sector occupations.

What are the benefits of a career in public service?

Working in public service may qualify you for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. To qualify, you must be employed by a qualifying employer, and your employment must meet certain requirements. For example, you must be enrolled in a qualifying payment plan, such as an income-driven repayment plan.

A career in public service can offer benefits like job stability, opportunities to make a positive impact on your community, generous benefits packages including health insurance and retirement plans, potential for student loan repayment assistance, flexible schedules, and a sense of purpose by contributing to the greater good; essentially, it allows you to use your skills to directly help others and improve society.

Competitive benefits: Government positions often come with comprehensive benefits packages including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and sometimes even student loan repayment assistance.

Making a difference: The primary benefit is the ability to directly contribute to your community and positively impact people's lives through your work.

Job security: Public sector jobs are often considered more stable than private sector roles, offering greater job security.

Career advancement: Public service roles can provide clear paths for career progression with opportunities for training, mentoring, and professional development.

Work-life balance: Some public sector jobs offer flexible schedules, allowing for better work-life balance.

Sense of purpose: Many people find deep satisfaction in working in public service, knowing they are contributing to the well-being of their community.

Diverse opportunities: Public service encompasses a wide range of fields including healthcare, education, law enforcement, environmental protection, and social services, allowing you to choose a career aligned with your interests.

Benefits of a Career in Public Service, U.S. Department of the Interior https://careers.doi.gov/benefits-career-public-service

Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Government, Indeed https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/working-in-government

Why Work for the State of California? CA.gov https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/GeneralInfo/WhyWorkForTheStateOfCalifornia.aspx

What education, training, or preparation is needed for a career in the public sector?

To prepare for a career in public service identify an area of focus within the public sector, gain relevant education, develop strong skills like communication and teamwork, build a network, seek volunteer experience, and actively research opportunities within your desired field; while also being prepared to demonstrate your commitment to serving the community and adapting to potential changes in government policies.

Key steps to take:

Understand the public service sector and careers available
- Research different public service roles to find a path that aligns with your interests and what motivates you want to make a difference.
Develop relevant skills:
- Soft skills: Effective communication, collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability, and empathy.
- Technical skills: Depending on your chosen field, this could include data analysis, project management, grant writing, or legal knowledge.
Education and training:
- Related Degree: Consider degrees in criminal justice, ethnic studies, human development, political science, psychology, public policy, public administration, sociology, or a field related to your desired public service area.
- Professional development: Attend workshops, conferences, and pursue certifications to stay updated on industry trends.
Gain experience:
- Volunteer work: Volunteer in organizations or causes you are passionate about to gain practical experience and build your network.
- Internships: Seek internships in government agencies or non-profit organizations related to your interests.
Stay informed:
- Follow current events: Keep up-to-date on relevant political and social issues impacting your chosen public service area.
- Understand government policies: Familiarize yourself with current laws and regulations related to your field.