Resources for College Students
Of 20 million college students, 39 percent are low-income and face the challenge of paying for tuition, housing costs, books, and food. It is difficult to balance school, work, life, and a limited budget. We also know the physical and mental health effects these consequences have on developing individuals who are working to receive a higher education. Learn why college students are especially vulnerable to food insecurity
FIND Food Bank works to address the increased food insecurity on campus by partnering with local colleges to provide nutritious food and outreach services like CalFresh application assistance directly on campus to eliminate barriers for students facing food insecurity.
College of the Desert Central Pantry
We partnered with the College of the Desert to provide healthy-food options to all students at the Central Pantry location on campus. College of the Desert students volunteer to manage the pantry stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and non-perishable food items. FIND’s Community Health Worker is also on-campus three times a month to offer application assistance and life-saving services to improve public health and student well-being.
CalFresh for College Students
CalFresh is a state program that awards you up to $281 monthly for groceries. Essentially, it’s a free debit card to buy food at participating grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and restaurants to help you stay healthy. It won’t affect your financial aid and you don’t need your parent’s tax return information to apply.
2 in 5 students are eligible for CalFresh.
This includes part-time workers, EOP students, Cal Grant recipients, parents, and students with an EFC of $0 or eligible for Work-Study. Take a minute to check your eligibility.
It takes just a couple of minutes to check your eligibility and apply to receive up to $234 a month. You’ll get a call from CalFresh in a couple of days to verify your situation. If approved, you’ll get money within 30 days.
Apply for CalFresh!
Californians For All College Corps Fellows
The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps will help create debt-free pathways to college while engaging students across the state in solving problems in their communities.
This first of its kind initiative was launched in partnership with California colleges. College of the Desert is deploying local students to help address food insecurity at FIND Food Bank. In return for their service hours, students receive $10,000 – including a living allowance and Education Award. There are currently 40 College of the Desert Fellows working at the Central Pantry on the COD campus and volunteering at FIND, including AB 540 CA Dream Act Students.
We are excited to announce that College of the Desert is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Fellowship Cohort 3. College Corps program combines academics with hands-on work experience. Join over 3,000 California students across the state making an impact in their community, build your leadership skills to bridge divides and help build more equitable communities.
Students who complete 450 hours of service with COD College Corps, and FIND Food Bank are eligible to receive the following benefits:
· Earn up to $7,000 Living stipend (living allowance paid monthly), plus $3,000 Education Award (award may change depending on eligibility)
· Real-world job experience and skills to add to their resume
· Access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities
· A sense of pride and accomplishment in working toward a common purpose alongside young leaders from across the state
· Participation in regional leadership workshops at college campuses
In order to participate, students must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
· Have a high school diploma or its equivalent by August 2024
· Full-time enrollment both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 at College of the Desert (12 or more units per semester)
· Students must currently be and remain in good academic standing
· Able to commit to the program for the full academic year by completing 450 hours of service (August 2024- June 2025)
· Demonstrate financial need as evidenced by FAFSA or California Dream Act Application
· AB 540 Students are eligible
Priority deadline is June 1st 2024. Applications will be accepted until all fellowship opportunities are filled. Students who participated in Cohort I, and/or II, and successfully met all the College Corps requirements, are eligible to apply for Cohort 3.
If you are interested in the program, or have additional questions regarding eligibility please visit the College Corps webpage or contact [email protected].
Ready to join #CalforniansForAll College Corps?
You can submit your application by clicking on College Corps Application.
