Incoming and continuing students have the opportunity to earn $10,000 or more in the coming academic year through two unique programs offered at West Los Angeles College (WLAC). The first is the College Corps Fellowship (CCF) coordinated by the campus Career Center which offers up to $10,000. The second is the California Youth Leadership Corps (CYLA) Fellowship, offered through the campus Climate Center, which provides up to $15,000. Both opportunities are open to incoming and continuing students in any major. For more information and to apply, visit WLAC.edu/News/15000-Earn-While-You-Learn .
About the College Corps Fellowship – College Corps is a Governor’s initiative designed to build the next generation of civic leaders. WLAC is one of only two new campuses in Los Angeles selected for the 2026 Wildfire Recovery cohort, bringing student-powered relief to communities affected by the January 2025 fires.
As a College Corps Fellow, students will serve with community organizations, nonprofits, public agencies, and schools across Los Angeles County, supporting wildfire recovery efforts and strengthening community resilience. Fellows complete 450 hours of service over the academic year—approximately 11 hours per week—while developing leadership, teamwork, communication, and project management skills that prepare them for future careers.
“This fellowship reflects West’s commitment to student success, civic engagement, and creating opportunities for students to lead while serving their communities,” said Andrea Rodriguez-Blanco, WLAC Career Center Director. “Students will gain valuable experience, receive meaningful financial support, and contribute to rebuilding communities affected by the recent wildfires.”
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also be enrolled full-time at WLAC for the entire 2026-2027 academic year and be lower income.
About the California Youth Leadership Corps Fellowship – This fellowship was created to help equip low-income and nontraditional students with the necessary tools to learn the fundamentals of Climate Action and Environmental Justice, and to explore the possibility of entering the field of community organizing as social justice and environmental justice advocates.
This nine-month fellowship requires approximately 10 hours per week, including courses, meetings, and training, plus another 10 hours per week in an internship location on or off campus. Fellows also participate in cohort activities including social gatherings, lunch-and-learns, and celebrations.
West Los Angeles College is an ACCJC accredited community college offering university transfer, career preparation, and Adult Education paths as well as Bachelor’s Degrees in Avionics and Dental Hygiene. Among West’s unique programs is the Center for Climate Change Education which helps integrate climate change education across the curriculum and offers students learning and advocacy opportunities. The college earned a spot of the prestigious national Aspen list of 150 Best Community Colleges in 2023.
Michelle Long Coffee/WLAC
