As spring unfurls across campus, bringing new life and energy, we at PSE are also embracing a season of growth and renewal. 

The State of California has awarded $6.4 million to continue the College Corps program at UC Davis. Through College Corps, undergraduates who serve 450 hours — or 15 hours a week — over an academic year receive monthly stipends totaling $7,000 and, upon completion, a $3,000 education award. PSE plays a vital role in College Corps as the connector between students and local community organizations. We look forward to expanding these partnerships while providing rich experiences for our students and tangible benefits for our region.

Research has shown that providing access to, and encouraging participation in, experiential community-engaged learning opportunities can help to narrow the opportunity gap for underrepresented students. Moreover, community-engaged learning has been shown to enhance the sense of belonging, academic success and persistence of underrepresented students.

However, to what extent are we tracking progress for students who participate in community engaged learning experiences, and how do they compare to students who do not participate in these activities? 

Through the Catalyzing Impact Initiative, PSE is partnering with offices across campus to assess the impact of public scholarship and engagement on students, faculty and our communities. The Catalyzing Impact working groups held their first meetings in February, and will help us chart new avenues for collaboration, innovation and assessment. 

Finally, our recent crowdfunding campaign was a success! Thank you to everyone who shared our messages and made a gift in support of graduate student engaged research. Let’s carry this spirit of spring forward — cultivating potential and celebrating every new achievement.

In community,

Michael Rios

Vice Provost, Public Scholarship and Engagement  

PSE’s competitive fellowship program seeks to acknowledge and reward exemplary individuals who are working toward a specific public scholarship goal. We encourage all eligible faculty, researchers and continuing lecturers to apply, and we ask your to help spread the word about this fantastic opportunity. Applications are due May 15.

The College Corps program at UC Davis — in which students learn and earn while they serve community organizations — will expand with a $6.4 million state grant for 2024-26. Nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies working in K-12, food insecurity and climate action are eligible to apply to become community partners.