Vanguard University Receives $2.8 Million Toward College Corps
Vanguard University has received a significant vote of confidence in its commitment to service and student success. California Volunteers has awarded Vanguard’s #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program an additional $2.8 million in funding, extending the initiative through a new three-year agreement that will continue expanding student impact across Orange County.
The new funding cycle marks an important milestone for the program. According to Shelley Youd, director of Vanguard’s College Corps program, the extended agreement creates new opportunities for stability and long-term growth. “Prior awards were 2-year agreements, so we are excited to move to a 3-year agreement,” Youd said. “This allows us to create continuity in our program and provide more long-term relationships knowing that we will be providing this program for a longer period.”
Serving Communities Across Orange County
Since launching in 2022, Vanguard’s College Corps program has impacted communities throughout the region. A total of 203 VU Fellows have collectivly served nearly 88,000 hours in Costa Mesa and surrounding communities, including Santa Ana, Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Garden Grove. Fellows have provided more than 9,000 hours of tutoring, removed 16,000 pounds of trash from sensitive environments, and helped distribute more than 28 million pounds of food through community partnerships.
Transformational Growth Through Service
Beyond the numbers, Youd emphasizes the transformational nature of the program for student participants. “I love watching our students grow,” she said. “Those who really choose to dive in and invest in their site gain so much in return.” She highlights stories of students who entered the program uncertain but discovered new confidence and direction through service. One Fellow, initially timid and challenged by her first year, returned for a second placement and flourished while serving at an elementary school, ultimately completing more than 1,000 service hours in two years. Others have continued volunteering long after their official commitments ended.
Service at the Heart of Vanguard’s Mission
The College Corps program aligns closely with Vanguard University’s mission to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith, and equip students for Christ-centered leadership and service. While the program is state-sponsored and Fellows are not permitted to verbally share their faith during service, Youd explains that the experience encourages students to live out their values in tangible ways. “As students serve, they are changed,” she said. “Students move out of the small Vanguard community to be the tangible hands and feet of Jesus to greater Orange County.”
In addition to service opportunities, the program supports college affordability by providing Fellows with up to $10,000 toward their educational expenses in exchange for completing 450 hours of service. Students gain real-world experience, develop professional skills, and build relationships with community partners. Several former Fellows transitioned into roles at their host sites, with one even returning to serve as a supervisor for new participants.
Looking Forward to the Next Three Years
Youd is energized by what the next three years may bring. “I love our community host partners, and I am excited to send our students there to learn and grow. I can’t wait to see what changes in and through the students who come to our program.”
With renewed funding and strong partnerships in place, Vanguard University’s College Corps program continues to serve as an expression of the university’s commitment to serving the community.
“Vanguard’s College Corps program is a shining star on campus and in our neighboring communities as it embodies our commitment to offer our students a transformational education exemplified by truth, virtue, and service,” said Ryan Hartwig, PhD, provost.
