SSG
The Scholars Service Grant program (SSG) is a service program that enhances academic study with civic engagement opportunities in the university or community. Renewable grants of $960 are awarded to participating students who complete 60 hours of service per semester at approved service sites. A service site is a program, project or service located in an on-campus department, office, other university affiliated location or community where a student completes his/her service hours.
Positions are filled on a first come, first served basis. Approximately 125 slots are filled each semester.
SSG students partner with faculty, staff, or community leaders to gain valuable experience towards their major or career interest. Participating students, who are undecided on their major or career, can gain valuable experience that helps them decide on a particular field of study.
The SSG program is open to freshman through graduate students. The flexibility of the program extends to meet the needs of the student, department, program, or project, in providing a meaningful experience for the student.
What are the minimum requirements for students to participate in the SSG program?
• Must have Financial Aid Eligibility (have a FAFSA on file and are
receiving subsidized loans or grants) with an unmet financial need of
$1,920 per academic year - verified by the financial aid office.
• A 3.5 cumulative GPA for students new to Fresno State or a 3.2
cumulative GPA for continuing students.
• Full time student status. Unit minimum:
• Undergraduates: 12 Units
• Graduates: 8 “200” series Units
How do I create a service site and find a student?
An invitation is extended to all faculty/staff to participate in the SSG program by proposing a service site opportunity for qualified SSG students. Just complete and forward the Service Site Proposal Form as soon as possible to insure the best opportunity for review and selection by students. Service sites already listed with the SSG program are automatically re-posted as active service sites and do not need to reapply again unless there are changes in their proposal.
Make sure to print off a copy of your Service Site Proposal Form and announce it to all your students. Being proactive is the best way to find a student.
How do I know if a student qualifies?
If you feel you have a student who meets the above minimum qualifications, contact Aleta Wolfe, Career Experience Counselor via email at aletaw@csufresno.edu or call her at ext. 82381 to inquire. You may want to encourage the student to make an appointment to meet with Aleta Wolfe instead by calling Career Services, Thomas 103, 559.278.2381.
What service sites are available to students?
Students can select a service site from an established Service Site List, or they can create their own service sites. In order to qualify for the SSG program, a service site must be on-campus or in the community at either a recognized 501c.3 nonprofit organization, school or government agency. The service site must also be in the four county service area (Fresno, Kings, Madera, or Tulare) served by Fresno State.
Students have created their own service sites at a variety of both on- and off-campus locations. They have done so by:
1. Contacting faculty/staff in their departments to inquire about opportunities;
2. Searching online through HandsOnCentralCal.org, a database of volunteer opportunities throughout Fresno County;
3. Going online to 2-1-1 Fresno County and clicking on "Search Database." In the "Search for" box, students type in an area for which they have an interest or one related to their major. For instance, if he/she is a pre-vet major, he/she might search "animal," or if he/she is interested in working with at-risk youth, he/she could search "youth." Once the list is generated, students click on a topic in the list. Then they click next and it will take them to a list of agencies fitting their interest. Next, they click on the agency's web page for more detailed information and last, contact the agency and inquire about volunteer opportunities; and
4. Attending the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Civic Engagement and Service-Learning’s “Community Service Opportunities Fair” held early each fall semester or the “Services to the Community Expo” held early each spring semester to speak with non-profit agencies visiting the campus to connect students with their volunteer opportunities.
If students choose to create their own service sites and have already attended an SSG Orientation or Touch Base Session, they need to print off the Service Site Proposal Form, complete the form and return it along with their signed agreement form to Aleta Wolfe prior to beginning their SSG hours.