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. Approximately 125 slots are filled each semester.
Students new to SSG will have priority for the first three weeks of the Fall 2012 semester (August 22 - September 12). Returning SSG students must wait until September 13 to turn in paperwork and begin volunteering.
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 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 know if I qualify? How do I apply?
If you feel you meet the above minimum requirements for Fall 2012:
- Sign in on your my.csufresno.edu account.
- Click on Student Self Service in Menu box on left side; click on Student Center.
- Under Academic History, click on Grades and select Fall 2012 (not Spring 2012) ; click Continue; print View My Grades screen; Note: Entering freshman must also supply a copy of final high school report card or transcripts.
- Return to Student Center; under Finances, click on View Financial Aid; click on current aid year, 2012.
- Click on Financial Aid Summary to view remaining need amount; print this screen.
- Only if your remaining need is $1920 or more, bring your printouts to an SSG Touch Base/Orientation session in Thomas 103 between Mon., August 13 - Fri., September 7; MWF @ 3:00 p.m. or TTh @ 9:00 a.m. (except Monday, September 3 when the campus is closed for the Labor Day Holiday) or by appointment. Call Career Services, Thomas 103, 278.2381 for an appointment with Aleta Wolfe for an SSG Touch Base/Orientation session. (Returning students should attend early, but remember, you cannot turn in your paperwork until September 13)
- If remaining need is less than $1920, depending on your situation, you might be able to adjust your package to qualify for SSG as follows:
a. Reduce (or decline) your Federal Direct Subsidized Loan or reduce Work Study award (Go to the Financial Aid Office, Joyal 296 to do so or to ask any questions);
b. Go online to the Financial Aid website (under Current Students section on the Fresno State homepage); click Online Forms and complete a Miscellaneous Budget Adjustment Form and/or a one-time Computer Budget Adjustment Form and turn in the form(s) to the Financial Aid Office, Joyal 296.
c. Only after you have made the necessary
adjustment(s), follow Step 6 above
What is a service site and how do I find one?
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.
You can select a service site from an established Service Site List, or you can create your own service site. 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 agency, school or government organization. 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, type in an area which you have an interest or one related to your major. For instance, if you are a pre-vet major, you might search "animal," or if you are interested in working with at-risk youth, you could search "youth." Once your list is generated, click on a topic in the list. Then click next and it will take you to a list of agencies fitting your interest. Click on the agency's web page for more detailed information. Next contact the agency and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
4. Attending the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Civic Engagement and Service-Learning “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 you choose to create your own service site and have already attended an SSG Orientation or Touch Base Session, print off the Service Site Proposal Form, complete the form and return this along with your signed agreement form to Aleta Wolfe prior to beginning your SSG hours.