Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF)
CESF Overview
Upon successfully completing a term of service of at least 35-50 hours, students receive a $500 scholarship from LEAD California. Students are engaged in providing direct service to the community or supporting a service-learning program, or both. Students are involved in addressing every major issue confronting California and beyond – from access to and success in higher education to economic development, health disparities to homelessness and poverty.
For more information, feel free to contact us at info@leadcalifornia.org.
2026 CESF APPLICATION REQUEST
Now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of CESF Student Fellows!
Application deadline is 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 14th, 2026.
CESF Institutions
Students from these California campuses were selected to participate in LEAD California’s 2024 Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF) program, a 4-month initiative specifically designed to support student leaders advancing service, service-learning and community engagement at LEAD California member campuses throughout the state.
For more information, feel free to contact us at info@leadcalifornia.org.
Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona’s Community Engagement Student Fellows will serve as ambassadors and student liaisons, connecting our community members with service and engaged learning opportunities. Under the mentorship of the Center for Community Engagement director and staff, the student will assist the development of on- and off-campus programs contributing to positive and sustainable social impact. They will have opportunities to network with industry partners, collaborate with leaders, and build infrastructure for strengthening community engagement throughout the university.
College of the Canyons
College of the Canyons Center for Civic and Community Engagement (CCCE) continues to advance its ongoing student-driven, Project-Based Learning (PBL), co-curricular PLACE (Partnerships for Listening and Action by Communities and Educators) and Engage the Vote (ETV) Action Teams. These student-centered groups are building a sense of community, belonging, and well-being by assisting the needs of campus members and Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) nonprofits aligned with underserved and marginalized populations.
Fresno State
Fresno State’s LEAD California Student Fellows will begin developing a student track plan for the 2025 COS Conference in Seattle. They will conduct research on the 2023 COS Conference, specifically evaluating the experience of student’s who attended. Fellows will also use data from the four previous LIFT Conferences hosted by Fresno State for student leaders. With all of the research gathered, the fellows will then begin initial meetings with 2025 COS conference committee and work through logistics and budgets. The goal will be to have a general layout of the student track completed for the next semester fellows to use as a guide.
Sacramento State University
For more than 25 years, the goal of Community Engagement Center (CEC) has been to make a difference in the lives of our students and the Sacramento region. The Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF) will continue this tradition by having students participate in service and community leadership events and initiatives during Spring 2025. The CESFs will assist and provide input for (1) the annual CESF Showcase, (2) Alternative Spring Break (hosted by CEC), and (4) Farmworker Awareness Week (hosted by College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)).
Sonoma State University
The SSU Lead CA CE Student Fellow will be an English or Communication Studies major serving as a blogger. They will create and edit blog posts in support of the CCE’s efforts; create posts about events, community organizations and opportunities, and other community engagement topics; work closely with CCE student assistants, especially those working on updating our social media accounts and our website; and watch the work of our counterparts and community partners for ideas.
Stanbridge University
Stanbridge University will select one nursing student to volunteer at a local hospital, focusing on patient ratings and care outcomes. Additionally, one therapy student will be chosen to volunteer with Interface Rehab, a patient-centered, innovative rehabilitation organization. The nursing student will participate in a research-based fellowship project at the hospital, contributing to valuable on-site initiatives. The therapy student will assist patients at Interface Rehab, an organization that provides a comprehensive range of physical, occupational, and speech therapies across California. Their expertise spans post-acute care, retirement communities, and outpatient clinics.
2026 CESF APPLICATION REQUEST
Now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of CESF Student Fellows!
Application deadline is 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 14th, 2026.
CESF Impact Report
The Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF) connects college students with their communities through community-campus partnerships that address pressing social needs. While working to improve the lives of others, these students awaken to the root causes of complex societal problems and to their own ability to work toward solutions—both now and into the future.
LEAD California, a statewide coalition of higher education leaders, established the CESF program in 2013 as part of its mission to educate students for civic and social responsibility. Since that time, we have deployed more than 150 CESF Fellows on campus and in the community. These students work to address issues affecting California and beyond, ranging from health disparities to poverty and homelessness to college access and success.
For more information, feel free to contact us at info@leadcalifornia.org.
2026 CESF APPLICATION REQUEST
Now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of CESF Student Fellows!
Application deadline is 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 14th, 2026.
CESF Spotlight Videos
EMILIE TORRES, Stanbridge University
BRENTON WARREN, Stanbridge University
HANNAH MARTE, Stanbridge University
LAUREN COWANS, Stanbridge College
CAROLYN VO, Stanbridge College
MARVIN THOMPSON, University of La Verne
HARRISON FULLER, Whittier College
MIA NGUYEN, Dominican University of California
KARLA HERNANDEZ, Dominican University of California
2026 CESF APPLICATION REQUEST
Now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of CESF Student Fellows!
Application deadline is 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 14th, 2026.
CESF Student Fellows
Students from California campuses were selected to participate in LEAD California’s Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF) program, a 4-month initiative specifically designed to support student leaders advancing service, service-learning and community engagement at LEAD California member campuses throughout the state.
For more information, feel free to contact us at info@leadcalifornia.org.
SPRING 2026 CESF STUDENT FELLOWS
IDENIAAYALA
CAL POLY POMONA
Idenia “Izzy” Ayala is a senior at Cal Poly Pomona majoring in Computer Science. As a Pomona native, she feels a deep connection to her community and is committed to giving back to the city that helped shape her. Izzy is passionate about creating meaningful impact through volunteer work and service initiatives that support individuals in need and raise awareness about critical social and environmental issues. Her experience includes participating in climate action projects and contributing to hunger relief efforts through local food distribution programs. Guided by the belief that leadership begins with service, Izzy is dedicated to fostering positive, lasting change at the community level. After graduation, she hopes to work for a climate or environmental action organization where she can apply her technical skills to help develop innovative projects that promote sustainability and build healthier, more resilient communities. Through opportunities like the fellowship, she looks forward to further developing her leadership skills and expanding her ability to serve both her university and the broader community.
LESLIEBERGADO
STANBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
Leslie Bergado is a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) student at Stanbridge University. As Community Service Chair for the Stanbridge Student of Occupational Therapy Association, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to service-oriented learning and community engagement. Leslie’s passion for serving underrepresented communities has fostered a growing interest in patient advocacy and client-centered care. She actively volunteers with the Triumph Foundation and Casa Colina, supporting individuals and families across diverse needs and abilities. Through this fellowship, Leslie hopes to contribute meaningful work that bridges clinical practice with community impact while continuing to grow as a leader committed to empowering clients and making positive change.
GABRIELLEDURAN
STANBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
Gabrielle Duran is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Stanbridge University who is currently in their 3rd term. She will be participating in the Stanbridge Fellowship through LEAD California at Mission Hospital for Spring 2026. Gabrielle is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care and has an interest in pursuing a future in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She has a deep passion for professional growth and making a meaningful impact to not only her patients but also within her community as well. While balancing her academic commitments along with work and service, she demonstrates resilient responsibility and dedication in pursuit of her goals. She also views this fellowship as an opportunity to broaden her mindset about the diverse communities she will serve and to contribute to community-driven change. Although she is early in her healthcare journey, Gabrielle is eager to build a strong clinical foundation by gaining hands-on insight into patient care at Mission Hospital. She truly believes that this experience will strengthen essential clinical skills and confidence she will need as she prepares for the future.
SAMANTHAGUERRA
CAL POLY POMONA
Samantha Guerra is a second year Liberal Studies major at Cal Poly Pomona dedicated to education, leadership, and community impact. She has been recognized on the Dean’s List for her academic achievement and commitment to excellence. As a former AVID Tutor at West Covina High School, she mentored students in academic skills, college preparation, and critical thinking, helping them build confidence and prepare for higher education. On campus, she serves as an ASI Reservation Specialist, coordinating event logistics and supporting student organizations to ensure inclusive and well-organized campus spaces. Through her professional experience and community service initiatives, Samantha has developed strong skills in communication, organization, and teamwork. Aspiring to become an elementary school teacher, she is passionate about empowering young learners and creating positive change throughout California communities.
JULESLEVYLAFOLIE
SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Jules Levy Lafolie, a current junior at Sonoma State University originally from Los Angeles, CA and majoring in communication and media studies. Currently Interning at the Center for Community Engagement on campus and planning to pursue a career in marketing after college. Hoping to learn more about civic engagement and service learning in the process.
KIRSTENMARTINEZ
CSU FRESNO
Kirsten Martinez is a fourth-year student at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Advertising and Public Relations. Passionate about student involvement, she serves as President of Club FSR Underground, Associate VP of Public Relations for the Hispanic Business Student Association and Vice President for the Marketing Club. For two years, she worked as the Social Media and Communications Student Assistant for the university’s Community Engagement and Service Learning Center, where she discovered the importance of engaging students in service. Grateful for the opportunities she has received, Kirsten is now motivated to continue meaningful work and further develop her outreach skills through the fellowship.
EMMASCHOFIELD
CSU FRESNO
Emma Schofield is a third-year student at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Mathematics with the intent to go into teaching. She is also a part of the Smittcamp Family Honors College, which has provided her with opportunities to serve in various capacities in her community. Additionally, Emma is passionate about serving and giving back to her church, volunteering in her church’s kindergarten classroom on Sunday mornings as well as leading a seventh-grade girls youth group on Tuesday nights. For two years, she has worked with the Richter Center to assist the student leader teams in planning community service events. Through this fellowship, she looks forward to developing her skills through impactful work that gives back to her university and the broader community.
SIENNASHAH
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY
Sienna Shah is a sophomore undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University majoring in Political Science. She is active in pre-law leadership and civic engagement, currently serving as Secretary of Training for LMU Model United Nations and Recruitment Chair for Phi Alpha Delta. She also serves on the Dean’s Student Advisory Board for the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, where she offers feedback on academic initiatives and student experience. Beyond campus, Sienna mentors high school students through the college application process as a Student Mentor with College Contact. Sienna is motivated by a commitment to widening educational access and supporting students in navigating institutions and opportunities. She looks forward to contributing to the LEAD California CESF community and continuing to promote service, civic empowerment, and mentorship.
