Three siblings who have embraced the College Corps program at University of the Pacific—from community service to experiential learning to bonding with other fellows—are en route to earning a combined $50,000 over a two-year period to help their family pay for their college educations.

Isaac Gomez, Mercy Gomez and Lyric McDonald, all of Stockton, are part of a cohort of almost 90 students in the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program. Pacific receives $3.2 million over two years for students to work in non-profits, other agencies or schools in four areas of emphasis: K-12 education, climate change, community health and food insecurity.

Isaac Gomez and Lyric McDonald are second-year fellows and Mercy Gomez is in her first year in the state-run program.

The program includes annual stipends for housing ($7,000) and public service ($3,000) for fellows who complete the year with 450 or more hours of work.

“I am back for my second year in a program that I find very rewarding,” Issac Gomez said. “The fact that I’m alongside my two sisters is a bonus. This also is a huge help in paying for our college educations.”

The siblings shared thoughts about their College Corps experiences.

Isaac Gomez ’24

“I work for Raising Youth Resilience. My duties involve helping students who are struggling in the classroom. We want to keep them from wandering astray when it comes to academics. I did similar work last year at Creekside Elementary School in Lodi Unified (School District).

“Since I major in Media X, my hope this year is to blend my skills into videos about the work we are doing. After graduation, I will look for an internship or perhaps attend graduate school. My goal is to become a cinematographer.

“I will add this about College Corps: Eventually, these experiences will make me a better father. I truly believe that.”

Mercy Gomez ’26

“I find it reassuring to have siblings in College Corps. We share ideas and talk about our experiences. We are working separately but still are part of the overall group.

“I do not mind being the youngest sibling. The experiences Isaac had last year made me interested in College Corps. My non-profit is the Emergency Food Bank. We battle hunger in the community and reach out to people with food insecurities.

“I have been pleased they are having me work on videos. It fits in so well with my Media X major. I am interested in becoming a cinematographer since I have always had a love for movies and cameras.”

Lyric McDonald ’24

“My non-profit is the Edible Schoolyard. I have found the work there fascinating. Right now, we are prepping one of the greenhouse beds to have it ready by spring. Eventually I am going to drive a tractor. We also take care of chickens. It is much different than last year when I worked at Public Health Advocates, which did much of its work promoting women’s health.

“There are so many opportunities in music industry studies, which is my major. I hope to start my career in venue management or audio engineering. I believe my College Corps experiences will continue to help me in my career.”

Interested in the College Corps program?

Applications to join or continue in the 2024-2025 College Corps cohort are live. Prospective students’ applications are due March 15, 2024, and can be submitted via the Pacific application portal. The application for current students is found here (Pacific login required) and submissions are due February 23, 2023. 

Pacific is applying to the state for two more years of funding.