SUNY’s Empire State Service Corps allows students to get paid to support communities and pursue passions –- with a priority application deadline for the 2026-27 cohort of Friday, April 17.

Students in the Empire State Service Corps can engage in paid public service work for 300 hours during an academic year. Service cohorts include civic engagement, education, economic opportunity, healthy futures, environmental stewardship and military outreach initiatives. 

Arrissa Bunker, a sophomore pursuing both a bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in business administration, has enjoyed the opportunity to serve as part of Oswego’s Community Outreach team.

“I've always kind of had a heart for community service,” Bunker said. “I grew up in Girl Scouts, so I've been doing community service my entire life. So when the opportunity came, that was one of the reasons I did it, because I like to do community service, and I've been involved with it for so long.”

The Community Outreach team connects SUNY Oswego students with opportunities in the campus and community. Bunker and other members are currently hosting a table in Marano Campus Center to recruit new members into the service corps and promote opportunities to work events like an upcoming campus blood drive.

‘Amazing opportunity’

“I think this is an amazing opportunity to be able to connect people to community service,” Bunker said.

In addition to being a paid placement, doing the job has been rewarding in terms of growth and development.

“I'm very shy but I have to talk to people to do tabling and work on these events,” Bunker said. “It’s helped me step outside my comfort zone and get out into the community and help people and talk to them and not be as shy about it. Just being able to connect with people and talk to people is definitely very important for the psychology field.”

Other activities Bunker do via the Empire State Service Corps include helping with monthly free Parents Night Out events with the local Foster Life ministry.

“I go and I help with the foster kids that go there. and it's a night for them to have fun and the parents can drop them off,” Bunker said. “It’s another thing that could connect to the psychology field, and I really do enjoy seeing the kids. And it's super meaningful for me.” 

The 300 hours can even transfer to approved activities in students’ home areas, such as when Bunker works with the Salvation Army when going home to Herkimer.

Asked why students should consider applying for the Empire State Service Corps, Bunker called it a “great opportunity” that can connect to a lot of majors.

“It gets you involved in the community, and it helps you do something meaningful and purposeful,” Bunker said. “It helps you connect with other students and looks good on your resume. You also get to know your community on campus and the students around you, and it's not a boring job. It’s fun.”

To learn more and apply

To apply for the 2026-27 cohort, visit the SUNY Oswego Empire State Service Corps website. For more information on the program, email jennifer.joyce@oswego.edu.

While April 17 is the priority deadline, applications after that date will be accepted if space is available.

In addition to weekday tabling in Marano Campus Center, opportunities to learn about the Empire State Service Corps can be found during tabling on the following dates:

  • April 13 (12:45 to 1:30 p.m.) and April 20 (1:55 to 2:35 p.m.) in the Penfield Library 24-hour room
  • April 14 (1 to 2 p.m.) and April 21 (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.) in the Compass Resource Room, 145 Marano Campus Center
  • April 15 (12:45 to 1:30 p.m.) and April 22 (1:55 to 2:35 p.m.) at Rich N' Pour Cafe in Rich Hall
  • April 16 (1 to 2 p.m.) and April 22 (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.) in Wilber Hall
  • April 17 (12:45 to 1:30 p.m.) and April 24 (1:55 to 2:35 p.m.) in Hewitt Hall, near the Studio H cafe

Empire State Service Corps member Arrissa Bunker helps with an opportunity for participants in SUNY Oswego’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service to knit blankets for community members in need.

Empire State Service Corps member Arrissa Bunker helps with an opportunity for participants in SUNY Oswego’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service to knit blankets for community members in need.