California State University and University of California: financial incentives: nonprofit organizations: service learning.

Assembly Member Ávila Farías proposes establishing financial incentives for nonprofit organizations that partner with California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) campuses to create service learning opportunities for undergraduate students. The legislation defines service learning as an educational approach combining community service activities with academic instruction and reflection to advance both learning objectives and community needs.

Under the bill's provisions, participating CSU and UC campuses would provide stipends to nonprofit organizations that supervise students during service learning placements. Participation remains voluntary for individual campuses, which must utilize existing resources or secure external funding through private donations and grants to support these programs. Eligible nonprofit partners must qualify as tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The measure builds upon the existing framework of the Donahoe Higher Education Act, which establishes the missions and functions of California's public higher education segments. While the bill's requirements would automatically apply to CSU campuses that opt in, UC campuses could only participate through an appropriate resolution by the UC Board of Regents, consistent with their constitutional autonomy.