In early 2022, two high school students in Oakland, California saw undressed inequity in their local community, paralleled by a disconnect between youth and community engagement. Many opportunities passed by their peers as they were propagated by a generation that didn’t fully understand the needs and values of our youth. Student Service Corp was founded as a solution to this issue, to address inequity in the community while inspiring student activism and volunteerism. In short, we look to bridge the gap between those in service and those looking to serve.

Since our inception, Student Service Corp and its leaders have been responsible for the implementation and execution of over two dozen unique, community based events and initiatives, all benefiting the Oakland community in ways previously unseen. Our identity was formed through the creative approach we took to service: our initiatives range from interactive science experiments with low-income youth to mobile grocery stores with fresh fruits and vegetables free of charge. If our student-led leadership team can dream it, we can do it, too.

Our ability to cultivate students, and youth, is unmatched, and has served as our differentiator and driving force as an organization, earning us partnerships with the likes of KitsCubed and the City of Oakland, and sponsorships from the likes of Whole Foods Market and the Golden State Warriors. The fluidity within our mission allows us to fill in the gaps in assisting other nonprofits with their work, as well as hosting our own events, allowing us to build a large presence citywide as well as socially, and eventually serving as the basis of our expansion.

Now, our leaders look to replicate our community work in Oakland nationwide. Co-founder Matteo Salvadei and Vice Chair Audrey Ohwobete are working on Los Angeles Student Service, while former CFO David Gibbs and DCSS CEO David Greene look to expand in Washington, DC. Back home, Matteo, along with OSS CEO Richie Jones and Vice Chair Menim Utibe-Ukim are working on the next generation of Oakland Student Service, to be spearheaded by students at UC Berkeley.

Our goal now is simpler than ever: to keep bringing people together and inspiring volunteerism in everyone we can, while simultaneously serving everyone we can. Student Service Corp is creating a new form of accessible and fun community service, something that both youth and adults can rally behind as we begin to positively impact people across the United States. A school club gone wrong is now a national nonprofit: and we’re just getting started.