A Volunteer Opportunity for Enthusiastic and Hard-Working Students

The Pasadena City College Foundation sponsors an incredible group of student ambassadors to support Foundation events and staff the PCC Flea Market.  

Here's how you can get involved...

What, exactly, is LANCERS FOR LIFE?

Lancers for Life (Lancers 4 Life) began at PCC in January of 2014, during the Grand Opening of the Center for the Arts Building.  The Foundation looked for student volunteers to help give tours of the building during the event.  Upon the event's close, one student volunteer was quoted as saying, "this was really fun.  I'd totally do it again."

That got things rolling at the PCC Foundation and Lancers For Life was born.  The goal:  engaging current students in Foundation Events to not only help support the staff but involve students in understanding philanthropy in Higher Education.  Lancers for Life get exposed to where their scholarship dollars come from, how the fundraising occurs, and who are the community members who assist in our mission.  

Lancers for Life is a VOLUNTEER organization and students must apply and be selected.  Applications will open in the beginning of summer and selection will be finalized before the September market.  An annual Lancers for Life Cycle runs from the September Flea Market to the August Flea Market in the following year (2025-2026, for example).

Here's how you can get started:

  • The Lancers for Life Application for the 2025-2026 Cycle will open around mid-to-late June.   Check the FAQ's below for this year's timeline.

  • Get familiar with the PCC Flea Market!  Check out the Flea Market website here or visit us on the first Sunday of the month.  Rain or Shine, the market is open from 8am-3pm.

  • You'll have to fill out the General Scholarship Application first, where you'll need to respond to two short answer questions.  After submitting your General Application, look for the "Lancers for Life" apply-to opportunity to complete the supplemental questions there.

  • Pay close attention to your email during the summer months - once you have registered for your JAM (orientation session), we will email you with details on how and when to apply.
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There are SO many reasons...

Leadership Experience
Volunteering Opportunities
Community with Like-Minded Students
Meeting Donors and Foundation Board Members
Learning about non-profit operations
OH - and you get a scholarship, too!

"As a first-year student, joining the Lancers for Life team has helped greatly with transitioning to college and meeting many amazing people! Being a part of this team has encouraged me to become more involved in the community and develop my leadership and communication skills."

--Katherine

Here's our timeline for 2025-2026:

Applications Open - June 30, 2025
Applications Close - July 31, 2025
Review Period - August 1-8, 2025
Notify Finalists for Interviews - August 15, 2025
Interviews - August 27 and 28 
Offers Made - August 29, 2025
Training - September 6, 2025
First Market for the 25.26 Cycle - SEPTEMBER 7th

Click HERE to access the application.

To be selected to Lancers for Life, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled at Pasadena City College OR
  • Be a PCC alumnus and currently enrolled at a four-year college or university
  • Have a 2.00 GPA at Pasadena City College OR have a 2.50 GPA from your high school if you are a first year student
  • Enroll in at least 4 units each semester you are on the team
  • Work all Flea Markets during the cycle of September 25 - August 26 (there is no January market)

While it certainly is advantageous to have had leadership, volunteer, or customer service experience prior to applying to Lancers for Life, it's not required.  We just want to know that you have a positive attitude and outlook about these activities and you have a good understanding about customer service.

  • Why are you interested in joining Lancers for Life?
  • Please tell us about any previous customer service experience you have.
  • Please tell us about your previous leadership and/or volunteer experience.
  • Have you attended a PCC Flea Market?  What were your impressions of the market?

 GREAT QUESTION!  Here are some statements from current and previous members:

"I applied to Lancers for Life because I wanted to get myself involved on campus right from the start and give back to a community that values connection and service. Volunteering at the Flea Market and Foundation events has given me precious opportunities to meet influential members of the community, build meaningful friendships with peers, and truly feel at home at PCC. As a part of this team, I have learned the value of teamwork and collaboration in making a lasting impact."
--Cindy

"It has helped me in small but meaningful ways. It's complicated to explain, but being part of this team has provided me with knowledge about the PCC system and campus that other students don't have. I feel acquainted with a great part of the PCC campus due to my work in the flea markets. I also feel like I have more knowledge about events or processes in PCC due to my communication with other people on the team. Everyone on the Flea Market team comes from different backgrounds in school (majors, social circles, centers, etc), so conversing with them really opens up opportunities and knowledge about everything occurring on campus."
--Maria

"I applied to Lancers for Life because I wanted to continue growing the plant of kindness my family and school experiences had nurtured in me, and to feel more connected on campus. What I enjoy most is the unexpected friendships I have built with people outside of my classes, which have been especially meaningful as someone new to PCC. Being part of this team has given me a sense of belonging, helped me grow through service at flea markets and VIP events, and truly opened my eyes to the beauty of our diverse community."
--Lucy

We're glad you asked - everyone should be fully understanding of the opportunity before you apply.

  • You'll work one Flea Market each month for about 8 hours.  There are three shifts in total between 3:30am and 6pm.
  • During the Flea Market shifts, you'll be on your feet, staffing information booths, talking to customers and vendors, cleaning up the market area and troubleshooting with your teammates.  It's not just busy work - it can get a little dirty. 
  • In addition to the monthly Flea Markets, you'll support Foundation Events once a semester.  These are donor events, fundraisers, "friendraisers," grand-opening events, or speciality scholarship events. 
  • And everyone will work 4-6 hours at supporting the Foundation's annual scholarship ceremony and reception in December.   But don't worry - if you are receiving a scholarship, you'll be able to do your shift that week or earlier that day.  

And we need to be clear - Lancers for Life are volunteers,  not employees.

Lancers for Life is a volunteer opportunity for students, but the Foundation does make it worth your time.  Students will receive a scholarship for $1000 during the cycle, which is paid out in three portions.  Lancers for Life can also volunteer for what we call "Extra Credit," for additional scholarship funds.  And we provide you with your Flea Market apparel (t-shirt and hoodie) plus your unique, one-of-a-kind Lancers for Life polo shirt.  

But, as a member of Lancers for Life, you will benefit beyond the scholarship and swag.  Here are just a few examples of some amazing student connections that led to tremendous opportunities:

  • One Lancer for Life, an architecture major, connected with donors at the annual Scholarship Ceremony and landed a year-long internship as a result.
  • Lancers for Life who write about their experiences in the scholarship application process often receive additional awards of up to $10,000.
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Have Questions?
Contact the Pasadena City College Foundation at x7065 or email pccfoundation@pasadena.edu.