This past week, the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) announced that California is seeking 10,000 people to join the California Service Corps. Members gain meaningful work experience while helping their communities and earning money.
Over the coming year, California Service Corps programs will be over 10,000 members strong and serve nearly five million hours. Service members help communities by taking environmental actions, tutoring and mentoring students to help them succeed, supporting communities impacted by disasters, working to end hunger and connecting people to vital resources and services.
“As Californians, the spirit of service and giving back is in our DNA — it’s why we have the largest service corps in the nation, bigger than the Peace Corps and a model for other states,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “In the coming year, our service members will provide critical support — whether responding to disasters like the LA fires or tackling critical issues like loneliness — as we work to build a California for all.”
The California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs:
#CaliforniansForAll College Corps
California Climate Action Corps
Youth Service Corps
AmeriCorps California
Combined, it is a force larger than the Peace Corps and will be mobilized at a time when California is investing in the future of its workforce — preparing the next generation of educators to address post-pandemic academic recovery and support students in classrooms across the state.
“These are California’s future educators and leaders, and their passion, energy and commitment are essential to shaping the next generation,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “From supporting students in the classroom to strengthening their communities, they are making a real impact and gaining the experience needed to become the teachers of tomorrow.”
California Service Corps members gain skills and experience while connecting with others and making a positive difference. Additionally, service member experiences foster a positive sense of connection and belonging, which is an answer to the loneliness crisis — as defined by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory.
Learn more and join at CAServiceCorps.com.
“San Joséans show up. Over the last two years, I’ve seen thousands roll up their sleeves on Saturdays to make our city cleaner and safer. We’re grateful to Josh Fryday and California Volunteers for giving our young people a chance to use this spirit of service to lead, serve and get paid while doing it as a corps member,” noted San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
California State Senator Dave Cortese added: “California Service Corps matters more than ever to address the state’s most consequential challenges: climate change, food insecurity, homelessness, mental health and so much more. We need you as volunteers. Get engaged in your community.”
California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.
“The College Corps experience has been truly transformative and has helped reinforce my commitment to serving my community. It is incredible to see how small actions can create lasting change towards a better future,” said Mayra Lopez, College Corps fellow. “I am grateful to have had this opportunity to connect and build with future changemakers.”
