News Release header English

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT
Christina Cano, Christina.Cano@CaliforniaVolunteers.ca.gov, 279-224-2907

California Deploys Nation’s Largest Service Force to Connect and Unite Californians

What you need to know: In a time of political division, loneliness and isolation, California shows a new way forward — deploying 10,000 California Service Corps members, the largest service force in the nation.


CA Service Corps progam logos

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Volunteers, Office of the Governor celebrates the start of an ambitious new service year for California Service Corps, which includes #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, Youth Service Corps, California Climate Action Corps and AmeriCorps California. With a force of 10,000 service members, California is leading the way in national service as members are expected to provide over five million service hours in 2025.

“As we launch this new service year with the nation’s largest service corps, we reaffirm that service to others is the highest form of civic duty,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “These paid opportunities embody the best of California’s values — a commitment to each other, mutual understanding, and the belief that when we lift others, we all rise together.”

Over the last year, more than 38,000 Californians applied for a chance to earn money while serving their communities. In the coming year, California Service Corps programs will be over 10,000 members strong and will help communities by:

California Service Corps members take pledge to serve their communities.

“Service members have stepped up to bridge divides and help their communities by serving in the California Service Corps,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “These members are the state’s future leaders and we need their energy and enthusiasm to address our greatest challenges.”

The launch of a new service year highlights California Volunteers, Office of the Governor’s commitment and momentum to scale up its programs which are made possible by the leadership and budget investments of Governor Newsom and the state legislature.

California Service Corps members from #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, Youth Service Corps, California Climate Action Corps and AmeriCorps California.

California Service Corps members gain skills and experience while making new friends and effecting positive change in their communities. Members receive living stipends and many can receive up to $10,000 toward higher education after completing their service.

“Programs like the Youth Service Corps give our young people important job experience, particularly those who otherwise may not have such opportunities,” said Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. “And Riverside benefits from their incredible talents while we grow the next generation of public servants.”

“The California State University is thrilled to kick off another year of service with the California Service Corps,” said California State University Chancellor Mildred García. “Through vital programs like #CaliforniansForAll College Corps and California Climate Action Corps, the CSU’s diverse and talented students will continue to have meaningful opportunities to strengthen their job-ready skills while making a positive impact in their communities that will span generations.”

“Hundreds of California Climate Action Corps fellows are taking on big challenges by planting trees, composting food waste, feeding hungry Californians and protecting rural communities from wildfires,” said California Climate Action Corps fellow Robbie Cordova. “I’m thrilled to be returning for my final term of service and eager to continue this transformational project of fighting climate change to make a difference in my community.”

“California Volunteers’ AmeriCorps programs like Reading Corps and Math Corps drive positive change in the state’s most underserved communities,” said Audrey Borland, Executive Director of California Reading Corps and Math Corps. “Together, we focus on areas that need it most, with 96% of the students served by these programs coming from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.”

California Volunteers is currently accepting applications and interest forms. Learn more at CAServiceCorps.com.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH: California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. Contact Christina Cano, Christina.Cano@CaliforniaVolunteers.ca.gov, 279-224-2907

B-roll of Pledge Ceremonies: California Volunteers, Office of the Governor: California Service Corps Pledge Ceremonies on Vimeo

B-Roll: California Volunteers, Office of the Governor Programs In-Action

 


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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor 
Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, 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.