Chief Service Officer Fryday, AmeriCorps CEO Smith Welcome AmeriCorps California Service Members

California Volunteers hosts largest number of AmeriCorps programs in the country, leveraging $128.7 million, with more than 51 partners at over 1,000 locations in communities across the state, including 28 programs dedicated to tutoring students

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday and AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith welcomed AmeriCorps California service members and highlighted their importance in addressing the state’s critical issues including tutoring students to improve pandemic-related education losses in schools.

“AmeriCorps California service members are taking meaningful action to help achieve Governor Gavin Newsom’s vision of a strong and united California for all,” said California Chief Service Officer Fryday. “They have been shaping futures and communities for decades. We need their commitment to service now more than ever as our state faces serious challenges ranging from pandemic recovery to the climate crisis.”

AmeriCorps California service members are instrumental in tutoring and mentoring students to improve education losses in schools caused by Covid. Service members work both remotely and in person in 28 AmeriCorps California programs dedicated to helping students in grades pre-K through high school.

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor administers AmeriCorps California and leverages nearly $128.7 million in public and private funding to support more than 51 AmeriCorps programs operating across California. California hosts the largest number of AmeriCorps programs in the country with members serving at over 1,000 locations at schools, nonprofits, public agencies and community centers across the state.

“California is an innovator when it comes to harnessing the power of service to ignite lasting change. That’s because Californians who serve as AmeriCorps members agree to take action in the face of apathy and seek common ground in the face of conflict,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “I am excited to welcome the newest members of the national service family and look forward to seeing the impact they make in their communities.”

The AmeriCorps California programs provide meaningful paid service opportunities for corps members to work in communities in the areas of climate action, education, food insecurity, disaster response, environmental stewardship and helping community members access resources.

“I’m so grateful to the AmeriCorps California service members for taking on this incredibly rewarding experience,” said First Partner and Honorary Co-Chair of the California Volunteers Commission Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Through their service, they will tangibly impact the lives of Californians, all while gaining unique lived experience, critical career skills, and deep friendships. The AmeriCorps California program is truly a testament to the magic that occurs when we commit to service and join something bigger than ourselves.”

AmeriCorps members serve for 10-12 months, earn a living stipend and can receive an education award of up to $10,000 to help pay for college or pay off student debt.

A variety of AmeriCorps California positions are still available. Learn more by visiting the California Volunteers website.

Livestream Recording Available Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cTu7a95tRI

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Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. #CaliforniansForAll is a California Volunteers service initiative launched in response to COVID-19 to establish a volunteer corps to support the state’s response to emergencies and disasters.