FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Cassandra Gonzalez-Kester, (279) 220-0688
Cassandra.Kester@californiavolunteers.ca.gov

Despite Attempts to Dismantle AmeriCorps, California Continues to Recruit Service Members

What you need to know: As California files a lawsuit today against the Trump administration for dismantling AmeriCorps, California continues to recruit for thousands of opportunities through the California Service Corps.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Today, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday joined Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and others to announce California’s call for people to join the California Service Corps. Members will earn money, gain valuable work experience and make a difference in their communities.

Service members help communities with working to end hunger, wildfire resiliency, tutoring and mentoring students to help them succeed, supporting communities impacted by disasters, urban greening and connecting vulnerable people to vital resources and services.

“Service sits at the very core of who we are as Americans. California is suing the Trump administration to defend thousands of hardworking service members and the communities they serve,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “These actions by President Trump and Elon Musk not only threaten our funding — they vandalize our values. We’re going to fight to stop them.”

In the Inland Region, more than 700 paid service positions will be filled this year across over 200 host organizations, including nonprofits, public agencies and educational institutions. Service members will address critical community needs such as urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery and wildfire resiliency. In return, they’ll gain hands-on experience, build valuable skills, earn money and receive benefits that support both personal and professional growth, while making a real difference and giving back to their community.

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 addressing post-pandemic academic recovery, rebuilding from the LA fires and planning for the future of the state’s workforce.

“DOGE isn’t just cutting jobs — they’re attacking the very people who keep California strong,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “They’re coming after the service members who responded to the LA fires, the tutors helping our kids and the young leaders caring for our seniors. It’s outrageous, it’s illegal and we won’t back down. In California, we’re not just defending service — we’re strengthening it. California is doubling down, and we trust the courts will strike this down and uphold the values we fight for every day.”

California Service Corps members gain skills and experience while connecting with others and making a positive difference. Additionally, service experiences foster a positive sense of connection and belonging, an answer to the loneliness crisis — as defined by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory.

“The City of Riverside has seen the real impact of California Service Corps programs,” said Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. “From Youth Service Corps to College Corps, these investments are building career pathways, strengthening our workforce and making a lasting difference — and we’re proud to partner with the state to expand these opportunities for our residents.”

Those interested in finding a paid service opportunity can learn more by watching this virtual recruitment event.

Learn more and join at CAServiceCorps.com.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH with GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. Contact Cassandra Gonzalez-Kester, Cassandra.Kester@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, (279) 220-0688.

Related footage and interviews:

• B-roll: California Service Corps
• B-roll: Feeding America
• DOGE Actions Interview: GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday
• English Interviews: GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday and service members
• Spanish Interviews: GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday and service members

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

State Senator Sabrina Cervantes:
“Service that addresses critical issues, such as climate change and food insecurity, is a powerful endeavor — one that enriches those who serve and contributes to the continued success of California. The California Service Corps consists of transformational programs that offer paid service opportunities, empowering people to take on this important work. I salute California Volunteers’ efforts to recruit new members, with an emphasis on engaging folks from our local communities.”

State Senator Eloise-Gomez Reyes:
“The Inland Empire is full of passionate individuals ready to lead and serve. California Service Corps programs open pathways to meaningful careers while strengthening our communities, building skills and preparing our future workforce. I’m proud to support this initiative that strengthens our region.”

Assemblymember Robert Garcia:
“I’ve spent much of my life in education and know how powerful it is when young people are given the chance to learn through doing. The California Service Corps gives folks the space to grow and to see firsthand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. We need more pathways where service builds skills, character and connection to their community. Thank you to the California Service Corps and all those leading recruitment here in the Inland Empire.”

Carolyn Fajardo, Chief Executive Officer, Feeding America – Riverside | San Bernardino:
“The California Service Corps has been a transformative force in the fight against hunger in the Inland Empire. Through programs like the Youth Service Corps and #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, we’ve been able to fill critical service gaps and strengthen our capacity across essential functions — from food sourcing and fundraising to program delivery and quality control. These efforts are vital to meeting community needs and advancing our mission.”

Jesse Melgar, Vice Chair, California Volunteers Commission:
“California Service Corps is showing what’s possible when we invest in young people and their drive to make meaningful change. In the Inland Empire and in every corner of the state, our programs are creating pathways to purpose, opportunity and meaningful careers. If you’re ready to make your community better, now’s the time to step up and serve by joining one of our programs.”

Gregory Bradbard, California Volunteers Commissioner:
“As someone who is dedicated each day to uplifting communities in the Inland Empire, I am proud to see California Volunteers programs empowering the next generation of leaders right here in our region. These programs are not just providing vital support, they’re creating lasting change by engaging young people in meaningful service. I’m excited to see how these efforts will continue to strengthen our region and inspire a new wave of service-minded leaders.”

Quetzaly Salinas, #CaliforniansForAll College Corps fellow, Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino:
“Service costs nothing, but its impact is powerful. Whether it’s cleaning up a neighborhood or sharing a meal, every act makes a difference. As a College Corps fellow working to fight food insecurity, I’ve learned that you don’t realize how much your community needs you until you take action. It only takes one person stepping up to inspire others. Service is bigger than yourself; for me, it’s about giving back to the community that supported me and lifting others up.”

Gregory Santana Huerta, Youth Service Corps member, City of Riverside Office of the Mayor:
“Serving as a Youth Service Corps member in Mayor Lock Dawson’s office has been a transformative experience. I’ve strengthened my leadership skills, expanded my knowledge of public service and reignited my passion for civic engagement. As the child of immigrant parents, it’s meaningful to serve my community and help build a stronger future. I’m committed to carrying this work forward and continuing to create positive change wherever I go.”

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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor 
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.