From Service to Classroom – Launch Your Career in Education Today

What you need to know: California is recruiting 10,000 paid California Service Corps members to support students, strengthen communities and gain valuable experience through tutoring, mentoring and addressing pandemic learning loss.

San José, Calif. — Today, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday and San José Mayor Matt Mahan announced California seeks 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.”

GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday and San José Mayor Matt Mahan speak to California Service Corps members Ana Esmeralda Ruiz and Selina Salvador Lopez at San José State University.

The California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs:

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 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.

Those interested in finding a paid service opportunity can learn more about the benefits and impact of service at a virtual workshop on March 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. Register here to attend.

Learn more and join at CAServiceCorps.com.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH: GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. Contact Christina Cano, Christina.Cano@cv.ca.gov.

Related footage and interviews:

B-roll: California Service Corps
English Interviews: Go-Serve Director Josh Fryday and CSC member
Spanish Interviews: Go-Serve Director Josh Fryday and CSC member

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

San José Mayor Matt Mahan:
“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.”

Cynthia Teniente-Matson, San José State University President:
“At San José State, we nurture leaders to thrive and transform our community, Silicon Valley and the world. The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is a transformative initiative that reduces college debt and empowers our students to make a meaningful difference. Since 2022, 180 SJSU fellows have dedicated 80,000 hours of service — most of that time spent supporting over 650 children in after-school programs at Title 1 schools. Their dedication exemplifies the power of education, service and civic engagement coming together to create lasting change and serve our mission.”

California State Senator Dave Cortese:
“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.”

Mayra Lopez, College Corps fellow:
“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. I am grateful to have had this opportunity to connect and build with future changemakers.”

Marianna Ponce, Youth Service Corps member:
“After graduating from college, I felt uncertain about my future when returning home. However, the Youth Service Corps program provided me with opportunities I never anticipated and introduced me to pathways I had not previously considered.”

Ashton Nguyen, AmeriCorps member:
“Working in this role has profoundly shaped my path, giving me a sense of purpose and fulfillment I had yet to find. It has reinforced my commitment to working with youth, not just as a profession but as a lifelong mission to uplift and empower. I hope to continue making an impact in the field, constantly challenging myself to grow — both as an educator and as an individual, knowing that one cannot exist without the other.”

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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.

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