FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2025 

MEDIA CONTACT: Karie Portillo, Karie.Portillo@cv.ca.gov, (916) 584-1705

San Diego Is Calling: From Veterans to Visionaries — Become a First Responder, Teacher and Leader through Service

What you need to know: While DOGE is attempting to dismantle AmeriCorps programs, California is recruiting 10,000 paid California Service Corps members. These service members work in local communities throughout the state teaching children to read, supporting seniors and helping families recover after disasters to make communities stronger.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Today, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced California is seeking 10,000 people to join the California Service Corps. Members gain meaningful work experience while helping their communities and earning money.

The recruitment comes on the heels of Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement yesterday that the state plans to sue the Trump Administration after DOGE’s recent actions to dismantle AmeriCorps — one of the four California Service Corps programs. 

Over the coming year, California Service Corps programs will be over 10,000 strong and serve nearly five million hours. Service members help communities by taking action in areas like urban greening and wildfire resiliency, tutoring and mentoring students to help them succeed, supporting communities impacted by disasters, working to end hunger and connecting vulnerable 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.”

Over the coming months in the San Diego region, over 600 service positions with nearly 200 host organizations, including nonprofits, public agencies and educational institutions, will be filled. Service members will address critical community needs, including urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery and wildfire resiliency.

They’ll gain hands-on experience, build new skills, earn money and receive benefits to support their personal and professional growth while giving back to their community. California Service Corps is also actively recruiting military veterans and spouses, recognizing their skills, leadership and ongoing commitment to public service.

“These are California’s future leaders and we need their passion, energy and enthusiasm to address our greatest challenges,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “There are no better examples of what they’re capable of than how they immediately mobilized to support disaster recovery efforts.”

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, mitigating fire risk and shaping the future of our workforce.

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.

“California Service Corps is a powerful example of what public service is all about — people stepping up to meet challenges, support their communities and make a real difference,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “I’m proud to partner with the state to help connect more Californians to this meaningful opportunity, and I encourage anyone looking to serve, grow and give back to consider joining.”

Those interested in finding a paid service opportunity can learn more about the benefits and impact of service by watching this virtual workshop.

Learn more and join at CAServiceCorps.com.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH with GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. Contact Karie Portillo, Karie.Portillo@cv.ca.gov, (916) 584-1705.

Related footage and interviews:

• B-roll: California Service Corpsopens in a new window
• English Interviews: Go-Serve Director Josh Fryday and CSC memberopens in a new window
• Spanish Interviews: Go-Serve Director Josh Fryday and CSC member

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

Chris Ward, Assemblymember:
“There’s nothing more meaningful than giving back to our community. The California Service Corps really shows what’s possible when people come together to support one another and step up when it matters most.”

Joshua Garcia, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Firefighter and Youth Service Corps alum:
“This position helped me out drastically, not only with my career but also with paying school payments. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Cadet Program gave me a strong foundation and the support I needed to pursue my dream of becoming a firefighter. It opened doors and allowed me to serve the community that raised me. Programs like this don’t just change careers, they change lives.”

Michelle Barriga, College Corps fellow:
“College Corps has provided me the opportunity to flourish as a changemaker, leader and educator. Working in the classroom gave me the chance to support students while learning alongside them, helping me realize my passion for advancing education equity. These opportunities for growth are made possible by a supportive community and a mission rooted in equity and service.”

Adrián D’Mirez, California Climate Action Corps fellow:
“California Climate Action Corps is a transformative program. After two years as a dedicated member, I can confidently say it has helped me grow as a gay Latino leader to serve my community with pride and build a greener, healthier future for our people. We all have a role to play in building a more sustainable world and this program offers a powerful avenue to create change where it’s needed most.”

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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.