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Max Kiehlmeier, Youth Service Corps Alum ’24

Max Kiehlheimer Headshot

Join us in celebrating Max Kiehlmeier, a Youth Service Corps alum who served from 2023 to 2024. He started as an ambassador, was promoted to a team leader, and continues to give back to his community in a new role at the California Autism Center in Fresno. Let’s give Max a round of applause for his achievements and his dedication to serving Californians!

What made you decide to join Youth Service Corps?

When I joined the program, I was kind of aimless. My jobs before were short term customer service positions – not something I wanted to do forever. A friend told me about this internship opportunity with the city and suggested we apply together.

It took a while to hear that I had been accepted into the City of Fresno’s Youth Jobs Corps Program* (where I began as an ambassador, basically the entry level). Once I got in my program, it felt like it was my moment to prove myself.

How has Youth Service Corps impacted your decisions about the future?

I was young – everyone kept saying I had time to figure out my next steps, but I was feeling restless. Changing my professional life changed the rest of my life. It’s also given me a lot of insight into different paths I can take. College wasn’t my plan immediately out of high school, but now it’s something I would consider.

That’s one of the biggest things I’ve gotten out of this – having people I trust guide me and show me the path. My division managers are like family to me. I have all of these people I feel like I can ask for advice or to talk through things when I’m unsure about how I feel. It’s hard to zoom out sometimes, but when you do, it’s insane for me to believe I’ve been lucky enough to get these opportunities to be better.

Max Kiehlmeier quote

What is something you did during your service that makes you feel proud?

One of my proudest moments was when an ambassador I was supervising trusted me enough to pull me aside and let me know he was expecting a child. I went to our wrap-around services coordinator and the division manager and negotiated extra shifts.

Another member was going to file for bankruptcy – I went to our wrap-around services again to help connect him with a pathway.

I enjoyed figuring things out with my colleagues, getting to go the extra mile to help someone else, showing people that it’s not over.

What are you doing now that your service has ended?

My life has changed so much with what the program has given me. I’m at the point now where I focus on the immediate next step – making sure I can maintain my independence.

I recently started a new job as an office assistant at the California Autism Center. It’s my first job that’s 40 hours a week with benefits, my first career job.

Two aspects of the job were really important to me. I was looking for a match in experience (I’m doing administrative work and that meets my current skill set), but what makes it exciting is the service aspect. I’m helping people, and the intention behind office work makes me want to do it.

What advice would you give to a current Youth Service Corps member?

In retrospect, I would recommend engaging with coworkers, managers, and others in the same building. Building strong working relationships is crucial for personal growth and skill development. These connections not only provide support but also create a network where you can seek advice and learn from others. The people I encountered were instrumental in my journey.

Youth Service Corps team

Youth Service Corps members with Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer (center)

➡️  Be like Max and become a Youth Service Corps member! Learn more & apply.

➡️  Access resources available to you as a California Service Corps alum on the Alumni Network website.

*One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps is a grantee of the Youth Service Corps program.