FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Christina Cano, Christina.Cano@cv.ca.gov, (279) 224-2907

State Commits $5 Million to Support California Men’s Service Challenge Calling on 10,000 Men to Serve and Lead in Orange County and State

What you need to know: State announces $5 million to support the California Men’s Service Challenge launching today in Orange County. The Challenge inspires service, leadership and community engagement among male Californians. California Volunteers, Office of the Governor is calling on 10,000 young men to step up as mentors, coaches and tutors and invites partners across the state to join in this movement.

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Today, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday with Big Brothers Big Sisters of California and local leaders announced a $5 million state investment in the California Men’s Service Challenge, calling on young men and boys to step up and serve their communities as mentors, coaches and tutors through the California Service Corps and volunteer and service opportunities with partner organizations.

The California Men’s Service Challenge builds on Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent executive order responding to rising suicide rates, disconnection and declining college attendance among young men and boys to address the mental health crisis while creating new pathways to purpose, leadership and belonging.

“California is committed to the long-term success pathways for young boys and men. This investment in our communities will contribute to uplifting the next generation of leaders,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Through this effort, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor is partnering with leaders already doing the work including Improve Your Tomorrow, Big Brothers Big Sisters, MENTOR California, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, the Giants Community Fund and the American Institute for Boys and Men.

California Men’s Service Challenge participants will engage young men directly, helping them build connections to education, careers and community. The effort advances Governor Newsom’s broader commitment to create more pathways for youth success. By combining service with mentorship and skill development, the initiative provides a sustainable model to ensure young men feel valued, supported and equipped to thrive.

The state’s $5 million investment will create more new paid service opportunities over the next two years. These will be combined with thousands of volunteer opportunities and existing paid California Service Corps positions to offer near-peer mentorship by pairing young people with mentors close in age or life stage. The goal is to build trust and relatability and to strengthen organizational capacity to engage more young men in service and provide education awards to encourage participation. For more information on grant funding, go to www.CaliforniaVolunteers.ca.gov/2025-california-mens-service-challenge.

“Across California, young men face disconnection and uncertainty, yet they hold immense talent and leadership potential,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “Through service, we can help them find purpose, build careers and make a real difference. We’re calling on 10,000 men to lead and on organizations to join us as an investment in the next generation of mentors and coaches.”

The California Men’s Service Challenge builds on the California Service Corps, the largest service force in the nation, which empowers Californians to tackle the state’s toughest challenges while building skills for the future. Together with local partners, schools and community organizations, this new effort will ensure more young men see themselves as leaders with the power to create lasting change.

Join the California Men’s Service Challenge.

RELATED FOOTAGE:

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH: GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. Christina Cano, Christina.Cano@cv.ca.gov, (279) 224-2907

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom:
“Our boys are growing up in a time when too many feel disconnected and unseen. Women and men may face different challenges, but we share a responsibility to lift up the next generation and that work will take all of us. The California Volunteers Men’s Service Challenge calls on 10,000 young men to step forward as mentors and coaches, offering the care and connection that can combat isolation and build belonging. In doing this work, we embody the very best of California, lifting up the next generation and reshaping our culture for the better.”

Sloane Keane, CA Association Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters and California Volunteers Commissioner:
“At a time when so many young men face disconnection, dwindling opportunity and unmet needs, Big Brothers Big Sisters is ready to answer the call — together with our community. We need more men to step forward as mentors, so every young man has the consistent support he deserves. As mentors, as role models and as a community, we can harness the power of mentoring and social connection to drive real, lasting change.”

Senator Tom Umberg:
“As a retired Colonel and public servant, I know how important guidance and support can be in a young person’s life. I encourage young men across California to step up as mentors, coaches and role models. Whether it’s one hour a week or an entire year, your leadership today can open doors and shape the next generation of Californians.”

Assemblymember Avelino Valencia:
“Mentors are unsung heroes in our communities, pushing young individuals to achieve purpose, reach goals, make positive decisions and much more. I know this to be true because of the lasting impact my mentors and coaches have had on me. They helped me develop the skills and confidence that now guide my work in public service. That is why I am excited that the California Men’s Service Challenge is coming to Orange County. It is an opportunity for men in our community to step up for young people who are struggling and help them thrive and find a path to fulfillment and success. I encourage all men across Orange County to get involved, your time and support can change someone’s life.”

California Volunteers Commissioner and Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento:
“Here in Orange County, we’ve long prioritized community engagement and youth development, and this initiative is a natural extension of that commitment. The dedication of Big Brothers Big Sisters, alongside California Volunteers, reflects our shared belief in the importance of creating tangible change in the lives of young people, not only across the state, but here locally.”

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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor 
California Volunteers, under GO-Serve, empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.