Tackling today’s toughest challenges with tomorrow’s leaders
What is Youth Service Corps?
Through Youth Service Corps, young people help their communities and themselves. Members work with local governments and community organizations to provide important public services. As a paid member you get work experience, learn new skills, and explore career options.
What our members are saying
What our members are saying
“I now have a roadmap for achieving my dream of becoming a firefighter—from the education I need to the types of roles that will build my experience. Most importantly, the program showed me that my goals are within reach.” — Alfredo Campos, Marin FIRE Foundry
Become a Member
As part of Youth Service Corps, you will:
- Explore different types of work that help your community.
- Get support that may include counseling and career advice, emergency housing and transportation stipends.
- Earn at least minimum wage and get resume help, job training and certifications.
Am I eligible to apply?
To join Youth Service Corps, you must be 16-30 years old and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- In or transitioning from foster care.
- Formerly or currently justice involved.
- Engaged with the mental health or substance abuse system.
- Low-income.
- Having difficulty finding employment.
- Unemployed and/or out of school.
Where can I learn more?
Youth Service Corps is run directly through partner cities and counties. Click on the links below to learn more about the program in your area and find out how you can apply:
- City of Anaheim
- City of Antioch
- City of Bakersfield
- City of Chula Vista
- City of Fresno
- City of Irvine
- City of La Puente
- City of Long Beach
- City of Los Angeles
- City of Oakland
- City of Rancho Cucamonga
- City of Riverside
- City of Sacramento
- City of San Francisco
- City of San Diego
- City of San Jose
- City of Santa Cruz
- City of South Gate
- City of Stockton
- Marin County
- Mechoopda Band of Chico Rancheria
- Monterey County
- Ramona Band of Cahuilla
- City of Stockton
- Marin County
- Mechoopda Band of Chico Rancheria
- Monterey County
- Ramona Band of Cahuilla
Host a Member
In partnership with local governments and community-based organizations across the state, Youth Service Corps engages young people to help tackle critical issues in priority areas: public service, food insecurity and climate action. Youth are supported with at least minimum wage and essential wrap-around services like case management, résumé preparation, special job training and other benefits to help ensure both their short- and long-term success.
Youth Service Corps has three core goals:
- Increase youth employment by providing foundational skills and work experience that will prepare participants for educational pursuits and/or career employment.
- Develop career pathways for youth who participate in the program to move into gainful employment post-service.
- Enhance local government capacity to address challenges in key focus areas of education, food insecurity, climate, and public service.
The largest 13 cities in California by population receive funding based on population. Other California cities and counties, as well as California Tribal Governments, may apply for competitive funding made available annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to apply for Youth Service Corps?
Participants must be at least 16 and no older than 30 on their first day of service.
How much do I get paid?
While the rate of pay varies by location, Youth Service Corps members earn at least minimum wage.
My organization could benefit from Youth Service Corps members; how do I apply?
The grant process is only open to cities, counties and tribal governments, however awarded municipalities may choose to partner with or subgrant to nonprofits and community-based organizations. If you are interested in having Youth Service Corps members support your non-governmental organization, contact the program in your city or county directly to explore partnership opportunities. Youth Service Corps members may not serve with for-profit entities.
My organization serves youth who meet the eligibility requirements; how can I connect them with Youth Service Corps?
Check the list above to see if there is a Youth Service Corps program in your area – from there you can encourage the youth your organization serves to apply directly or contact the program to discuss formalizing a referral partnership.
If you have questions we haven’t answered, get in touch
You can email us at info@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, just be sure to mention Youth Service Corps in the subject line or body so we know which program you’re asking about. You can call us at (916) 323-7646 if you prefer.
