On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement, or GO-Serve, Director Josh Fryday 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.

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 environmental actions, 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 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.”

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, the LA fire recovery and the future of our workforce.

“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 is no better example of what they’re capable of than how they immediately mobilized to support the LA fire recovery efforts.”

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 Disaster AmeriCorps members offer a skilled and dependable volunteer workforce, providing essential support to communities across the state impacted by disasters,” said Matthew Martinez, AmeriCorps Program manager for the American Red Cross. “These committed individuals play vital roles during disaster response efforts, ensuring that those affected have the resources and assistance necessary to recover and rebuild.”

“In California, we’re all carrying the trauma of fires through our daily lives. It’s part of the reason why I joined the California Climate Action Corps, or CCAC — to work on wildfire resilience and land management,” said Emily Lacy, California Climate Action Corps fellow. “CCAC has allowed me to build an authentic life of service and stewardship, becoming a certified Prescribed Fire Crew Member and dedicating myself to protecting California’s natural resources and our shared ecological heritage.”

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.