Join the Movement, Orange County! California Volunteers Recruiting for Nation’s Largest Service Force

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor is now recruiting hundreds of paid California Service Corps Members in the Orange County region to help their community while tackling the state’s most pressing issues, gaining economic opportunities and shaping the future of the region’s workforce.

Santa Ana, Calif. – Today, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers Commissioner and Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan, announced the recruitment of hundreds of service members in the Orange County region for the California Service Corps. This program offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain meaningful work experience while making a positive impact in their communities and earning a paycheck.

“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, 10,000 service corps members will devote nearly five million hours to our communities as we work to build a California for all.” 

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers Commissioner and Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan and California Service Corps Members unite to announce the recruitment of paid service positions in the Orange County region.

Over the coming year, California Service Corps programs will be over 10,000 strong and members will serve nearly five million hours. Service members help communities by taking climate action, 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.  

“These are California’s future leaders, and we need their passion, energy and enthusiasm to address our greatest challenges,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “These programs pave pathways for prosperity, propel progress on our most pressing issues, and promote unity to help unravel the crisis of social isolation and division.” 

California Service Corps is administered by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor and consists of four paid service programs: #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, California Climate Action Corps, #CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps and AmeriCorps California. Combined, it is a force larger than the Peace Corps and will be mobilized at a time when California is addressing the climate crisis, post-pandemic academic recovery and shaping the future of the state’s workforce.

“Volunteering is central to transforming our community. As a California Volunteers Commissioner, I am proud to say that in Orange County alone, more than 13,000 individuals have embraced this spirit, said California Volunteers Commissioner Vicente Sarmiento. Together, we have contributed over 414,000 hours of service, which translates to an estimated $12 million in value. This combined effort, supported by the California Volunteers Commission, not only enriches lives but also fosters unity and purpose across the state.”

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday and California Volunteers Commissioner and Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento joined California Service Corps Members for a fireside chat. The conversation highlighted the significant benefits their service programs brought to the Orange County community, emphasizing the positive impact and ongoing support provided by the California Service Corps in the Orange County region.

California Service Corps members gain skills and experience while connecting with others and making a positive difference. Service experiences also foster a positive sense of connection and belonging, an answer to the loneliness crisis – as defined by the U.S. Surgeon General. 

“As Mayor of Irvine, I am thrilled to announce our city’s participation in the California Volunteers Youth Service Corps program,” said Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan.“With the State’s funding of $1.6 million, we have launched our One Irvine Workforce initiative which aims to increase youth employment, develop robust career pathways and bolster local efforts to address critical community concerns. I am especially proud of our inaugural cohort of 13 Summer High School Fellows who have chosen to serve and make a significant impact in our vibrant and diverse community.”

“I’m incredibly proud of California’s youth for adopting the values of service and community and assuming the mission of environmental stewardship and protection,” said Senator Thomas J. Umberg. “The rise of the California Service Corps as a result of the vision of Governor Newsom and Chief Service Officer Fryday to both battle climate change and engage young people in their communities has been prolific and incredible to behold. Our youth are our future. They are assuming that challenge and succeeding in ways we never thought possible.”

“Volunteerism is the heartbeat of our communities, fueling the soul and strength of Orange County and beyond,” said Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva. “It instills a sense of purpose, fosters civic responsibility and builds stronger, more connected communities. California Service Corps members embody the spirit of unity and compassion that defines our great state.”

“Giving back and volunteering are what truly build our communities up and make them thrive,” said Assemblymember Avelino Valencia. “I am so proud to see the California Service Corps program continue to grow in Orange County. These community-oriented efforts are critical and also give our youth opportunities to learn, gain new skills and save money for college.”

“I encourage everyone to join the California Service Corps for this amazing opportunity to help shape and give back to your community,” said Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. “Not only does public service contribute to the greater good, but also it can have profound personal and career benefits through serving others, finding a sense of belonging and discovering a greater purpose. I want to thank Governor Newsom for expanding this program into Santa Ana and all of Orange County.”

“Volunteering is a selfless act that strengthens communities and transforms our society,” said Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken. “The California Service Corps is an incredible way for our young people to get involved in their community and develop career skills that will serve them for years to come.”

“Ensuring true diversity in the largest state service corps in the nation requires intentional engagement with the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) community. The APIA communities actively contribute across various sectors and continuously seek new ways to give back,” said Khydeeja Alam, Executive Director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA). “The CAPIAA is committed to inclusivity and representation of APIA voices in every state program. We are proud to partner in these recruitment efforts, especially in Orange County, which is home to one of the largest APIA communities in the state.”

Those interested in finding a paid service opportunity can learn more and apply at CAServiceCorps.com.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH: California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. Contact California Volunteers: Karie Portillo, Karie.Portillo@cv.ca.gov, (916) 584-1705

Related Footage and interviews:

B-Roll: California Service Corps
Interview: California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday
Interview and b-roll: Chiena Ty, California Climate Action Corps Fellow
Interview and b-roll: Wendy Parmelee, AmeriCorps Alumni
Interview and b-roll: Chris Ashley, Youth Jobs Corps Member
Interview and b-roll: Wendi Lizola, College Corps Fellow
Spanish Interview & b-roll: Wendi Lizola, College Corps Fellow

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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor  
Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, 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.  