For Immediate Release
April 1, 2022
Contact: Sontaya Rose, City of Fresno, Director of Communications; (559) 903-7026
One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program
FRESNO, CA – Mayor Jerry Dyer is pleased to announce the creation of the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program. Thanks to a $7.4 M grant from California Volunteers and the State of California, the City will be able to hire youth ages 16-30 years old, pay them a livable wage, provide training and wrap-around services.
This program will serve those who are underserved and have difficulty finding employment.
“One Fresno cannot be realized until every Fresnan irrespective of age and any social barrier has an opportunity to thrive in our City. I was delighted to work with the Big 13 City Mayor’s and our Governor to secure $7.4 million dollars to launch our One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps program. This program will provide countless training and livable wage career path opportunities to our most vulnerable young people ages 16 -30 in City jobs,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer.
The program will provide job training, case management, and mentorship to our most vulnerable youth which will ultimately change the path of our future workforce.
“The #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps is a win for our young people, the City of Fresno and the state of California,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “California is investing in underserved youth and bringing people together in service to uplift our communities.”
An array of entry-level and career paths have been identified in various City departments. These pathways will provide both hands-on and technical training to equip each fellow with experience and know-how to qualify for future permanent employment.
The City of Fresno believes that to enact positive change in someone’s life, you must provide them an opportunity and encouragement to succeed and that is what we are hoping to do with this program.
“As a person who has gone from being homeless to becoming a homeowner, I personally know the value of the Administration’s commitment to inclusive economic development which, when realized, leads to economic mobility. I am delighted that this program will specifically cover costs to remove barriers to employment and will give options for gainful career advancement among our City’s most marginalized,” said Deputy Mayor Matthew Grundy.
The City has partnered with Career Nexus, a non-profit organization working to help people find internships/jobs. The youth are able to apply for the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program through them.
“The OneFresno Youth Jobs Corps initiative is a unique opportunity for our young adults in Fresno to gain work experience at the City of Fresno, one of the valley’s largest employers. It will create a significant pipeline into entry-level positions for our neighborhood youth who are looking for a way to break through the barriers into the workforce,” said Kurt Madden, CEO of Career Nexus.
Those who are qualified can apply online at www.careernexus.org.
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Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. #CaliforniansForAll is a California Volunteers service initiative launched in response to COVID-19 to establish a volunteer corps to support the state’s response to emergencies and disasters.