California Chief Service Officer Fryday, Riverside Mayor Lock Dawson Highlight Governor’s Youth Jobs Corps Budget Proposal, Kick Off Recruitment for Riverside Youth Jobs

#CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps provides underserved young people with meaningful employment opportunities in Riverside 

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Today, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday and Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson highlighted Governor Gavin Newsom’s youth jobs proposal in the 2023-24 FY budget and kicked off recruitment for the Riverside #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps.

Durning the event, Chief Service Officer Fryday and Mayor Lock Dawson worked side-by-side with dozens of Riverside Youth Jobs Corps members at the Lighthouse of Hope Foundation food pantry to package and distribute food for those in need.

“Governor Gavin Newsom is investing in our youth in unprecedented ways,” said Chief Service Officer Fryday. “This program will allow underserved youth to find employment, gain valuable job skills and contribute to their communities. Youth Jobs Corps is a win for our young people, the City of Riverside and the State of California.”

In Riverside, 240 Youth Jobs Corps members will gain work experience and build job skills in positions with the city focusing on food insecurity, climate action and Covid recovery. The Riverside program is part of a $4.4 million grant through California Volunteers, Office of the Governor to create a youth employment and development program. The Governor has proposed $78.1 million for ongoing statewide funding for the Youth Jobs Corps program.

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday with Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and Riverside #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps members highlight recruitment for the program which provides meaningful employment opportunities to young people.

#CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps service members in Riverside distribute food to those in need at the Lighthouse of Hope Foundation Food Pantry.

“I’m honored to work with Chief Service Officer Fryday to help people understand the benefits of this important program. Together we can provide much-needed services to our under-served communities and help our young people start their career journeys,” said Riverside Mayor Patricia Dawson. Youth Jobs Corps is a partnership between the state and local governments to help underserved youth and young adults, ages 16-30, find employment. As part of this service and career development program, young people are provided with wrap-around services such as job coaching and training while earning wages. Administered by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, Youth Jobs Corps is designed to help youth who are unemployed, not in school, from low-income families, have a history of justice involvement or are transitioning from foster care. Youth Jobs Corps members help cities and communities bolster their ability to address food insecurity, climate change and COVID-19 recovery.    “I am honored to be a part of Youth Jobs Corps, a program furthering the empowerment and development of young individuals in our community,” said Sol Garay, Youth Jobs Corps Member. “Working in the Mayor’s Office has given me invaluable experience in administrative work, hands-on project experience, and a chance to connect with local citizens through public events. I now feel more confident about my career path.” Other cities participating in the Youth Jobs Corps program include Oakland, Richmond, San Francisco, San Jose, Bakersfield, Fresno, Sacramento, Stockton, Anaheim, La Puente, Long Beach, Maywood, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Santa Monica, South Gate, San Bernardino and Big Bear Lake. Participating counties include Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma, Nevada, Monterey, Merced and Stanislaus counties. Learn more about #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps at CAYouthJobsCorps.com. LIVESTREAM: YouTube Livestream B-ROLL FOOTAGE: Youth Jobs Corps

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson: “I am honored to support the #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps, an initiative that empowers our youth and strengthens our communities. By providing underserved young individuals with meaningful employment opportunities, we are fostering their growth, equipping them with essential skills, and empowering them to make a positive impact that will resonate for years to come.” Senate District 31 Senator Richard D. Roth: “In founding the Peace Corps, President John F. Kennedy said, ‘For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps-will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace.’ Based on those principles California Volunteers and their #CaliforniansForAll Jobs Corps enlightens and empowers young people with job opportunities and enrich communities.” Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes: “We are so proud of the ongoing work of the #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps members in our region. Through the Youth Jobs Corps, California Volunteers is engaging our youth in paid public service opportunities, providing them with valuable job skills and training, all while supporting critical initiatives to help address food insecurity, climate action, and pandemic recovery. Investing in our youth is essential to a brighter and more sustainable future and I am thrilled that our communities in Riverside and the Inland Empire are reaping the benefits of this life-changing program. We in the legislature look forward to our continued partnership to further our shared goal to uplift all Californians.”

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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 young Californians to engage in public service.

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