California Seeks Sacramento Recruits for Largest Service Force in Nation

California is now recruiting over 1,000 paid California Service Corps Members in the Sacramento region to help their communities while tackling the state’s most pressing issues, gaining economic opportunities and shaping the future of the region’s workforce.

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May announced recruitment for over 1,000 service members in the Sacramento region to join the California Service Corps. Members gain meaningful work experience while helping their communities and earning money.

“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.”

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.

Story photo 2 - California Seeks Sacramento Recruits for Largest Service Force in Nation

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May and California Service Corps Members unite to announce the recruitment of over 1,000 paid service positions in the Sacramento region.

“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.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for our youth. Through Sacramento’s strategic investments, we’re opening doors to high-demand careers in environmental conservation and the public sector. From urban agriculture and weatherization to the building blocks of public works, we’re empowering individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in fields that used to seem unreachable,” said Sacramento Mayor Darell Steinberg.

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 Jobs 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.

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.

“Joining the California Service Corps is a transformative opportunity for UC Davis students,” said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. “Our students grow in immense ways by serving others, and they create powerful connections with our neighbors in our region. I encourage our students to apply and discover how the Corps can help them solve our shared challenges and become stronger leaders for tomorrow.”

As a continuing third year #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Fellow, I feel that this program is a statement of hope for AB540 college students struggling to pay off college expenses and gain experience in their field of study. I feel motivated to continue to advocate for this program and encourage students to take advantage of this amazing opportunity!” said Wendi Lizola, California Volunteers Commissioner.

Story photo - California Seeks Sacramento Recruits for Largest Service Force in Nation

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday collaborates with California Service Corps Members in Sacramento for a planting service project, showcasing the critical climate action efforts undertaken by service members.

“Across the Sacramento region, our community ethos is rooted in our dedication to uplifting one another,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “Service programs are about harnessing the power of these bonds to build a robust network of support and drive meaningful change at scale. As co-chair of the Congressional National Service Caucus, I have long fought to expand these opportunities and ensure they get the resources that they need. I am proud to see California continue to lead the way and empower more Californians to step forward and serve.”

“The California Service Corps offers a transformative opportunity for individuals to step up and make a difference in our community,” said Congressman Ami Bera. “By joining this unprecedented coalition of change-makers, Californians can gain invaluable skills and experiences while directly impacting the lives of their neighbors. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient California and set a powerful example for the entire nation.”

“This is a great partnership between the California Service Corps and Sacramento, as we look to a more sustainable future for all of California,” said Senator Angelique Ashby.

“I’m excited to see California Volunteers begin recruitment of Service Corps Members in Sacramento,” said Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. “Their focus on addressing climate change and workforce development aligns with our state’s priorities. This program empowers individuals to make a difference in our communities and builds a brighter future for all Californians. Proud to have advocated for the program at the state level and eager to see its impact in Sacramento.”

“As a former nonprofit leader, community service is my life’s passion,” said Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen. “Community service improves the lives of those you help and inspires others to build a more compassionate California. Boundless possibilities can happen when individuals come together for the greater good. If you want to make a real impact, consider applying to the California Service Corps. They are the largest service force in the nation, dedicated to helping communities by connecting people to vital resources and services. Together, we can all make a difference.”

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:
Fanny Klisturic, fanny.klisturic@cv.ca.gov, (279) 224-3179

Link to watch livestream of press conference

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.  