California Volunteers: Join the movement to transform communities through service

April 4, 2024 /

California Volunteers, also known as California Service Corps, is currently looking for California residents interested in joining one of their many programs to help communities by taking climate action, tutoring and mentoring students to help them succeed, supporting regions impacted by disasters, working to end hunger, and connecting vulnerable people to vital resources and services. 

“The punchline is we need your help. We’ve launched these programs that are in the room and have united and empowered Californians to provide economic opportunity and heal our communities,” said Joshua Fryday, the Chief Service Officer of California Volunteers, during a roundtable discussion yesterday. “We are now recruiting over 10,000 paid positions, over a thousand of them here in the Central Valley — and many of them here in Bakersfield.”

The four programs residents can be a part of are:

AmeriCorps California

AmeriCorps California members are adults (18+) from all backgrounds who serve anywhere from two to 12 months in nonprofits, public agencies, and educational institutions. Members will give back to the community by improving students’ educational outcomes, protecting the environment, preparing for and recovering from disasters, and advancing equitable health outcomes. You’ll gain leadership experience and boost your resume while you receive a living allowance, money for college, and other benefits.

Individuals who complete a term of service in an AmeriCorps California program may earn up to $10,000 for college and trade school. The California For All and Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards are offered to individuals who complete a term of service and can be used to pay for a range of educational expenses, like repaying qualified student loans or future tuition payments. You can earn up to two full Education Awards with multiple service terms.

California Climate Action Corps

California Climate Action Corps Fellows are adults (18+) who serve up to 11 months with public agencies, nonprofits, tribal communities, and educational institutions. Designed for emerging climate leaders, this program provides hands-on experience in the climate sector and opportunities to lead projects focused on urban greening, organic waste, edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency. Fellows will earn a living allowance, receive training, earn certifications, and build professional skills while helping tackle our state’s most pressing environmental issues.

#CaliforniansForAll College Corps

#CaliforniansForAll College Corps Fellows are full-time students at participating colleges and universities who serve with nonprofits, K-12 schools, and public agencies for an academic year. Fellows will build new skills, gain confidence, and earn money for school while making a positive difference in the community by tutoring and mentoring, addressing food insecurity, and taking climate action. This program proudly includes eligible AB540 California Dream Act students.

Students who complete 450 hours of service with College Corps will receive the following benefits:

  • Up to $10,000 – which includes a living allowance throughout the service term and an Education Award upon completion;
  • Academic credit (amount and type to be determined by each partner campus); 
  • A real-world job experience and skills to add to their resume;
  • Access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities; 
  • A sense of pride and accomplishment in working toward a common purpose alongside young leaders from across the state.

#CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps

#CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps members are young people (16-30) from underserved communities who get on-the-job experience with public agencies and nonprofits in participating cities and counties. Members will work on projects that support COVID-19 recovery, address food insecurity, and tackle climate issues. 

Additionally, they’ll receive a living wage, essential wrap-around services, and other benefits to help ensure both their short and long-term success while helping the community.

Those interested in applying for any of these programs can visit CAServiceCorps.com to fill out applications and learn more about each program. 

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Victoria Rodgers

Victoria Rodgers is an editor and reporter for Kern Sol News. Born in Bakersfield, CA, she received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Rockford University in Illinois. She can be reached at victoria@southkernsol.org.