The California Service Corps is seeking 10,000 volunteers to work, helping their communities face their most urgent challenges such as responding to disasters, food insecurity, and tutoring students.

In exchange for working on the front lines of service, when California needs them most, they receive compensation.

“The California Service Corps is has become a powerful force for good. We have built a statewide corps of Californians who strengthen their communities while gaining experience, skills, connection, and purpose,” said Josh Fryday, director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Engagement (GO-Serve). “Today, we continue to call on a new generation of Californians to lead, solve problems, and launch their careers through service in education, food banks, and more,” he added. He specified that these programs are open to college students and those not currently in school, with full-time and part-time options. This year’s recruitment efforts highlight the California Men’s Service Challenge, a new initiative that encourages and assists men to get involved and serve their communities through the California Service Corps and volunteer and service opportunities with partner organizations. “We especially want to invite more diverse young people to find purpose by helping their communities, and to earn money and experience,” said Friday. The California Service Corps is the nation’s largest service force, comprised of four paid service programs. Noelia Vega, a student at Rio Hondo College, said that for the past two years she has been a College Corps scholarship recipient, earning money while helping the community. “During my first year, I started serving at a high school and worked as a student tutor. That has shown me how important it is for students to have free support, and it motivates me to know that I’m helping more young people reach their full potential.”She said that one of the moments she is most proud of is when a student learns to do an assignment. “It’s very gratifying to realize that they finally understood the topic. I’ve also observed that many academic challenges are related to emotional challenges, which has strengthened my desire to become a therapist, especially in a school setting.” She indicated that through her work with College Corps she has developed skills such as organization and time management. “They have prepared me to continue my education.”

Noelia says she learned about the program through a counselor during her freshman year of college.

“I told him I was interested in doing community service, and he asked if I had heard of the College Corps program. He explained the opportunities it offers for personal growth. I applied, and I've learned many ways to help solve problems in the community.”

Cassandra Gonzalez, a spokesperson for California Volunteers, said they will be recruiting year-round for all programs, with an average service period of 12 months.

“We are recruiting for 10,000 positions across the four programs we manage,” she said.

She explained that each program has its own activities and projects.

In total, there are 10,456 open positions, of which 4,100 are for College Service Corps, 4,300 for Youth Service Corps, which helps distribute food to families in need, and 400 for Climate Action Corps; 1,500 in American Corps, which are the volunteers focused on disaster relief in California.

Gonzalez said all the jobs are paid, an aid that can be used for education.

“Among the four programs, there are opportunities for all Californians, not just college students, but also high school students.”

She explained that applying is easy, but it is competitive because there is a lot of demand.

“There are opportunities all over the state; compensation and schedules depend on the program.”

Noelia said she receives $700 a month for 20 hours of work every two weeks; and the work runs from September to May in the College Corps program.

“They get paid $10,000 for 450 hours,” Gonzalez detailed; and added that there is no age limit to apply for an opportunity in the various programs.

Together, the California Service Corps is a larger force than the Peace Corps and is frequently mobilized when Californians need support.

Members of the California Service Corps gain skills and experience while connecting with others and making a positive impact.

Learn more at CAServiceCorps.com.

Discover the food bank where for $50 you can take home a full cart

Californians for All College Corps: a transformative experience for college students