San Diego seeks first responders, teachers and leaders through Service

manilateam May 1, 2025

SAN DIEGO, California — Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced California is seeking 10,000 people to join the California Service Corps. Members gain meaningful work experience while helping their communities and earning money.

The recruitment comes on the heels of Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that the state plans to sue the Trump Administration after DOGE’s recent actions to dismantle AmeriCorps — one of the four California Service Corps programs.

Over the coming year, California Service Corps programs will be over 10,000 strong and serve nearly five million hours. Service members help communities by taking action in areas like urban greening and wildfire resiliency, 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.

“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, our service members will provide critical support — whether responding to disasters like the LA fires or tackling critical issues like loneliness — as we work to build a California for all.”Go-Serve Director Josh Fryday and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announce recruitment for 10,000 paid service positions with Fire Chief Robert Logan and California Service Corps members at Balboa Park.Over the coming months in the San Diego region, over 600 service positions with nearly 200 host organizations, including nonprofits, public agencies and educational institutions, will be filled. Service members will address critical community needs, including urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery and wildfire resiliency.

They’ll gain hands-on experience, build new skills, earn money and receive benefits to support their personal and professional growth while giving back to their community. California Service Corps is also actively recruiting military veterans and spouses, recognizing their skills, leadership and ongoing commitment to public service.

“These are California’s future leaders and we need their passion, energy and enthusiasm to address our greatest challenges,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “There are no better examples of what they’re capable of than how they immediately mobilized to support disaster recovery efforts.”

The California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs:#CaliforniansForAll College Corps California Climate Action Corps Youth Service Corps AmeriCorps CaliforniaCombined, it is a force larger than the Peace Corps and will be mobilized at a time when California is addressing post-pandemic academic recovery, mitigating fire risk and shaping the future of our workforce.

California Service Corps members gain skills and experience while connecting with others and making a positive difference. Additionally, service experiences foster a positive sense of connection and belonging, an answer to the loneliness crisis — as defined by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory.

“California Service Corps is a powerful example of what public service is all about — people stepping up to meet challenges, support their communities and make a real difference,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “I’m proud to partner with the state to help connect more Californians to this meaningful opportunity, and I encourage anyone looking to serve, grow and give back to consider joining.”