While the federal government is slashing service programs for young people, California is doing the opposite, and they’re looking for 10,000 of you to help out. Governor Gavin Newsom just launched the 2026 California Service Corps recruitment campaign, and honestly, it’s kind of a big deal. We’re talking about the largest state service program in the entire country, bigger than even the Peace Corps.

Here’s what makes this worth your attention: you get paid. Service Corps members earn money for college and careers while gaining hands-on experience and building skills that actually matter in the job market. Members spend their time tutoring and mentoring K-12 students, responding to disasters, working at food banks, planting trees, protecting the environment, and connecting vulnerable Californians to critical resources and services. Last year alone, members served more than 6 million hours and planted over 40,000 trees across the state.

This year, there’s a special emphasis on getting young men involved through the new California Men’s Service Challenge. Why the focus? Young men are increasingly disconnected from school, work, and relationships. Nearly one in four men under 30 have no close friends, that’s a five-fold increase since 1990. This isolation hits even harder for young Black men. Without these connections, people face higher risks of poor mental health, poverty, and other serious issues.

The numbers back this up. Labor force participation among men without college degrees is at historic lows, with about one in nine men aged 25-54 neither working nor looking for work. Meanwhile, college enrollment for men has dropped significantly over the past decade. The California Service Corps is positioning itself as a solution to rebuild community bonds while creating real career pathways.

You’ve got options depending on where your interests lie. The Californians For All College Corps is perfect if you’re a college student, earn up to $10,000 for 450 hours of service. The California Climate Action Corps lets you tackle climate change while earning money toward your education. The Youth Service Corps connects you with community organizations and local governments for local public service work. And AmeriCorps California, the nation’s largest state AmeriCorps program, has over 5,000 members currently serving at nonprofits, schools, and community centers across the state.

The impact is real. During the federal shutdown, over 100 Service Corps members stepped in to support food banks when SNAP benefits got delayed. When the LA wildfires hit, the program deployed 320 members for disaster response and recovery efforts. These aren’t just feel-good stories, they’re actual, tangible ways young Californians are solving problems in their own communities.

If you’re interested, there’s a virtual workshop on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. where you can learn more about the benefits and opportunities. Head to caservicecorps.com to find out more and register.