Sacramento seeks recruits for largest service force in the nation
Sacramento (May 28, 2024) – The City of Sacramento has been awarded $2.8 million by the state to continue the #CaliforniansForAll Youth Job Corps program, which aims to provide paid experience for underserved young people.
The City expects to serve about 250 young people ages 16-30 in the coming year, placing them in paid city jobs or with community organizations working for the good of the community, public health, and the planet.
The #CaliforniansForAll Youth Job Corps, launched by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022, focuses on increasing youth employment, developing career pathways, and addressing key areas such as climate action, food insecurity, and COVID-19 recovery.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our youth,” said Sacramento Mayor Darell Steinberg. “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.”
The Youth Job Corps is one branch of a larger job corps — akin to a California Peace Corps — created by the Newsom Administration. In a press conference on May 23, Mayor Steinberg joined California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday and UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May to highlight the upcoming recruitment of more than 1,000 Service Corps service members in the Sacramento region.
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.
“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 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.”
Since receiving its first grant from the state in June 2022, the City of Sacramento has contracted with 17 community-based organizations, training and employing 167 young people who have collectively worked over 37,000 hours. They have learned how to install home energy efficiency retrofits, grow food on urban farms, care for oak trees, and conserve water — among other skills.
In addition to paid employment, the program includes wraparound services such as transportation, soft skills training, and childcare, ensuring comprehensive support for participants.
"Continuing to invest in Sacramento’s workforce system is critical for the region’s economic growth," said Kevin Daniel, the City’s workforce development project manager. “The new funds will help our youth gain valuable experience and skills that will benefit them long-term.”
The City will be requesting organizations to apply for the new funding this summer.
The City of Sacramento’s workforce development initiatives align with its goal of promoting inclusive economic growth, improving neighborhood health, and supporting recovery efforts beyond the pandemic. Those interested in signing up for the City of Sacramento’s Californians for all internship program can sign up here.
