The California Provider Corps is seeking 10,000 volunteers to work helping their communities address their most pressing challenges such as disaster response, food insecurity and student tutoring.
In exchange for working on the front lines of service, when California needs them most, they receive compensation.
“The California Provider Corps has become a powerful force for good. We have built a statewide corps of Californians that strengthen their communities while they gain experience, skills, connection and purpose,” said Josh Fryday, director of the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Abet).
“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 people who are not in school with full- and part-time options.
This year’s recruiting efforts highlight the California Males’ Provider Field, a new initiative that encourages and helps engage and serve communities through the California Provider Corps and volunteer and service opportunities with partner organizations.
“We especially want to invite more diverse youth to find purpose by helping their communities, and earn money and experience,” Friday said.
The California Provider Corps is the largest service force in the country, comprised of four paid service programs:
- #CaliforniansForAll College Corps
- California Climate Action Corps
- Childhood Provider Corps
- AmeriCorps California
Noelia Vega, a student at Rio Hondo College, said that for the past two years she has been a College Corps scholarship recipient, and has been able to receive money while helping the community.
“During my first year, I began serving at a high school and worked as a student tutor. This has shown me how important it is for students to have free support, and it motivates me to know that I am helping more young people reach their full potential.”
He said that one of the moments he is most proud of is when the student learns to do a task.
“It is very gratifying to realize that they finally understood the topic. I have 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.”
He indicated that through his work with College Corps he has developed skills such as organization and time management.
“They have prepared me to continue my education.”
Noelia says she found out about the program from a counselor her first year of school.
“I told him that I was interested in doing community service; and he asked me if I had heard of the College Corps program; it taught me the opportunities it gives you to grow as a person. I applied; and I have learned the many ways to help solve a problem in the community.”
Cassandra González, spokesperson for California Volunteers, said that they will be recruiting for all programs throughout the year, and on average there are 12 months of service.
“We are recruiting 10,000 positions for the four programs we manage,” he said.
And he 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 Provider Corps, 4,300 for Childhood Provider Corps that helps distribute food to families who need it most; 400 for Climate Action Corp; 1,500 in American Corps, which are the volunteers who focus on disasters in California.
González said that all the jobs are paid, an aid that can be used for education.
“Between the four programs, there are opportunities for all Californians, not just college students, but high school students as well.”
He explained that the entry application is easy, but it is competitive because there is a lot of demand.
“There are opportunities throughout 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 work extends from September to May in the College Corps program.
“They are paid $10,000 for 450 hours,” González explained; and added that there is no age limit to request an opportunity in the different programs.
Collectively, the California Provider Corps is a larger force than the Peace Corps and is frequently mobilized when Californians need support.
California Provider Corps members gain skills and experience while connecting with others and making a positive impact.
Learn more at CAServiceCorps.com.
Get to know the food bank where for $50 you can get a full cart
Californians for All College Corps: A Transformative Experience for College Students
