CALIFORNIA – California Volunteers has resumed AmeriCorps recruitment after federal cuts sidelined thousands of members.
A June court ruling reinstated the grants after a lawsuit by Governor Gavin Newsom and others challenged the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) over termination of the program.
AmeriCorps California is recruiting for paid service roles in education, health, environment, and disaster response, offering training, stipends, and education awards through the state’s Service Corps.
In 2023, Newsom’s office announced a 17% increase to be phased in over three years, raising the minimum living allowance for each full-time AmeriCorps California member from $25,000 to $30,000 ($17.65 per hour).
AmeriCorps California members can also receive an education award of up to $10,000.
Eligibility requirements
In 2024-25, nearly 3,000 AmeriCorps California members completed over 2.4 million hours of service across the state.
To be eligible to serve in an AmeriCorps program, individuals must be:
- A U.S. citizen,
- A U.S. national or lawful permanent resident,
- At least 17 years old (no upper age limit), and
- A high school graduate or GED recipient (or working toward this goal)
In addition, selected candidates must meet National Service Criminal History Check requirements.
Spotlight
Ricky Nevarez’s service as a California Justice Leader inspired him to earn his high school diploma and become a Substance Abuse Counseling Specialist.
For more information about the AmeriCorps California Program visit: https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/california-americorps-programs/
