California has jobs for thousands of young people. Here’s how to get started
California this month is expanding a jobs program that’s meant to provide employment to thousands of young people under age 30.
The program, Californians For All Youth Jobs Corps, stems from last year’s state budget and focuses on hiring youth who typically do not have access to career-building resources. Participants will be placed in jobs in different cities tackling three critical issues: climate change, food insecurity and COVID-19 recovery.
All jobs will pay at least $15 per hour, with some paying more depending on location. Youth will also be provided with services like resume preparation, job training and case management.
In the first phase of the program, California’s 13 largest cities received $150 million. Now in phase two, smaller cities and counties are applying for and receiving the additional $35 million. Sacramento is slated to receive $6.9 million.
Cities can ill choose to partner with local organizations. Some cities will implement summer work programs while others offer six-month and year-long paid fellowships. Funding will end after two years.
Applications for the youth jobs corps can be found online at californiavolunteers.ca.gov. Applicants must fill out a form with their name, email address and city or county.
Priority will be given to applicants who are former foster youth, unemployed, out of school, low-income, engaged with the mental health or substance abuse system and who have not participated in an AmeriCorps program.
At a press conference Wednesday afternoon in southern Los Angeles, state and local politicians celebrated the funding provided to the cities of South Gate and Maywood. South Gate received $750,000 while Maywood received $296,000. Both cities plan to partner with the Conservation Corps of Long Beach and Hub Cities Consortium.
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood, called the program a “winning combination” as it connects local youth with community-based organizations.
“They are getting help and they are helping others,” said Rendon. “This is the best way to build community, with relationships with folks who live in the community and with folks who are from the community.
Sen. Lena Gonzalez, D-Los Angeles, encouraged youth to apply and spread news of these job opportunities among their friends and family.
“These are incredible opportunities that you sometimes don’t realize are incredible, until after the fact you’re grown and realize that was the the opportunity to make a difference in my community,” said Gonzalez.
This story was originally published July 7, 2022 at 5:25 AM.
