Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement following a federal court decision requiring the Trump administration to reinstate AmeriCorps funding in California. This ruling follows a lawsuit by Governor Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and several states against efforts to dismantle AmeriCorps, an agency crucial for volunteer and service initiatives in California and nationwide.
“Commonsense has prevailed over cruelty. The court is rightly siding with volunteers and service workers. Today, we’re doing right by John F. Kennedy and Sargent Shriver and all those who put others before themselves,” stated Governor Newsom.
In 2024, over 6,150 Californians served at more than 1,200 sites including schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, youth centers, veterans’ facilities, and other nonprofit organizations. AmeriCorps members played an essential role during the Los Angeles fires earlier this year by distributing supplies and aiding families.
California Service Corps is the largest service force in the U.S., comprising four paid programs: #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, California Climate Action Corps, Youth Service Corps, and AmeriCorps California. Together they form a larger force than the Peace Corps at a time when California focuses on post-pandemic recovery efforts.
During the 2023-24 service year in California:
– Members provided 4,397,674 hours of service.
– Tutored/mentored 73,833 students.
– Supported 17,000 foster youth with education and employment.
– Planted 39,288 trees.
– Assisted 26,000 households affected by LA fires.
– Packed 21,000 food boxes.
