Calls on 10,000 Men to Serve

Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday with Big Brothers Big Sisters of California and local leaders announced a $5 million state investment in the California Men’s Service Challenge, calling on young men and boys to step up and serve their communities as mentors, coaches and tutors through the California Service Corps and volunteer and service opportunities with partner organizations.

The California Men’s Service Challenge builds on Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent executive order responding to rising suicide rates, disconnection and declining college attendance among young men and boys to address the mental health crisis while creating new pathways to purpose, leadership and belonging.

“California is committed to the long-term success pathways for young boys and men. This investment in our communities will contribute to uplifting the next generation of leaders,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Through this effort, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor is partnering with leaders already doing the work including Improve Your Tomorrow, Big Brothers Big Sisters, MENTOR California, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, the Giants Community Fund and the American Institute for Boys and Men.

California Men’s Service Challenge participants will engage young men directly, helping them build connections to education, careers and community. The effort advances Governor Newsom’s broader commitment to create more pathways for youth success. By combining service with mentorship and skill development, the initiative provides a sustainable model to ensure young men feel valued, supported and equipped to thrive.

The state’s $5 million investment will create more new paid service opportunities over the next two years. These will be combined with thousands of volunteer opportunities and existing paid California Service Corps positions to offer near-peer mentorship by pairing young people with mentors close in age or life stage. The goal is to build trust and relatability and to strengthen organizational capacity to engage more young men in service and provide education awards to encourage participation. For more information on grant funding, go to www.CaliforniaVolunteers.ca.gov/2025-california-mens-service-challenge.

“Across California, young men face disconnection and uncertainty, yet they hold immense talent and leadership potential,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “Through service, we can help them find purpose, build careers and make a real difference. We’re calling on 10,000 men to lead and on organizations to join us as an investment in the next generation of mentors and coaches.”

The California Men’s Service Challenge builds on the California Service Corps, the largest service force in the nation, which empowers Californians to tackle the state’s toughest challenges while building skills for the future. Together with local partners, schools and community organizations, this new effort will ensure more young men see themselves as leaders with the power to create lasting change.