Mayor launches College Corps initiative to foster community service among students

In a heartfelt address to the graduating class of 2025, California Volunteers highlighted the importance of service as a means to foster unity and address pressing societal challenges. The event celebrated the achievements of students who participated in the College Corps program, which has enabled thousands to pay for college through community service.

The speaker, reflecting on personal experiences, emphasized the need for meaningful engagement in the community, stating that service can bridge divides and strengthen connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds. The College Corps initiative, which originated from a local program in Nevada, has expanded under Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership, becoming a model for service across the nation. Participants have contributed significantly to various causes, including education, food security, and climate action.

The message to graduates was clear: service is not limited to military involvement but encompasses a wide range of opportunities to make a difference. The speaker encouraged graduates to engage in local government, education, healthcare, and volunteerism, asserting that true change begins at the grassroots level.

As the ceremony concluded, graduates were urged to embrace their roles as active citizens, practicing democracy beyond election day. The call to action resonated with the audience, reinforcing the idea that through service, individuals can find purpose and contribute to a better future for all.