State Joins YMCA LA to Call on 10,000 Men to Serve and Lead in California Men’s Service Challenge

LOS ANGELES — Today, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday joined the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Mark Gonzalez, and Senator Caroline Menjivar to spotlight the California Men’s Service Challenge in Los Angeles.

The statewide effort, supported by a $5 million state investment, calls on men to step up and serve their communities as mentors, coaches and tutors through the California Service Corps, partner organizations and volunteer efforts.

“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.

The California Men’s Service Challenge builds on Governor 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.

“Across California, young men lack connection and direction, while they are desperately needed to serve in their communities,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “Through service, we can help them find purpose, build careers and make a real difference.

For this effort, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor is partnering with leaders already doing the work including the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, Improve Your Tomorrow, Big Brothers Big Sisters, MENTOR California, 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 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.