Here’s why AmeriCorps is coming to Fresno County for the first time

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For the first time, AmeriCorps will have an after-school program in Fresno County.

California Volunteers Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday swore in the first class at a news conference Friday at Fresno’s City Hall.

AmeriCorps is a nonprofit comprised of thousands of people who combat issues in their communities, from mentoring students to responding to natural disasters like floods or wildfires.

The program is possible because of a $13.1 million investment from California Volunteers, a state office that aims to engage Californians in civic action and volunteering to address challenges in the state.

“Like many of our investments in the region, this is just the beginning as we seek new ways to aggressively engage and harness the power of our people,” Fryday said.

California Teaching Fellows AmeriCorps will provide an Aerospace Academy STEM program at schools throughout the county and later in the school year, 95 more members will implement the program in school across the region.

The Fresno Center’s Listos California AmeriCorps team will train community members in disaster response.

“The future of California’s high-road economy is centered inland,” said Lenny Mendonca the Governor’s Chief Economic and Business Advisor. “Service opportunities like these ensure that as we build an economy in California that works for everyone, inclusion and sustainability are foundational for our next generation of leaders.”