Apply Now!

Applications for the 2025-2026 program year are now open and will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please review the eligibility criteria below before applying.

• Application Opens: August 4, 2025
• Priority Deadline for First-Round Consideration: August 24, 2025

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

Interview Process: Eligible applicants will be invited to a brief phone interview in September to assess interest, availability, and commitment to the program.
Interviews can be conducted in Spanish upon request. 

What Do Neighborhood Champions Do?

• Be a Voice for the San Pablo Shines Campaign

  • Minimum 10 total engagements of the San Pablo Shines beautification campaign which may include distribution of flyers, digital posts, or canvassing activities

  • Minimum of a monthly outreach efforts supporting raising awareness of San Pablo’s free waste disposal programs

  • Community engagement plan must be discussed in advance and should be documentable. 

• Organize Neighborhood Cleanups

  • Host at least 3 litter cleanup events in San Pablo during the 10-month program

• Report Illegal Dumping

  • Use the SanPabloReach app or call City staff to report illegal dumping in San Pablo

• Attend Trainings and Community Events

  • Attend 1-2 trainings hosted by City staff to learn about:

    • City’s free waste disposal programs

    • How to use the SanPabloReach app

What Do Neighborhood Champions Receive?

Neighborhood Champions are eligible for the following:

• Stipend: Receive a $2,000 stipend as recognition for your commitment to the community. Stipend to be divided into 2 payments.
• Community Event Support: Neighborhood Champions will be responsible for organizing and leading a minimum of three community litter cleanup events during the program duration. These events can vary in size and scope, and the city will provide support to ensure their success (City can provide trash bags, trash pickers, and haul trash that is collected. City can support printing materials for event outreach.)
• Group Participation: Groups of 2-4 participants are allowed to apply, with the assignment of a Group Leader who will coordinate with City staff and ensure smooth collaboration. Groups will receive a total $2,000 stipend regardless of the number of members. Stipend will be paid to the Group Leader. It will be the responsibility of the Group Leader to distribute payment to other group members.

Who Can Be a Neighborhood Champion?

Selection: Six residents from across the City of San Pablo will be selected to participate in the 2025–2026 program year.

Eligibility: To become a San Pablo Neighborhood Champion, individuals must meet the following qualifications:

1. San Pablo Residency Requirement: To be eligible, you must live in the incorporated City of San Pablo and provide proof of residency (ie. Driver's license, California ID, a utility bill, or similar documents). Click here to view a map to check that you live within San Pablo city limits. 
2. Minimum Age: Must be 16 years old at the time of application. Applicants under the age of 18 will need parent/guardian approval to participate.
3. Community Involvement: Demonstrate a connection to the community including previous involvement in community activities such as volunteering at local events, and involvement with local organizations, sports teams, schools, or church groups.
4. Flexibility to Connect with the Community: The ability to engage with the community using a wide range of strategies to promote the program. For example, this includes using social media effectively, visiting neighbors' homes to share program details, reaching out individually to community leaders, setting up an informational booth at community events or outside stores or places where the community gathers, and more.