Written by by Katie Vavao at californiavolunteers.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Volunteers, Office of the Governor wants champions of climate action to apply for the California Climate Action Corps paid service program which began recruitment today.
“Tackling the climate crisis takes partners at all levels, and the California Climate Action Corps is mobilizing energized Californians all across our state to drive climate action in ways never seen before,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “California’s climate action is just getting started, and it starts with you. Together, we’ll achieve the climate-friendly future all Californians deserve.” California Climate Action Corps Fellows mobilize their communities through climate volunteer engagement, climate action and education service projects focused on urban greening, wildfire resiliency, and organic waste and edible food recovery.
“There is incredible power in service and our California Climate Action Corps gives fellows the opportunity to harness that power to directly address the impacts of climate change,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “The Governor and I are exceedingly grateful to those who answer the call to serve their communities, and we are excited to see them take meaningful action on behalf of our state and our planet.”
Governor Newsom launched California Climate Action Corps as the nation’s first state-level climate service corps with the mission of empowering Californians to take meaningful action to protect their homes, health and communities against the harshest impacts of climate change. The program is led by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor.
“We want to channel the energy of those passionate about fighting climate change into paid service to help communities address this existential threat,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “Our California Climate Action Corps Fellows are doing critical work, engaging community members and inspiring us to do more.”
As AmeriCorps California members, fellows earn $30,000 for serving 1,700 hours over 11 months, plus qualify for $10,000 in education awards to pay down student debt or use towards college.
A summer fellowship is also recruiting for two-month positions which pay $5,294, plus a $1,374 education award.
2023-24 California Climate Action Corps Fellows will serve from Sept. 18, 2023, to Aug. 15, 2024, in communities throughout the state. Summer fellows will serve 300 hours from June 5 to Aug. 4, 2023.