Leading climate action through service and community.
What is The California Climate Action Corps Fellowship?
The California Climate Action Corps Fellowship helps Californians take meaningful action to protect the planet. Fellows serve with public agencies, nonprofits, tribal communities, and schools. Service activities focus on urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery, wildfire resiliency, and more. As a fellow you earn money, build professional skills, and address climate challenges.
What our fellows are saying
What our fellows are saying
“In life, it’s rare to see the direct outcome of your efforts. But with CCAC, one of the immediate benefits is that I could see, with my own eyes, the positive result of our green bins going to 270,000+ San Diego residents.”
— Nick Vallejo, California Climate Action Corps Alumnus
Become a Fellow
As part of California Climate Action Corps, you will:
- Get paid and earn money for college while making a difference in your community.
- Build skills in community engagement, volunteer coordination, and project management initiatives focused on climate.
- Grow your network working alongside climate professionals and receive personalized career mentorship.
Am I eligible to apply?
To join California Climate Action Corps Fellowship, you must be at least 18 years old, live in California and:
- Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or lawful U.S. resident.
- Have graduated high school or have a GED.
- Commit to the full term of service (1,700 hours and 11 months).
- Be able to pass local and national background checks.
Where can I learn more?
The California Climate Action Corps Fellowship is run directly by our partner, Bay Area Community Resources. Visit their website to explore the program and find out how you can apply.
Host a Fellow
The California Climate Action Corps Fellowship connects emerging leaders with organizations actively tackling climate challenges, helping communities build resilience and create lasting change. Public agencies, Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions can apply to host fellows and gain support for frontline climate projects while providing professional development opportunities.
California Climate Action Corps Fellowship has three core goals:
- Create opportunities for community members to take meaningful climate action through hands-on volunteer projects and other engagement activities.
- Unite with local communities to tailor projects that prioritize equity, urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery and wildfire resiliency.
- Build the next generation of climate leaders in California.
California Volunteers is proud to partner with Bay Area Community Resources and The Energy Coalition for the fellowship. Together, they manage recruitment and placement, provide ongoing support to fellows and host partners, and coordinate professional development to ensure participants are prepared to make a measurable impact in their communities.
If you are interested in becoming a host partner, submit the interest form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I get paid?
California Climate Action Corps Fellows can earn a stipend of up to a $35,250 (pre-tax), spread evenly over 11 months. Fellows can also earn up to $10,000 (pre-tax) to use towards their education if they successfully complete 1,700 hours of service. Visit this website for more detailed information about fellowship benefits.
How much do I get paid?
California Climate Action Corps Fellows can earn a stipend of up to a $35,250 (pre-tax), spread evenly over 11 months. Fellows can also earn up to $10,000 (pre-tax) to use towards their education if they successfully complete 1,700 hours of service. Visit this website for more detailed information about fellowship benefits.
My organization could benefit from hosting California Climate Action Corps Fellows; how do I apply?
California Climate Action Corps Host Partners should meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You are a climate-related organization that needs help engaging frontline communities in your climate resiliency work and are passionate about mentoring.
- Your organization is a: public agency, Tribe, nonprofit organization, or an educational institution.
The fellowship begins in September of each year. Applications to host California Climate Action Corps fellows open in early January and are accepted through early February. If your agency or organization is interested in hosting fellows, we recommend you review this webpage and fill out the interest form to be notified when applications open.
If you have questions we haven’t answered, get in touch.
You can email us at info@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, just be sure to mention Climate Action Corps in the subject line or body so we know which program you’re asking about. You can call us at (916) 323-7646 if you prefer.
