For Immediate Release
May 18, 2022
Media Contact:
Katie Vavao, Katie.Vavao@cv.ca.gov (916) 584-3620
California Chief Service Officer Fryday, Natural Resources Secretary Crowfoot, and Climate Leaders Launch Historic California Climate Action Corps Fellowship Recruitment
California Volunteers created the California Climate Action Corps to empower Californians to take meaningful climate action as a part of the state’s comprehensive strategy to address the global climate crisis.
CALIFORNIA – Today, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday and California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot joined climate leaders to announce new fellowship projects and kick off recruitment for the California Climate Action Corps, the country’s first statewide climate corps.
In September, 115 fellows will be deployed throughout the state to support community climate action projects focused on urban greening, wildfire resiliency, and organic waste and edible food recovery. There will also be increased partnerships in rural communities, such as Butte County, and urban areas, such as Oakland. For the first time, tribal nations will host fellows to advance climate projects within their communities. A full list of fellowship partners can be found here: https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/fall-2022-23-fellowship-projects/
“California Climate Action Corps is part of a comprehensive strategy we have to combat the devastating effects of the climate crisis,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “This program is driven by the passion of individuals to take meaningful climate action – and lead the way for the rest of the nation.”
California Climate Action Corps is currently accepting applications for 11-month fellowships with public agencies, tribes, nonprofits, and schools throughout the state to engage communities in climate action and education. Selected fellows will serve 1,700 hours and learn real-world climate action skills through community projects while also being part of this unique program and statewide force of emerging leaders.
Fellows will earn a stipend of $27,000 (spread over 11 months) and education awards of $10,000 upon completion to pay educational expenses at eligible schools and training programs or repay qualified student loans.
“One person’s energy, passion and leadership can make a difference combating climate change,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “That’s why California Climate Action Corps is so important as a first-in-the-nation program to empower all Californians to take meaningful climate action now.”
Those interested in the program can learn more and apply at www.climateactioncorps.ca.gov.
Watch this video with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday to learn more about recruitment for the California Climate Action Corps.
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE: California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. Contact Katie Vavao, Katie.Vavao@cv.ca.gov, or call 916-584-3620.
Jhakarin Leelhasuwan, California Climate Action Corps Fellow with FoodCycle LA
“Being a member of the Climate Action Corps for my home state and addressing the climate crisis through action has been more rewarding than I imagined it would be. As someone who values service and helping others above all else, my fellowship has allowed me to help reduce food waste/methane emissions, get nutritious food to Angelenos in need and learn about how climate change is already impacting the historically underserved Californians that are on the front lines of this crisis”
Brittany Seymour, California Climate Action Corps Fellow with Tree San Diego
“This program has impacted both my professional and personal life. I hope to continue making a meaningful difference.”
Elektra Fike-Data, Tree San Diego Director
“I have been moved by the dedication and encouragement brought to Tree San Diego by our California Climate Action Corps Fellows. Their perseverance to advance climate action and green solutions is unmatched, and the measurable impacts they make is a daily reminder that each person can play a part in safeguarding our environment.”
Nancy Beyda, FoodCycle LA Executive Director
“From FoodCycle LA – as food insecurity skyrocketed during the pandemic, the support of our CAC Fellows allowed us to expand rapidly to meet the increased need. With their support we grew our impact over 2000% and now deliver more than 70,000 meals weekly – feeding hungry people and keeping that excess food out of landfills where it would contribute to climate change.”
Emilyn Sheffield, CSU Chico Professor, Department of Recreation, Hospitality and Parks Management
“The California Climate Action Corps is the RIGHT PROGRAM, RIGHT NOW for California and for Californians. CCAC Fellows will gain confidence and add capacity to their communities and collective efforts to provide positive climate action. Some will find ‘callings’ and some will find careers. All will make a difference. Right now you can encourage those recent graduates, those gap year seekers of meaning, those persons who have faced barriers to service to apply for CCAC. They will meet the challenge of our age with confidence and skill.”
A recording of the press conference is available here.
###
Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. #CaliforniansForAll is a California Volunteers service initiative launched in response to COVID-19 to establish a volunteer corps to support the state’s response to emergencies and disasters.
