For Immediate Release: September 20, 2023
MEDIA CONTACTS
- Arizona: Olivia Christiani ochristiani@az.gov
- California: Katie Vavao, Katie.Vavao@cv.ca.gov 916-584-3620
- Maryland: Brittany Marshall brittany.marshall2@maryland.gov 443-995-4785
- Minnesota: Lisa Winkler, lisa@serveminnesota.org 612-333-7749
- North Carolina: Jordan Monaghan jordan.monaghan@nc.gov
-
Utah: Amanda DeRito, Amanda.derito@usu.edu, 435-797-2759
States Celebrate the Expansion of State-Level Climate Corps During Climate Week NY
Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina and Utah are teaming up with California to provide more opportunities for climate action
NEW YORK – During Climate Week New York City, the governors of Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina and Utah announced the creation of state-level Climate Corps in each state, partnering with California Volunteers, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Representatives from all Climate Corps expansion states also gathered for a day of service and Climate Corps planning.
These six states represent a powerful network of leaders committed to engaging more Americans in climate action. The state-level Climate Corps will engage people through a variety of activities and create job pathways for careers in sustainability.
Fellows will earn a living stipend and, after completing a term of service, will be eligible for a scholarship to pay for college or to pay off student loans. Participating fellows will earn up to $30,000 (prorated for those serving in a less than full-time capacity) by serving their communities. Each state will tailor the program to its specific needs and will determine additional climate activity priorities.
The state-level Climate Corps are supported through a public-private partnership between philanthropy and AmeriCorps.
At a recent event in California, President Joe Biden expressed his optimism about Climate Corps. “When I think of climate, I think of jobs. When I think of climate, I think of innovation. When I think of climate, I think of turning peril into progress,” said President Biden.
President Joe Biden, pictured with California Climate Action Corps Fellow Chiena Ty, visited Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto, Calif., on June 19, 2023.
WHAT GOVERNORS ARE SAYING:
“We can’t go it alone in tackling the climate crisis. With these five states launching their own climate corps, we’re making climate action a reality in communities representing millions of Americans. Together, we’re mobilizing and organizing citizen climate action at a scale never seen before — and now we’ll begin to see its impact across the nation,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“In North Carolina, we have prioritized the transition to clean energy and this expansion will bolster our efforts,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.“This project will strengthen our clean energy workforce as we continue to lead the way toward a clean energy future.”
“Service will save us here in Maryland, and expanding the Climate Corps into our state is exactly what our young people and our economy needs,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “Programs like this allow Maryland to continue providing world-class opportunities for professional development, continued learning, and community building that will result in a more cohesive and economically competitive state. We are excited to bring this organization here to create jobs for our young Marylanders and to protect our environment for generations to come.”
“By creating opportunities for Minnesotans to explore career pathways in sustainability, we’re making it easier for Minnesota to lead in creating climate solutions while building a clean, competitive economy,” said Minnesota Governor Walz. “We are committed to positioning Minnesota as a national leader in climate solutions.”
Check with each state for fellowship application details.
B-Roll Footage: https://vimeo.com/796788954
###
About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting young Californians to engage in public service.
