Summer 2021 Fellowship Projects
Below you will find a list of project descriptions from the Summer 2021 Term.
| Region | Project | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Central Coast | City of Watsonville Bilingual Sustainability and Conservation Community Outreach Program Intern City: Watsonville, 95076 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Community Resource Conservation Programs / Food Security and Food Waste Recovery Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Facilitation Technical: Marketing or Social Media, Event Planning | Fellows will conduct both in-person and virtual outreach to educate Watsonville residents about the city's Sustainability and Conservation Community Programs. This project seeks to inform and invite residents to participate in these programs in order to take advantage of conservation rebates, services, and workshops. Fellows will also communicate the City's climate ctions and encourage community members to take individual climate actions to conserve resources and reduce GHGs. Other activities will include promoting and leading local litter clean-ups and offering and tracking free water conservation devices to interested residents. The Sustainability Division of the Public Works Department will mentor Fellows, encourage individual growth, and provide guidance on developing professionally with a focus on personal fulfillment and personal well-being. The workplace culture is welcoming and casual with a strong focus on achieving ambitious goals and implementing attainable programs. The Sustainability Division is composed of a diverse team of bilingual and multicultural members with a strong commitment to inclusivity, equity, and creating a collaborative workplace where all are welcome. |
| Central Coast | City of Santa Cruz, CA Urban Forestry Renewal through Service and Outreach in Santa Cruz City: Santa Cruz, 95060 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Community Engagement Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Volunteer Management | Over 2021, the development of the City's people-focused Climate Action Plan will identify the most equitable pathway to carbon neutrality by year 2045 or earlier. Fellows will provide capacity over the summer to address both the near term need to bolster the urban forest's survivability (carbon sequestration potential) while also authentically engaging broader diversity stakeholders to educate and inform the longer term climate action strategies that enhance the urban forest. Examples of Fellow activities include completing targeted urban forestry maintenance, updating the City's urban tree inventory tool, and conducting community outreach and education. This project is designed to maximize the learning potential of Fellows while adding needed capacity at crucial time in the City's COVID recovery. The Climate Action Manager will ensure the Fellows have exposure and interaction with the City's Climate Action Plan consultant team, elected officials, and other City and community groups and leaders to enhance their ideation on the volunteer and service portions of the project while bolstering networking opportunities. Fellows will also have the opportunity to present their project to regional networks like the Central Coast Climate Collaborative. |
| Central Coast | One Cool Earth Every child deserves a place to grow. Support school gardens with the Earth Genius Program. City: Arroyo Grande, 93420 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Community Engagement Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Environmental Justice / Equity | The Earth Genius Program is the main focus of OCE's work today and focuses on the ecological frameworks: water wise, zero waste, and food forests.The Earth Genius Program works with the curriculum, food services, and facilities to empower school districts and school sites to make cultural shifts and system changes that will benefit both the health of humans and their impact on the planet. Fellows will support the maintenance of school gardens (e.g. starting seedlings, propagating native plants, revamping vermicomposting bins, etc.), work on special projects, and increase awareness of the program in the community through outreach and education. Fellows have the opportunity to learn from a strong professional community of experts and grassroots organizers focused on sustainable food systems, waste management, gardening, agroecology, green building, and low impact development. Fellows will have the independence to choose from a few different focus projects that suit their interests and goals. Staff will provide weekly check-ins and monthly training opportunities, and coordinate shadowing opportunities for skill building and mentorship. Fellows will be part of a team of passionate people, primarily women, who love the outdoors and youth. |
| Central Coast | Community Environmental Council Electric for All: Helping Low Income Residents Access Electric Vehicles and Advance Climate Equity City: Santa Barbara, 93101 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Transportation and Emissions Reductions Equity / EV Access and Market Transformation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration | The project offers a unique transportation justice placement opportunity to directly serve communities located in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties, with an emphasis placed on lower income areas. This project emphasizes education, volunteer mobilization, and emissions reduction in Latinx and DAC/LIC communities on the Central Coast. Fellows will influence and facilitate the purchase of new and used ZEVs and engage with communities through education and outreach. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage with large employers, community-based organizations, students, and other community members. Fellows will learn about Electric Vehicles, the EV market and charging, state goals, rebates, and incentives, best practices for bilingual and inclusive community engagement, and volunteer recruitment, training, and stewardship.Project advisors with each organization will provide direct support and mentorship with regular check-ins for Fellows to share learnings, assess progress and build community. |
| Inland Deserts | Rialto Unified School District STEM CARES: STEM Cultivates Active Responsible Environmental Stewards City: Rialto, 92376 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Green Infrastructure Development / Community Climate Education Desired Skills: General: Education, Community Engagement Technical: Marketing or Social Media, Environmental Justice / Equity | The STEM CARES fellowship will include direct service with teachers, administrators, K-12 students, and community members to build community environmental literacy. The fellow will help refine the STEM CARES website on Google Sites, and initial development of a social media presence while working with multiple district departments to curate a record of: use of school site gardens and groves, installation of carbon sequestration forests, and the formation of the SPARK (Science Promotes Action, Recreation and Knowledge) district children's museum. STEM CARES staff will work in direct collaboration with the Fellow to support their understanding of public education structures and supporting community activism. The workplace culture is centered around teamwork, individual agency and creativity. The Fellow will have the opportunity to provide suggestions and support a variety of projects that aim to support community awareness and climate resiliency. |
| Los Angeles | The Niles Foundation Building Urban Farms and Gardens throughout LA & South LA City: Culver City, 90232 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Urban Greening / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Facilitation Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Food Justice / Food Recovery | The Niles Foundation creates and maintains multiple urban food farms and garden sites throughout LA and South LA. Fellows will work with the Niles Foundation to increase urban greening, environmental conservation-ecosystem support, planting vegetation, pollinators, and composting at these sites.This project also aims to provide fresh food access for local communities in need while enhancing their environments for equity. The Niles Foundation is a fun, creative, diverse, and 'DIY' place that loves to give back. Fellows have the opportunity to work with a team of educators, entertainers, realtors, leaders, and chefs who are eager to provide Fellows with direction, guidance, entrepreneurial advice, mentorship, and training. Fellows will learn to communicate and collaborate with a team that values candor and transparency. |
| Los Angeles | Breathe Southern California Blue Sky LA City: LOS ANGELES, 90036 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Project Management Technical: Event Planning, Volunteer Management | Blue Sky LA is a new volunteerism program that organizes monthly volunteer projects across Southern California to help clean LA's air. In this position, the fellow will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders to increase awareness of and support Blue Sky LA. Working closely with the site supervisor, the fellow will be responsible for planning and executing events and activities related to cleaning the air, reducing greenhouse gases, beautifying the local environment, and creating healthier communities in Los Angeles County and surrounding counties. The fellow has the opportunity to be a part of Breathe Southern California's mission to promote clean air and healthy lungs through education, research, technology and advocacy. The fellow will be mentored by Gilmar J. Flores, MPH, Senior Program Manager. Gilmar leads health and environmental education and surveillance programs, and he will help the fellow develop outreach, engagement, and messaging skills throughout the project. |
| Los Angeles | CSUN Institute for Sustainability Urban Regenerative Garden and Biodiversity Program City: Northridge, 91330-8444 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation / Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Education, Project Management Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Food Justice / Food Recovery | CSUN seeks to convert underutilized, neglected areas of the San Fernando Valley into safe havens for bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators that are critical to growing the region's food supply. Fellows will be a part of an experimental urban orchard project focused on intercropping of stone fruit trees, cover crops, native plants, and coffee.This project will focus on researching farms and will include producing biodiversity surveys, GIS analyses, and ecosystem assessments. Fellow research will also manage control sites at test plots on the CSUN campus. Outcomes will be disseminated among the community through workshops, seminars, and publications to assist in adopting regenerative, polyculture farms The Institute Director and staff will work with Fellows to ensure proper training, mastery of content, and confidence. This position will offer opportunities for Fellows to advance their skills and provide support and training to develop expertise in regenerative urban gardening practices. Students will get hands-on experience with sustainability issues and be given opportunities to share this experience with their peers. This will allow Fellows to 'master' the topic while learning important skills such as gardening and food preparation. Interdisciplinary research conducted at the garden will give students the opportunity to collect and analyze data and present findings at conferences, while also enhancing their communication and writing skills. |
| Los Angeles | Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) Watts Rising Collaborative: L.A.'s Green New Deal in Action City: Los Angeles, 90057 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Food Waste Recovery Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Project Management Technical: Volunteer Management, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration | Each Fellow will focus on a specific project within Watts Rising. The Fellow assigned to the first project will work to establish a Community Garden at Markham Middle School and coordinate activities such as garden clean ups, re-seeding, and establishing educational programs. The second project will involve refreshing two community gardens, hosting community gardening days, and recruiting volunteers. The Fellow assigned to the third project will be charged with developing a Youth Climate Action Leadership group to support many of our current and future activities. The final project will focus on developing a strong partnership between the Watts Rising Collaborative and citywide climate action/sustainability initiatives to create better alignment of outcomes and resources. Fellows will benefit from the Collaborative's extensive experience with mentorship and leadership development. The workplace culture is very collaborative and supportive, and the team values transparency and communication. The Collaborative involves numerous project partners across diverse sectors, which offers a great opportunity for networking. |
| Los Angeles | CULTIVALA INC. CULTIVALA: URBAN AGRICULTURE IN LOS ANGELES City: Los Angeles, 90015 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Food Waste Recovery Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Education Technical: Food Justice / Food Recovery, Tree Planting / Care | Fellows will be involved in the development of a 2.0-acre organic farm, permaculture design, and ongoing wellness activities in South El Monte. This project seeks to empower local communities as a way to address food insecurity, promote workforce development, and advance environmental justice. Fellows will be engaged in outreach and education with the community to teach residents about sustainable agricultural practices. Cultivala's takes a strength-base to all interactions with the team, community, and civic leaders. Fellows will have the opportunity to develop professionally under the mentorship of the Cultivala team. Fellows are expected to take on leadership roles very early and will be able to count on the support of the Operations team and the “Cultiva LA-dores.” |
| Los Angeles | Los Angeles City Council District 4 Organizing volunteer outreach to increase participation in underutilized local climate initiatives City: Los Angeles, 90012 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Community Energy Projects Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Community Engagement Technical: Volunteer Management, Data / Quantitative Analysis | Fellows will be tasked with direct outreach to boost district-wide participation in environmental initiatives designed to incentivize renters & homeowners to help in the fight against climate change. To accomplish this large-scale outreach, the Fellows will be utilizing our CD4 Volunteer Corps. Fellows will start by researching and compiling a list of underutilized programs and work with the Comms team to put them together on a door hanger. The Fellows will then organize door-to-door canvasses for our Vol Corps to educate constituents on these programs and urge them to enroll. CD4 features an incredibly diverse array of communities, and with it a diverse array of opportunities for long lasting improvements. CD4's workplace culture values the unique skills and interests that each team member brings to the table, and they deliberately make space for staffers to explore the work and projects that interest them. |
| Los Angeles | Los Angeles City Council District 4 Direct outreach to connect local businesses to food recovery programs as per SB 1383 City: Los Angeles, 90012 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Project Management Technical: Food Justice / Food Recovery, GIS / Mapping | Fellows will identify and conduct outreach to food recovery organizations in CD4 to learn about their capacity and their interest in accepting future partners. Fellows will also identify Tier 1 businesses in CD4 to match with food recovery organizations. The next step will involve visiting these businesses to share literature around SB 1383, and to facilitate an introduction to local food recovery orgs. To accomplish this large-scale outreach, the Fellows will be managing a team of a few trusted former campaign volunteers. CD4 features an incredibly diverse array of communities, and with it a diverse array of opportunities for long lasting improvements. CD4's workplace culture values the unique skills and interests that each team member brings to the table, and they deliberately make space for staffers to explore the work and projects that interest them. |
| Los Angeles | Los Angeles Conservation Corps The Climate Benefits of Tree Planting - Door-to-Door City: Los Angeles, 90012 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Data / Quantitative Analysis | Fellows will primarily be involved with outreach efforts focused on building awareness of and engagement with climate issues among community members. Fellows will educate and inform homeowners/residents/community members about tree benefits and how their decision to allow a tree to be planted on their property will have a direct impact on the project's outcomes and result in a better environment for them to live in. While performing outreach, Fellows will also identify and document planting locations that have potential for new trees. They will work directly with a Corps Program Coordinator to learn all tree pre-planting procedures and their secondary activity will involve helping to plan trees throughout the area. A fellowship with LA Conservation Corps would provide an exceptional growth opportunity for anyone interested in environmental or civic issues. As part of their professional development, Fellows will be trained in communications, collaboration, and leadership. Staff will serve as mentors and partners, both contributing to the Fellows' tasks and providing advice on long-term career trajectories in conservation and climate action work. Fellows will work outside and build relationships with community members, Corps partners, Corps members and Corps staff. This is an opportunity for a strong relationship building and community development. |
| Los Angeles | Audubon Center at Debs Park Build sustainable habitat and community in Northeast LA! City: Los Angeles, 90031 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation / Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Community Engagement Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Environmental Justice / Equity | Fellows will work closely with Center staff and community volunteers to restore habitat for birds and other wildlife in Ernest E. Debs Park through native plant landscaping, invasive species removal, and additional habitat maintenance efforts. Through working in the onsite native plant nursery, fellows will gain hands-on experience that will cover the entire range of the habitat restoration process from site assessments to developing a plant pallet, seed collecting and processing, plant propagation, planting, and ongoing site maintenance. Fellows will have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of community-based habitat restoration strategies and best practices for approaching urban land management. Fellows will also have the opportunity to develop and facilitate additional community programs and/or volunteer opportunities, based on their own personal areas of interest. The Center has deep roots in the local community and the environmental justice community in Los Angeles. Involvement with the Center serves as a great entry point to further engage in community-based work within this field. The workplace culture is collaborative, supportive, fast-paced, and fun. They aim to be as intentional and thoughtful as possible when approaching all of their work and programming. Staff will work closely with Fellows to ensure that the experience is aligned with their interests and geared towards their personal growth. |
| Los Angeles | California State University, Long Beach Campus Building Energy Audits City: Long Beach, 90815 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Community Energy Projects Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Research Technical: Energy conservation, Data / Quantitative Analysis | Fellows will work with the campus Energy and Utility Manager to perform retro-commissioning audits on a variety of campus building types. They will receive training on multiple mechanical systems and learn how to identify energy wasting deficiencies. The overall goal of retro-commissioning is to reduce energy use by a minimum of 15%, which will help the university move closer to their goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Building energy efficiency is a critical strategy in the overall campus climate action plan. The Beach Building Services Department's Energy Program is not only committed to maximizing energy efficiency at the university, but also training and mentoring future leaders in the field of energy conservation and management. CSULB is the only campus that self-performs retro-commissioning in-house. Thus, the hands-on experience, training, and skills gained through this fellowship will make Fellows desirable future employees for energy engineering and consulting firms. In addition to working under the supervision of the Energy and Utilities Manager, the Fellows will have the opportunity to work closely with professional engineers and trades people including building services engineers, facility control specialists, and refrigeration mechanics. |
| Los Angeles | Puro Plants Regeneration of soil using composted collected from our community City: Montebello, 90640 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Facilitation Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Data / Quantitative Analysis | Puro Plants is a no-dig regenerative farm. Fellows will assist Puro Plants in building soil from scratch by diverting food waste and mulch from the community and tree-trimmers. Through tis process, Fellows will be reducing methane emissions, sequestering carbon, and creating healthier soil. Puro Plant's workplace culture is mellow and the team is always open to learning and sharing ideas openly. Fellows have the opportunity to learn about sustainable practices and composting on a working farm that is on the cusp of significant expansion. |
| Los Angeles | Fullerton College Horticulture Landscape Management City: Fullerton, 92832 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Facilitation, Project Management Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Data / Quantitative Analysis | Summer Fellow projects will include water-wise landscaping, drip irrigation installation and repair, fixing leaky valves and irrigation heads, planting of shrubs (including CA native plants), propagation of plants, mulching and sheet mulching to conserve water and reduce weed pressure. Fellows will have direct everyday guidance from the Horticulture staff. Each task will be coupled with a lesson on proper application, troubleshooting, and feedback will be given so that the fellow fully understands why something was done. Fellows will be mentored to become excellent stewards of trees and all kinds of plants that can serve the environment and people alike. |
| Los Angeles | Active San Gabriel Valley Advanced Energy Community Education and Outreach in the San Gabriel Valley City: El Monte, 91731 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Community Energy Projects Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration | The Bassett and Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community (BAAEC) project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64% and net electricity consumption by 96% for all project participants over a 25 year period. The project will showcase how local communities of color can be a key component of California's transition to a clean energy future. Fellows will conduct community education, outreach, and engagement activities with the goal of empowering residents to actively take part in the implementation of their advanced energy community. ActiveSGV's staff will provide mentorship and leadership development by equipping the Fellows with the skills and resources needed to not only complete the BAAEC project tasks, but also by connecting them with colleagues and peers whose interests align with theirs. Staff are encouraged to take on what they are personally and professionally interested in, so fellows will be encouraged to do the same. |
| Los Angeles | L.A. Works Climate Change workshop development and volunteer opportunity coordination City: Los Angeles, 90065 Placement Type: Remote Project Focus: Climate Change and Resilience education / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Education, Research Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Volunteer Management | The CA Climate Action Corps Fellow will lead our Participate Initiative and develop an evergreen resource on our Participate platform to educate volunteers on critical issues affecting climate change, highlight relevant climate resilience volunteer opportunities, and train volunteers in advocacy skills to address those critical issues at a grassroots level. The Fellow will launch this resource with a panel discussion and volunteer project, generating volunteer interest and participation in the resource. The Fellow will experience life in the bustling city of L.A. while working amongst a dedicated group of caring, dedicated staff and volunteers committed to making Los Angeles a more equitable community for all. L.A. Works is currently working remotely, but the team works collaboratively online across all departments. |
| Los Angeles | Cal State LA Implementation Support for Cal State LA's Climate Action Plan City: Los Angeles, 90032 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery / Active Transportation Desired Skills: General: Facilitation, Relationship Management Technical: Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Food Justice / Food Recovery | The CCAC Fellow would be responsible for completing tasks related to the following carbon mitigation strategies to help Cal State LA achieve operational carbon neutrality: 1. Develop Organics Composting Program 2. Establish Campus Food Recovery Program 3. Support Implementation of Zero Waste Plan 4. Design Carbon Fee Program for Business-Related Air Travel 5. Develop Student Surveys to Track GHG Emissions Related to Campus Commuting 6. Coordinate Tree Plantings and Tree Campus USA Program Recognition There may be opportunities to support additional climate mitigation strategies related to commuting, such as promoting active transportation, supporting carpool programs, and expanding campus biking infrastructure. The CCAC Fellow will work within the Facilities, Planning and Construction Department at Cal State LA, and report to the Energy & Sustainability Manager. A focus will be placed on interdepartmental collaboration, project coordination, career development, educational outreach, program implementation, and professional advancement. |
| Los Angeles | City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, Office of Forest Management Los Angeles Urban Forest Data Dive City: Los Angeles, 90012 Placement Type: Remote Project Focus: Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Research, Project Management Technical: Data / Quantitative Analysis, Technical Writing | The City of Los Angeles has begun to utilize and develop data and science to track trends and adapt management and decision making for LA's urban forest by initiating a new tree inventory and software system. This project will be focused on analyzing a variety of this new tree inventory data, combined with past tree records and staff/practitioner interviews to develop useful summaries for the City to consider as certain management activities and strategies are developed and/or revised. The Urban Forest Data Drive Fellow(s) will be exposed to a number of different professionals and stakeholders. They will have the opportunity to learn about government processes and get to work directly with the City Forest Officer, who has mentored and trained numerous staff, volunteers and interns in her previous roles. Specific plans for leadership development opportunities would be developed in consultation with the Fellow(s), based on their interest and areas of desired growth. |
| Los Angeles | Santa Monica College Provide free active transportation for low-income students City: Santa Monica, 90405 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Active Transportation Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Education Technical: Bike Mechanics, Marketing or Social Media | The Cycling Fellow will be responsible for evaluating, promoting, and scaling the bicycle reuse and recycle program. The Fellow will evaluate the effectiveness of the bicycle rebuild, recycle, and donation process; repair bicycles; recruit and train volunteers to disseminate information; build awareness of green transportation around SMC; interview students who have received bikes; and research the current SMC biking website and update with the best resources. SMC is a leader in sustainability amongst community colleges in California. The Fellow will have the opportunity to meet and work with City Transportation staff as well as local bike advocacy groups. The Fellow will be able to make their own schedule on days they work on bikes, and coordinate with the Manager on days they need to work on a computer. The Fellow will work directly with the Sustainability Manager who is an avid cyclist and has been running the Bicycle Repair and Donation program. |
| Los Angeles | California State University, Long Beach Campus Climate Action Plan & Sustainability Program Development City: Long Beach, 90840 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Zero Waste/Landfill Emissions Mitigation Efforts / Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Education & Training Desired Skills: General: Research, Education Technical: Policy Analysis / Development, Marketing or Social Media | The Fellow will work with the campus Energy and Utility Manager to perform retro-commissioning audits on a variety of campus building types. They will receive training on multiple mechanical systems and learn how to identify energy wasting deficiencies in these mechanical systems. The energy audits that the Fellow will conduct are the first step in a larger project to retro-commission our campus buildings to maximize energy efficiency. The Beach Building Services Department's Energy Program is not only committed to maximizing energy efficiency at the university, but also training and mentoring future leaders in the field of energy conservation and management. CSULB is the only campus that self-performs retro-commissioning in-house. Thus, the hands-on experience, training, and skills gained through this fellowship will make Fellows desirable future employees for energy engineering and consulting firms. In addition to working under the supervision of the Energy and Utilities Manager, the Fellows will have the opportunity to work closely with professional engineers and trades people including building services engineers, facility control specialists, and refrigeration mechanics. |
| Los Angeles | Climate Emergency Mobilization Office Climate Mobilization and Engagement Fellow City: Los Angeles, 90043 Placement Type: Remote Project Focus: Green Infrastructure Development / Community Energy Projects Desired Skills: General: Relationship Management, Community Engagement Technical: Event Planning, Marketing or Social Media | The fellow will work with the Climate Stakeholder Engagement Design Team. Some activities the fellow will be engaged in include assisting with the development of the Community Assembly stakeholder engagement plan, convening and soliciting input from leading organizations, supporting virtual engagement meetings and events, and compiling stakeholder lists for CEMO leadership. The fellow has the opportunity to learn about climate policy in the City of Los Angeles and the work of the various bureaus and organizations implementing the Green New Deal. The CEMO focuses on addressing and engaging the voices of frontline and Indigenous communities and their leadership to create a dialogue. The fellow will work with the CEMO team as they co-design their engagement plan and process with community leaders. Through this opportunity, the fellow will develop fundamental outreach and engagement skills, while also learning about the intersection of climate policy and equity. |
| Los Angeles | TreePeople Urban and Mountain Forestry Fellowship City: Los Angeles, 90210 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Facilitation, Community Engagement Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Environmental Justice / Equity | The Fellows will be trained to serve as Community Foresters and Restoration Supervisors where they will lead, teach, and inspire volunteers, youth, and community members; coordinate tree planting (if feasible) and tree care projects in those neighborhoods; assist in post-fire restoration practices in the wildlands; and ensure tree and vegetation survival after planting through maintenance and monitoring. Fellows will work on projects and programs that have been developed and planned by TreePeople to address climate change and environmental issues in the community. TreePeople is a leader in environmental initiatives in the greater Los Angeles area, and therefore has the capacity to expose Fellows to a number of career opportunities geared towards addressing climate and environmental issues. Fellows will gain a more comprehensive understanding of community and environmental needs of urban areas and their surrounding wildlands while making important community-based organization and agency connections and collaborations. Fellows will obtain training on best management practices related to urban greening, mountain restoration, and community engagement and outreach. |
| Los Angeles | Day One From Scraps to Soil: Reducing Food Waste and Growing Sustainably City: El Monte, 91731 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery / Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration | The From Scraps to Soil (FSTS) Project will inform and educate community members in the City of Pomona and El Monte about the environmental and social-economic benefits of composting food scraps.Fellows will be conducting outreach, community engagement, data collection and educational activities on food waste and composting. This consists of online and in-person workshops, hands-on learning, facilitation of pop-up demos at community events, conducting food audits, and distributing materials/resources. In addition, fellows will be collecting surveys and testimonials from community members. By working for Day One, fellows will have the experience and opportunity to build vibrant, healthy cities by advancing public health, empowering youth, and igniting change. Fellows will have the ability to effect change in these communities through community advocacy, education, involvement, and empowerment. |
| Los Angeles | City of Los Angeles, LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) Quantify and expand LA's food rescue capacity to feed its most needy and reach its GHG reduction goals City: Los Angeles, 90015 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery Desired Skills: General: Research, Community Engagement Technical: Food Justice / Food Recovery, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration | The project will help the City of LA better understand food rescue efforts going on outside of recycLA, as well as understand the potential quantity of rescuable food from large generators in the city. Fellows will assist LASAN's current CAC fellows with research (through desk research, interviews, surveys, and field visits if possible) and outreach to large edible food generators (EFGs) and not-for-profit food rescue organizations / food service providers (FROs) identified by LASAN and recycLA service providers. Fellows will perform stakeholder engagement and develop a database of large EFGs and local FROs in order to understand their capacity and sustainability. As a leading global city on climate action, we are certain L.A. will provide exciting opportunities and career exposure for the CivicSpark Fellow. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in relevant City working groups/ task forces, attend City Council meetings, Board of Public Works meetings, and meetings with the Mayor's Office virtually on relevant topics. They will also be included in Waste Characterization oversight at Materials Recovery Facilities if they choose to participate. Weekly team and topical check-ins will ensure that the Fellows remain connected and feel supported by the team. |
| Los Angeles | The Malibu Foundation Resilient Santa Monica Mountains Project City: Los Angeles, 90211 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation / Disaster Response / Emergency Management Desired Skills: General: Research, Community Engagement Technical: Data / Quantitative Analysis, Policy Analysis / Development | The Resilient Santa Monica Mountains (SMM) Project is a community-based climate vulnerability assessment (CVA) and resilience planning project focused on Santa Monica Mountain Wildlife-Urban Interface (WUI) communities. The project objectives include raising awareness about climate resilience and measures to reduce carbon emissions, building lasting community-based and strategic partnerships, and proposing feasible measures and policy recommendations to increase the community's resilience to the impacts of climate change. Fellows will have the opportunity to promote diverse stakeholder engagement, community connectivity, inclusivity and equity, health and wellbeing while advancing climate action at the local level. Fellows will gain knowledge and skills in the areas on data collection and analysis, community engagement, and climate action planning and policy development. |
| Los Angeles | USC Dornsife Public Exchange USC Urban Trees Initiative City: Los Angeles, 90089 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Urban Greening / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Research, Community Engagement Technical: GIS / Mapping, Data / Quantitative Analysis | The Urban Trees Initiative partners USC experts and students with the City of Los Angeles to guide the growth of an urban forest of shade trees that benefit the health and quality of life for local communities. Using advanced mapping technology, air quality measurements, and landscape architecture expertise, the project explores where, how many, and what type of new trees could be added to this area to optimize the benefits of urban forests. Fellows working on this project will be involved with creating a vision for climate justice, meaningful community engagement, innovative air quality studies, and advanced GIS analysis and mapping. Fellows will have the opportunity to learn from all actors in a diverse group of interdisciplinary experts (spatial sciences, earth sciences, landscape architecture professors), policy leader, project managers, and community engagement specialists. The team highly values the work of student researchers and involves them in all phases of the project. In the past, student leaders have led presentations in front of the City of LA and other external actors, and are credited on all project deliverables. |
| Los Angeles | California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Climate Action Trailblazers City: Pomona, 91768 Placement Type: Remote Project Focus: Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Relationship Management, Research Technical: Data / Quantitative Analysis, Volunteer Management | This program will offer Fellows an opportunity to work collaboratively on a mix of projects. Cal Poly, Pomona will partner with faculty and staff to work on the following projects: -Inventory of air emissions from stationary sources that are not already tracked, such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides -Analysis of existing turf areas to recommend areas to be replaced with drought tolerant plants -Climate action pledging campaign to raise awareness on everyday actions students can take to reduce their carbon footprint The mentor-mentee framework will be collaborative and will allow Fellows to enhance their leadership skills and experience.The campus is known for their “learn by doing” philosophy and all of their academic disciplines embrace the teaching of theory through application. Cal Poly, Pomona takes a multi-faceted approach to problem solving, looking at a situation from all possible angles which is exactly what is needed for climate change solutions. The campus culture is both diverse and inclusive. |
| Los Angeles | City Plants Digging Into Urban Forest Equity Through Data and Mapping City: Los Angeles, 90012 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Relationship Management Technical: GIS / Mapping, Data / Quantitative Analysis | This project seeks to locate immediately plantable locations for trees in Los Angeles utilizing best available data and GIS mapping. Fellows will assist in efforts to locate and map available sites so that tree planting programs in the region can allocate resources efficiently and conduct targeted community engagement in neighborhoods that experience the impacts of low tree canopy. This project will result in a detailed analysis of currently available locations to plant trees, and this data will be shared with City Plants' tree planting partners to pave the way for data backed community engagement and public outreach. Fellows will have the opportunity to work with regional climate leaders, researchers, community members, and practitioners. Fellows working on the City Plants team will gain exposure to scientific, social justice, and political inner workings of climate justice on the local level, in one of the country's largest cities. City Plants staff will directly mentor fellows on a daily basis and provide opportunities for honing project development, project management, community outreach and organizing, research, public speaking, communication, and writing skills. |
| Los Angeles | Santa Monica College Feed students and prepare organic garden for students to learn to be self sufficient in their food production City: Santa Monica, 90405 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Reduction in transportation miles Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Education Technical: Food Justice / Food Recovery, Tree Planting / Care | This project will bring Santa Monica College's 20-plot garden back to life before the beginning of the fall semester. The project also aims to maximize the garden's growing potential during the summer so produce can be donated to the colleges' food donation program for food insecure students. Fellows will learn to weed, plant, water, prune, maintain drip irrigation systems, compost, harvest, and deal with problems without the use of chemicals. SMC is a leader in sustainability amongst community colleges in California. Students will have the opportunity to learn from experienced gardeners including the Garden Advisor who is also a Master Gardener. Fellows will work independently to complete weekly tasks and challenges. There will be weekly check-ins with the Garden Advisor and Sustainability Manager, who will guide fellows, answer questions, and offer advice. Fellows also have the freedom to make their own schedules. |
| Los Angeles | City Plants From the Ground Up: Growing a Greener Future for L.A. Through Community Engagement City: Los Angeles, 90012 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Event Planning | This project will deploy a "Tree Care Team" tasked with supporting Angelenos with tree care and tree planting advice to ensure the trees planted and distributed through the City Plants free trees program survive and reach full maturity so that LA's urban forest can reach its full potential. This "Tree Care Team" will attend City Plants Free Tree Adoption Events throughout LA, hit the streets to sign residents up for free tree programs, and educate Angelenos on tree care needs and methods. Fellows that join the City Plants staff will be part of a team that seeks to provide the best possible service to Angelenos to grow a more resilient, equitable, and climate ready future for all. Fellows will have the opportunity to work with regional climate leaders, researchers, community members, and practitioners. Fellows working on the City Plants team will gain exposure to scientific, social justice, and political inner workings of climate justice on the local level, in one of the country's largest cities. City Plants staff will directly mentor fellows on a daily basis and provide opportunities for honing project development, project management, community outreach and organizing, research, public speaking, communication, and writing skills. |
| Los Angeles | Office of Sustainability, California State University Dominguez Hills Campus as a Living Laboratory: Piloting the Way to Carbon Neutrality City: Carson, 90747 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Education Technical: Food Justice / Food Recovery, Marketing or Social Media | This project will focus on piloting new waste technologies to develop a community composting program as well as enhance sustainable food production at the Campus Urban Farm. Additional Fellow activities will include supporting the campus' green spaces, including eight California native gardens and preserves, as well as assisting with campus urban tree management and replanting efforts. Fellows will have a unique opportunity to implement cutting edge sustainability initiatives and directly influence greenhouse gas reduction efforts on the ground level. They will be part of a supportive and collaborative team at the Office of Sustainability which includes access to full-time staff as well as an in-house team of student interns. Fellows will also have significant resources and ability to influence the built campus environment through the larger department of Facilities Services. |
| Los Angeles | CSUN Institute for Sustainability Analyzing and expanding zero waste activities to advance climate action City: Northridge, 91330-8444 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Research Technical: Data / Quantitative Analysis, GIS / Mapping | This project will track and deepen the impact of many of CSUN's zero waste initiatives to increase their effectiveness and incorporate them into CSUN's climate action strategy and greenhouse gas inventory. Through their work, fellows will make data-driven recommendations for reducing CSUN's GHG emissions through improved waste management practices. Actions within this project include optimizing CSUN's outdoor waste bin infrastructure using GIS tools, collecting and analyzing data from CSUN's green waste composting facility, and completing the EPA WARM model for CSUN's waste stream. Fellows will be exposed to typical project management strategies and associated activities with the Facilities Sustainability team, including regular check-ins and meetings. Fellows will be encouraged to grow their role on the project and take on more roles and responsibilities as projects progress. This includes communication with stakeholders, scheduling meetings, finding and organizing volunteers, and identifying next steps. The Energy & Sustainability team works very collaboratively, and the work atmosphere is generally laid-back but productive. |
| Los Angeles | City Plants From Little Seeds Grow Mighty Trees: Growing & Building a City Tree Nursery City: Los Angeles, 90012 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Research Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Workforce Development | Through their collaborative work at the Commonwealth Nursery, City Plants seeks to grow community resilience, biodiversity, and tree canopy equity across LA. Fellows will build regional partnerships with local community and city agencies. Fellows will support the Commonwealth Nursery Manager and a core team with implementing best management practices for nursery development, developing a local tree seed saving and transplanting volunteer force, supporting the implementation of a workforce development training curriculum for budding urban foresters, and aiding in the acquisition and construction of critical nursery infrastructure, from the ground up. Fellows that join the City Plants staff will be part of a team that seeks to provide the best possible service to Angelenos to grow a more resilient, equitable, and climate ready future for all. Fellows will have the opportunity to work with regional climate leaders, researchers, community members, and practitioners. Fellows working on the City Plants team will gain exposure to scientific, social justice, and political inner workings of climate justice on the local level, in one of the country's largest cities. City Plants staff will directly mentor fellows on a daily basis and provide opportunities for honing project development, project management, community outreach and organizing, research, public speaking, communication, and writing skills. |
| Los Angeles | L.A. Works Local Community Climate Resilience and Response Team City: Los Angeles, 90065 Placement Type: Remote Project Focus: Green Infrastructure Development / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Facilitation, Community Engagement Technical: Volunteer Management, Environmental Justice / Equity | Two Fellows will aid the new Climate Resilience and Response Team that will help build green infrastructure for L.A. Works and the communities they serve. The Fellows will focus on researching and collecting data about climate change response efforts in L.A. in order to create a database about the many efforts being made throughout the region. This information will then be used to maximize the efforts of the different programs and dramatically increase the volunteer capacity of each. The volunteers will then make immediate and direct impacts on the community through projects aimed toward serving the community through climate resilience efforts. The Fellow will experience life in the bustling city of L.A. while working amongst a dedicated group of caring, dedicated staff and volunteers committed to making Los Angeles a more equitable community for all. Fellows will be trained to aid communities in an equitable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable way. L.A. Works is currently working remotely, but the team works collaboratively online across all departments. |
| Los Angeles | GrowGood, Inc Drawdown Now! Learn, practice, & promote Carbon Farming at an urban farm in L. A. City: City of Bell, 90201 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation / Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Research Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Volunteer Management | With the help of Climate Action Corps Fellows and L.A. Works, GrowGood will embark on a series of Environmental Research and Action Projects centered around carbon farming. GrowGood's existing regenerative farm and California native plantings will serve as a laboratory for Fellows to study, practice, and measure the results of utilizing regenerative agriculture methods, as well as serve as an ongoing educational resource for the community at large. Fellows will be building healthy soil through urban greening, cover cropping, composting, mulching, biodiverse planting, and discontinued use of pesticides. Leadership and professional development will be major components of the Fellows' experience, as they would be spearheading the Carbon Farming/Landscaping Project. They will interface with the public as workshop developers/facilitators and further capacitate our team to continue teaching the workshops after their internship is over. The Fellows will learn the basic components of project management, such as creating a timeline, using project evaluation tools, and delegating team roles. GrowGood will also provide one-on-one mentorship on regenerative farming techniques, social media management, program development, and general career advice. |
| Los Angeles | Santa Monica College Develop Compost Collection Program and Update Recycling Program City: Santa Monica, 90405 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Education Technical: Food Justice / Food Recovery, Marketing or Social Media | Zero Waste Fellows will work with the Sustainability Manager and the Recycling Program Specialist to update the current recycling collection program and to develop a new compost collection program at multiple campuses. Fellows will conduct a gap assessment of recycling and composting programs to identify physical needs and messaging needs. Fellows will also assist in efforts to expand the number of collection sites across all campuses by developing a messaging campaign, purchasing or making collection bins, building shadow boxes for each collection bin, and updating the website. SMC is a leader in sustainability amongst community colleges in California. The Fellow will work directly with Sustainability staff to identify needs, design the needed material, and execute the plan to collect recycling more efficiently and to develop a compost collection program. The workplace culture is casual, but Fellows are expected to work hard to find solutions to the challenges waste management has been plagued with for decades. |
| North Coast | Common Vision Common Vision: Establishing School Gardens as Food Hubs City: Ukiah, 95482 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery / Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Food Justice / Food Recovery, Environmental Justice / Equity | Fellows working with Common Vision will experience the thrill of food recovery and its redistribution to those who need it most, as well as the satisfaction of cultivating plants and people to the benefit of our climate. This project seeks to utilize school gardens as central hubs for the local food system and climate resilience networks, to provide education and practice the minimization of food waste, and to cultivate school gardens and orchards during the summer break. Fellows will have the opportunity to be mentored by a host of urban agriculture permaculturists who collaborate with Common Vision to install school gardens and keep them running. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a community building process and experience a range of leadership development activities. The Fellows have the opportunity to learn and grow in the real world of a grassroots setting. Common Vision's workplace culture is highly diverse and BIPOC-centered, and encourages self-initiative and widespread collaboration and sharing of resources. |
| Region | Project | Description |
| Sacramento Valley | Sustainable Solano Building Community Climate Resilience City: Benicia, 94510 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Disaster Response / Emergency Management / Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Facilitation Technical: Disaster Relief/Planning, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration | Solano County is in the process of completing a countywide hazard mitigation and preparedness plan. The Fellows' role will be to build community knowledge and disaster preparedness through education and community volunteer mobilization efforts. Helping to inform and mobilize community residents around climate and natural disasters, the Fellows will help build community level readiness for the threats of tomorrow. Part of this project will involve identifying specific tools and supplies needed for each potential disaster and building community hub kits to aid in the recovery process should a disaster hit. Sustainable Solano will mentor Fellows in navigating community change and capacity building. Fellows can expect very quickly to be engaged across many municipalities and departments with access to networks unreachable in larger metro areas. With a can-do attitude, a lot can happen very quickly in the short time frame of the Fellows' summer experience. Fellows can witness incredible impact from their work throughout the county and across communities with a wide range of backgrounds, lived experiences, and geographies. Sustainable Solano's environment of collaboration and support will create a foundation upon which Fellows can explore their interests as they gain valuable experience. |
| Sacramento Valley | Resource Conservation District of Tehama County Fuels Reduction and Wildfire Readiness Project City: Red Bluff, 96080 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Facilitation Technical: Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, GIS / Mapping | The bulk of the Fellow's time will be dedicated to assisting RCDTC field personnel with hazardous fuels reduction projects to improve forest and woodlands health, thereby increasing carbon sequestration and preventing catastrophic wildfires. This may include assisting with the creation of Defensible Space around Tehama County homes and the construction of roadside fuel breaks. In an office capacity, the member may assist with education and outreach initiatives for a diverse range of projects, such as social media engagement, community partner outreach, and producing promotional and educational materials. Fellows have the opportunity to learn about site monitoring and restoration, conservation plan development, irrigation system evaluation, and educational outreach. The Fellow will gain experience establishing and maintaining working relationships with private landowners, NGOs and federal and state resource agencies to coordinate collaborative multi-disciplinary projects. The RCDTC provides a relaxed and collegial work environment. The staff is hard-working and motivated but have fun during the workday – a sense of humor is a required job qualification! |
| Sacramento Valley | California Conservation Corps CCC Energy Corps Fellow City: Sacramento, 95816 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Community Energy Projects / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Education, Project Management Technical: Workforce Development, Policy Analysis / Development | The Fellow will evaluate CCC Energy training and education programs to determine needs based on interviews, observations, and current policies/procedures. They will also assist in public outreach and education, which will involve developing promotional materials, distributing materials to the public and partners, and attending high level meetings with Legislators, sponsors, and community partners. The Fellow will help develop and deliver trainings and classes for Corps members. The fellow also has the opportunity to participate in energy audits and retrofit projects. The fellow has the opportunity to advance the CCC's mission: to protect and enhance California's natural resources and communities while empowering and developing young adults through hard work and education. The CCC and the Energy Program are dedicated to providing a complete package of opportunity for the Fellow. The Fellow will be included in all management meetings or trainings, and staff will support their leadership development goals. They will be trained in EEO as well as in the CCC's Injury and Illness Prevention Policy. The Fellow will get to experience working with brand new employees as well as seasoned civil servants all the way up to the Executive Team. |
| Sacramento Valley | Paradise Recreation and Park District Restore the Ridge – Climate Action to Renew Paradise and Magalia City: Paradise, 94969 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation / Active Transportation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Facilitation Technical: Volunteer Management, Disaster Relief Planning | The Paradise Recreation and Park District has numerous projects and initiatives that would benefit from smart, driven, compassionate, self-directed project leads. Fellows may support the District and its residents through energy/conservation programs and actions, trauma informed programs and actions to improve health outcomes and community-based stewardship, volunteer programs and active transportation and wildfire risk reduction, community outreach, and vegetation management. PRPD will provide guidance but also seek project ownership and direction from the project lead. PRPD will work with Fellows to determine which of the numerous projects and initiatives would provide meaningful work and career growth opportunities. District staff and PRPD's vast network of partners and collaborating entities will support the Fellows' work and success. |
| Sacramento Valley | California State University, Chico Momi nak Sa (Water to Fire): A holistic approach to California native plant revegetation in an urban landscape utilizing Traditional Ecological Knowledge to engage in community education and action in food sovereignty City: Chico, 95929 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Food Justice / Food Recovery, Environmental Justice / Equity | This project will use Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) practices and methods to educate the community on the importance of planting native vegetation in order to foster biodiversity, promote food sovereignty, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This will be accomplished through the use of community education events and the intentional planting of native flora, which support native fauna such as native pollinators. The project incorporates TEK as a means to empower individuals, families, and community groups through climate action, climate education, and community volunteerism / stewardship. Fellows have the opportunity to work closely with the CSU Chico Director of Tribal Relations and tribal and community leaders to incorporate TEK into local climate action and education efforts. Fellows will be paired with graduate mentors to guide them through the summer program and help them achieve their professional and leadership development goals. |
| San Diego | San Diego Green Building Council Building Electrification Outreach City: San Diego, 92130 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Greenhouse gas emission reductions, Building decarbonization, Indoor and outdoor air quality Desired Skills: General: Education, Community Engagement Technical: Building decarbonization and specific strategies for all-electric buildings, Environmental Justice / Equity | Building electrification (BE) replaces fossil fuel powered appliances with ones powered by electricity. Unfortunately, widespread acceptance of BE in the US is currently hampered by people's unfamiliarity with appliances that do not use natural gas. This program will address the challenge as it pertains to public understanding of building electrification technologies including induction cooking, and aims to bring awareness of the many co-benefits that electric appliances can provide. Fellows will work on expanding outreach, especially in communities of concern, and providing opportunities for learning. The San Diego Green Building Council is motivated by a passion for their mission and a deep commitment to furthering their work in the four focus areas of decarbonization, health & wellness, equity and water reuse.The Fellow will work closely with the building electrification project team and the Program Manager, who will hold weekly meetings with Fellows to provide feedback and direction, answer questions, and to create an open space for dialogue. |
| San Diego | Casa Familiar Inc Outreach & Engagement: Residential Land-Planting Initiative to Complement Community Improvements City: SAN YSIDRO, 92173 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Project Management Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Event Planning | Casa Familiar Inc strives to increase the number of trees in San Ysidro, a disadvantaged community along the border region in San Diego, California. One of the ongoing projects in this area is The Cultural Corridor. This project will include two components to address air pollution, climate inequity and community education. The first component will improve access to free trees for community residents in the San Ysidro Historic Village area. The second component will include the development, outreach, and collection of surveys that will serve as a baseline community needs assessment. San Ysidro is very interesting to both live and work because it is the result of generations of binational culture mixing together. Casa Familiar is involved in most aspects of life in San Ysidro whether it through supportive resources, education, programming or arts/culture. Fellows have the opportunity to work across borders, across multiple issue areas, and with a diverse group of stakeholders including the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, State of California, local community members, and more. |
| San Diego | San Diego Audubon Society San Diego Audubon Nature Preserve Fellowship City: San Diego, 92117 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Education Technical: Wildfire prevention, Native and non-native plant species identification | Fellows will assist the resident managers at the Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve and Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary with wildfire risk reduction, native plant restoration, and community and volunteer engagement. Climate Action Corps Fellows will learn the proper use of tools and equipment to execute the job, and the techniques to safely remove non-native weeds and overgrowth to prevent the spread of wildfires in the region. Opportunities for community engagement and education will also be available throughout the fellowship. In the field, fellows will work alongside either one of the resident managers or preserve assistants to ensure they have the support they need to execute their jobs to the best of their abilities. Workdays will include direct oversight from the management team, as well as independent work in the field. In office, fellows will have the support of San Diego Audubon staff, including the Volunteer and Operation Manager, Executive Director, and Conservation and Education teams. |
| San Diego | GRID Alternatives - San Diego Support solar and battery installation for San Diego families City: San Diego, 92102 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Community Energy Projects Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Relationship Management Technical: Construction, Volunteer Management | GRID's Energy For All Program offers single-family and multifamily solar and battery installation services, project development, and technical assistance. For this project, Fellows will work with the Construction team to make solar and storage happen for families who otherwise could not afford it. Fellow activities will include assisting Construction staff at solar and battery storage installations, in staging, loading, and unloading equipment, and with solar workshops and trainings. Fellows will also have administrative and office duties, like helping to maintain Salesforce database records. GRID's culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all team members. GRID San Diego's construction team will work directly with Fellows to provide mentorship and leadership development opportunities. Work will be based on a co-created plan for the Fellows' service period that meets the Fellow's learning goals, as well as GRID's production objectives. Construction team members have extensive backgrounds in providing hands-on experience to individuals, many of whom continue on to careers in the solar industry. |
| San Diego | Mundo Gardens Green Space Food Access & Environmental Justice in South San Diego City: National City, 91950 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Food Waste Recovery Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Community Engagement Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Food Justice / Food Recovery | Mundo Gardens is a non-profit, community garden and social justice organization empowering youth and families throughout San Diego and across borders since 2010. Mundo Gardens works with the community to develop and implement solutions to the issues that impact the social determinants of health. Fellows will work alongside community members and artists to create and maintain green spaces, distribute free trees to the community, and teach community members about reclaiming their health. Fellows have the opportunity to carry on a legacy of climate and social justice champions. Fellows will learn about leadership, Indigenous Peoples and land acknowledgement, and social determinants in health from subject matter experts. Mundo Gardens practices culturally responsive programming and all staff approach their work with a growth mindset. |
| San Diego | Global Action Research Center Facing Climate Change: Building Resiliency through the Creation of Local, Nature-Based, solutions to Climate Change City: San Diego, 92117 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Green Infrastructure Development / Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Project Management Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Event Planning | Ocean View Growing Grounds (OVGG) is a 27,000 square foot lot in a densely populated, low-income community of color. The space has been transformed into a neighborhood health generator and climate justice learning hub. Working with local residents, OVGG is developing models of nature-based solutions to the threats of heat spells, water shortage, and flooding that are affordable and accessible to residents. These models will be used for workshops and to teach others how to create their own solutions. Examples include planting trees and creating more green spaces to reduce heat, developing greywater systems, and growing food with limited space. Global ARC believes that young people are not future leaders, but leaders in action now. Global ARC's goal is to support young and emerging professionals on their journey. Fellows will participate in regular mentoring sessions during which they will work with their mentor(s) to identify learning and professional goals. Specific skills Fellows will gain include conducting action research, developing presentation skills, working in highly diverse settings, and designing and conducting community education campaigns. |
| San Diego | GRID Alternatives you become a member of a diverse, passionate team that is revolutionizing renewable energy for low-income communities throughout the country and beyond. City: San Diego, 92102 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Green Infrastructure Development / Community Energy Projects Desired Skills: General: Education, Community Engagement Technical: Workforce Development, Volunteer Management | The Clean Mobility and Partnerships Fellow will develop public engagement efforts and educate customers about clean mobility, including electric vehicles & charging stations, state/local rebate programs, and workforce development opportunities. The Multifamily Projects Fellow will assist in evaluating residential and community solar potential, determine metrics, kW-dc installed, estimated savings, financing/funding options, GHG reductions. The SOMAH Outreach Fellow will identify, engage, and apply qualifying affordable housing property owners into SOMAH program. In the Workforce Development Department, a Fellow will maintain the volunteer and trainee database, coordinate events, and work with the Communications team to tell stories and connect with the community. Fellows can also work on Outreach or Communications to create partnerships, conduct research, curate social media accounts, and much more. GRID's culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all team members. GRID Alternatives is committed to advancing an equity agenda, creating an inclusive environment, and fostering diversity. Fellows will gain invaluable experience in the solar and non-profit industries to help them consider or launch a renewable energy career, while making significant contributions to GRID and the communities they serve. |
| San Diego | The San Diego Food Bank Work alongside volunteer groups and SDFB staff to glean and package food City: San Diego, 92121 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery / Disaster Response/Green Initiaitive Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Community Engagement Technical: Volunteer Management, Food Justice / Food Recovery | The San Diego Food Bank packages and redistributes over 60 million pounds of food (including over 10 million pounds of fresh produce) to San Diego County annually. Fellows will assist the SD Food Bank team in their mission to maintain a green initiative and become a zero-waste facility. Fellows will compost any food that is no longer fit for consumption, and collaborate on daily volunteer projects that focus on getting food to the community and not the landfill. San Diego is the second largest city in CA and home to the busiest international land border crossing in the world. Having a border and an ocean coastline bring many obstacles and challenges to food distribution. The Fellow will get a backstage look at the Food Bank's operation and how it works. Because the SDFB is a volunteer-based organization, the Fellow will have the chance to learn about volunteer management in addition to food distribution and waste reduction practices. |
| San Diego | CREATE CSSI at UC San Diego STEM Educator Intern Position City: La Jolla, 92093 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation / Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Education, Community Engagement Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Event Planning | The STEM educator position is centered on assisting in the coordination, administration, and planning of programming that provide underserved communities access to STEM with awareness and responsiveness to social and environmental disparities. In addition to developing and carrying out lessons, Fellows will have the opportunity to work with local municipalities and elected officials within disenfranchised communities, as well as the opportunity to work on community projects, such as tree planting and habitat restoration. The CREATE mentorship team will provide mentoring, guidance, and practice with: personal development (i.e. building resumes, personal statements, cover letters, identifying personal interest/motivation), professional development (i.e. social capital, network development, new skills, improving writing/communication), and public engagement (i.e. with diverse community members, elected officials, educators, scientists). |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet Acterra's focus on Clean Energy Access for All through a collaborative planning and strategy summit City: Palo Alto, 94303 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Community Energy Projects / Active Transportation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Facilitation Technical: Event Planning, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration | Acterra's programs seek to build collective action in fighting climate change. Program areas include beneficial electrification, climate-friendly food, and resilience. Acterra equips students, residents, civic leaders, and local businesses with the ability to make informed and thoughtful decisions to create solutions for a healthy planet. Acterra invites community leaders, experts, and philanthropists to a “design sprint” (a collaborative, time-intensive workshop) to design solutions to the issue of unequal access to clean energy. Outcomes include a debrief webinar, working groups on numerous topics, and a summary report for the community. Fellows have the opportunity to learn about sustainability, food policy, and transportation practices in a collaborative, supportive environment. Acterra values honesty, transparency, equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Fellows will gain professional experience working with community organizations, county sustainability departments, foundations, and philanthropies to develop innovative approaches to make clean energy available to all in Silicon Valley. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Civicorps Wildfire Mitigation and Fuel Load Reduction in the East Bay City: Oakland, 94607 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Relationship Management, Project Management Technical: Data / Quantitative Analysis, Workforce Development | Climate Action Fellows will join existing crews of Conservation Interns working around the greater East Bay on fuel abatement, wildfire mitigation, invasive species removal and trail maintenance. While on these projects, Fellows will be trained in tool safety, chainsaw and brush cutter operation, invasive species identification and will be exposed to conservation career pathways. Fellows will receive job training to prepare them for work in environmental fields. Civicorps also prioritizes professional development and mentorship, teaching fellows skills like leadership, teamwork, and punctuality. The Civicorps program model prioritizes wrap-around support for all participants as well as a collaborative, partnership-oriented philosophy. Nearly all Corps members are low-income and come from neighborhoods of concentrated disadvantage. Advancing racial and economic equity is the cornerstone of everything Civicorps does. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Earth Team Earth Team Sustainable Systems Fellowship City: Richmond, 94804 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation / Active Transportation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Research Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Data / Quantitative Analysis | Earth Team's Sustainable Systems Fellowship Program will combine activities from two focus areas: Sustainable Watershed Action Team (SWAT) and Something's In The Air (SITA). SWAT Fellows will participate in data collection, data analysis, and restoration efforts to increase green spaces and improve public lands. Such efforts may include tree planting, creekside habitat restoration, removal of invasive plants, and introducing native vegetation to restore the natural ecosystem functions that clean our water. SITA Fellows will learn about air quality issues, collect data using tools like drone-based air quality monitors, and will be able to better understand and disseminate the impacts of various transportation methods and the use of plastics on climate change. Earth Team staff will work closely with Fellows to build participant-directed environmental action and education projects, allowing for the interests of participants to be included in planned activities. This is a fantastic opportunity for candidates to explore their interests, develop new skills, work closely with other like minded individuals in the Bay Area, and be mentored by passionate Earth Team staff. Fellows can expect close communication and partnership with Earth Team staff, balanced with independence and creative license in their work. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | San Leandro 2050 Air Quality Measurement System development and reporting City: San Leandro, 94577 Placement Type: Remote Project Focus: We will be doing air quality analysis and reporting as well as engaging community in the development of intervention strategies. / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Research, Project Management Technical: Data / Quantitative Analysis, Marketing or Social Media | Fellows will assist San Leandro 2050 in developing an air quality measurement system to identify targeted intervention for GHG emissions and air pollutants. This will involve identifying key hotspots for the worst air quality and emissions in San Leandro, evaluating and researching the most likely sources for these emissions, and developing possible intervention strategies to lower emissions. Fellows will also work on developing a communications strategy to explain emission levels, their dangers and San Leandro 2050's recommendations for mitigation. San Leandro 2050 is an organization where taking initiative, identifying new strategies and out-of-the-box problem-solving are encouraged. They set a high bar and offer as much responsibility as a young contributor wants. Fellows will work with their team to refine a work plan to help them achieve their goals. San Leandro 2050 encourages self-motivated Fellows who want hands-on experience and an opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge to join them this summer! |
| San Francisco Bay Area | San Francisco Conservation Corps Ecojobs Natural Resource Summer Program City: San Francisco, 94124 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation / Food Waste Recovery Desired Skills: General: Facilitation, Education Technical: Workforce Development, Tree Planting / Care | Fellows will learn about basic land management, urban farming, agricultural practices, and invasive/non-invasive plant species. After becoming educated on natural resource objective work assignments, Fellows will collaborate with the San Francisco Conservation Corps (SFCC) Supervisors to lead small service-learning pods, and will learn about new concepts and best land management practices. Fellows can expect 80% of this enriching experience to take place outdoors and 20% in socially-distanced learning environments, such as a well ventilated classroom and multiple greenhouse spaces. Fellows will receive a certificate of completion, job readiness certifications and high school credits. The SFCC can provide underserved youth (16-17 yr olds) and Fellows access to a 60 acre farm, and participating Fellows will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts and mentors. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Gold Ridge RCD Project Development for Climate Mitigation Actions City: Sebastopol, 95472 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation / Disaster Response / Emergency Management Desired Skills: General: Research, Community Engagement Technical: Disaster Relief/Planning, Technical Writing | Gold Ridge RCD is currently collaborating with Sonoma County to update the multi-jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Hazard Mitigation Plan assesses hazard vulnerabilities and identifies mitigation actions the County will pursue in order to reduce the level of injury, property damage, and community disruption that might otherwise result from such events. Fellows will assist Gold Ridge RCD as they add detail, engage with community members, and develop project ideas so that they can more easily be implemented should funding opportunities arise. (https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Long-Range-Plans/Hazard-Mitigation-Update/) The Gold Ridge RCD staff are warm, helpful, respected in their fields, and well-connected. They have a family-like team atmosphere that is supportive, open and respectful. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in planning work and understanding rural communities and agricultural solutions to climate change. Work arrangements on this project are flexible and Fellows can work remotely or in-person. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Presidio Trust Habitat restoration in San Francisco's national parks! City: San Francisco, 94129 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Environmental Justice / Equity | Learn about the plants and animals found in our local creeks, dunes, grasslands, woodlands, and other natural landscapes! Presidio Habitat Stewards help restore and preserve the natural areas of the Presidio, an urban national park located in San Francisco. Fellow activities will include planting, watering, weeding, or spreading mulch alongside Presidio's skilled team of ecologists and biological science professionals. Fellows will also assist park staff in delivering community-based volunteer programs that regularly engage more than 5,400 volunteers each year. Fellows with this program will get a unique opportunity to work side-by-side with expert park staff, who are highly skilled in natural resources management and community engagement. Community engagement is central to the work of the natural resources staff, so the workplace culture is very supportive of learning and sharing. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda Developing a Model Resilience Hub in Alameda, California City: Alameda, 94501 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: community resilience, emergency management, climate change mitigation, and social equity Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Facilitation Technical: Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Environmental Justice / Equity | Resilience Hubs are community-serving facilities augmented to support residents, coordinate communication, distribute resources, and reduce carbon pollution while enhancing quality of life. To ensure that the proposed Resilience Hub meets the needs of the neighborhood, the project team will engage with residents and support them in planning and building the Resilience Hub. Fellows will assist Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) in catalyzing the Resilience Hub at the Makerfarm, work with community members to plan and implement features of the Resilience and help to research alternative models for developing resilient neighborhoods across the City of Alameda. The CASA team will collaborate with Fellows to create a scope of work and timeline for projects, provide guidance and resources for shaping the projects, and provide weekly (or more frequent) project management meetings and team meetings for sharing and mentoring. Fellows have the opportunity to be a part of meaningful climate action projects to reduce Alameda's greenhouse gas emissions, increase quality of life on the island, and build a resilient, thriving city. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Oakland Unified School District Climate Mitigation and Green Technologies City: Oakland, 94608 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Green Infrastructure Development / Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Project Management, Research Technical: Green Infrastructure, Technical Writing | The Fellows will work as part of the Education Programming Team at the OUSD Central Kitchen, Instructional Garden, and Farm. Fellows will focus on three main areas: farm soil regeneration/carbon sequestration, compost education, and grey water systems research and analysis, with the potential for a fourth prong of work in our school gardens/instructional garden. Fellows have the opportunity to learn from the Center Program Team who have extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of public health, waste management, urban agriculture education, and youth program management. There will be opportunities for professional development and technical assistance with OUSD's partners. Fellows will gain knowledge and skills in areas like compost systems, soil regeneration, rain catchment and grey water systems, and much more. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | NorCal Resilience Network Help to Catalyze Resilience Hubs, Spaces and Blocks around Northern CA City: Berkeley, 94706 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Disaster Response / Emergency Management / Urban Greening Desired Skills: General: Research, Community Engagement Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Disaster Relief/Planning | The NorCal Resilience Network created the Resilience Hubs Initiative in response to the urgent need to build resilience in our homes and communities in the wake of the Climate Crisis and social injustice. The Resilience Hubs Initiative's 2021 Leadership Training Cohort is working with community leaders and local governmental agencies to organize a ground-breaking initiative that will prepare community centers and neighborhoods with the critical skills they need to thrive. Fellows will support this initiative by conducting research on topics like wildfires and food justice, supporting outreach efforts, and planning and implementing events and projects. Fellows will have the opportunity to meet NorCal Resilience Network's numerous partners, including community gardens, community centers, places of worship, co-housing, and permaculture centers. The staff will support Fellows and provide opportunities for growth in the areas of community organizing, working with local governments, social media and writing, not to mention hands-on opportunities in permaculture and other climate solutions. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Grassroots Ecology Community-Based Land Stewardship in the Silicon Valley City: Palo Alto, 94303 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation / Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Volunteer Management | The specific project sites that would be the focus of this fellowship include Redwood Grove in Los Altos and Byrne Preserve in Los Altos Hills. Redwood Grove is a suburban park set along Adobe Creek, where Grassroots Ecology Fellows will help restore habitats by removing invasive species and planting biodiverse locally native species. Byrne Preserve is an open space site set in the foothills, where Grassroots Ecology Fellows will be removing flammable invasive plants and encouraging native plants to reestablish. Grassroots Ecology has an informal, collaborative, and supportive culture which encourages all its team members—including staff and fellows—to take part in decision-making and come up with new ways to approach challenges. Fellows will receive extensive hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities focused on land stewardship and watershed conservation. The Site Supervisor will provide a more individualized level of support and mentorship to build on each fellow's strengths, goals, needs, and interests. Additionally, Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in monthly all-staff events designed to develop team members' ecological knowledge and skills in specific areas relevant to their work. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | North Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council Carbon Sequestration through Wildland Grass Production in Fire-Prone Areas City: Santa Rosa, 95406 Placement Type: Remote Project Focus: Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation / Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Volunteer Management, Tree Planting / Care | This project educates and engages the public on the role of vegetation in carbon sequestration, and takes action in re-seeding burned areas near Willits, Mendocino County, with native wildland grasses for a long and lasting impact on GHG emissions. Fellows will assist the North Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council in their volunteer campaign around grassland conservation and grassland seeding that seeks to educate the public living in and near fire areas. Fellows will facilitate summer workshops and seeding days with community volunteers to teach the value of carbon sequestration, plant seeds in burned areas, and collect new grass seed for reseeding projects. This project provides Fellows with an opportunity to develop leadership, team coordination, and project management skills while learning about carbon sequestration and wildfire resilience under an experienced team of conservationists. Fellows will work closely with the Executive Director of Conservation Works for guidance on meeting project goals and objectives. Fellows will also be assigned to a project team for technical and outreach support. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Shore Up Marin City - (fiscal agent, Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership) Water Quality Mitigation Project City: Marin City, 94965 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Community Energy Projects / Our secondary focus is on water quality and the potential water contaminants that residents are exposed to through the consumption of tap water. Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Relationship Management Technical: Environmental Justice / Equity, Marketing or Social Media | This project will address the very real climate, health, and economic strains facing Marin City residents because of unacceptable tap water. AmeriCorps members will be engaged in the following activities to achieve carbon reduction and improve the taste, smell, and overall quality of water being consumed by residents. Fellows will engage community members in an outreach and education campaign. Fellows will also be trained to collect tap water samples. The results of a lab analysis will guide Shore Up Marin City in implementing short- and long-term solutions, such as water filtration systems and replacing aging pipes. This project offers Fellows a chance to make a significant impact in a community that has been disproportionately impacted by both COVID and environmental health challenges. Shore Up Marin City's Executive Director and Director of Outreach and Communications will mentor Fellows as they pursue their professional development goals and engage with the community. Fellows will also have the opportunity to work with Shore Up's cadre of partners, including Audubon CA, County of Marin Dept. of Public Works, Flood District 3, County Parks and Recreation, College of Marin and the Marin City Community Services District. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | White Pony Express Neighbors Helping Neighbors – Saving the Environment & Feeding the Hungry City: Pleasant Hill, 94523 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Research Technical: Marketing or Social Media, Workforce Development | White Pony Express (WPE) is one of the largest food rescue and delivery programs in Northern California. WPE's Food Rescue program meets the challenge that food markets face -- what to do with surplus fresh food -- to solve the problem of hunger. Fellows will support the Food Rescue Program, which involves picking up high-quality surplus food from local grocers, retailers, farmers markets, restaurants, catering companies, test kitchens, and wholesalers and delivering it to over 70+ organizations serving those in need. Fellows will get a firsthand look at WPE's “circle of giving” approach to food rescue and food security. The direct supervisor and the executive director will guide Fellows and teach them about food insecurity and the communities WPE serves. The team will have daily check-ins to ensure everyone has a voice and a space to share and ask questions. |
| San Joaquin Valley | California State University, Fresno Mutual Reinforcements of Climate Action in Fresno and Fresno State City: Fresno, 93740 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Collaboration of Actions / Green Infrastructure Development Desired Skills: General: Relationship Management, Project Management Technical: Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Workforce Development | Each fellow will be placed within a different campus unit, with work aimed to coordinate and enable more impactful, campus-wide greenhouse gas mitigation and climate actions. Fellows' work will be used after the summer to conduct outreach in order to further connect climate action with other intersecting efforts in the Central Valley. Fellows will also have the opportunity to build an intersectional “Campus Climate Action Hub” website to motivate and reinforce future, ongoing coordinated Valley-wide climate action The university has strong youth-leadership in sustainability--on and off campus--which will connect with summer fellow activities. Fellows will also benefit from mentorship and leadership skill development. Additionally, the Office of Organizational Excellence will support virtual “coffee hours'' and “Leadership Lunch & Learns” for individual and team growth and development. Fellows will meet at least once a week as a cohort to review weekly progress plans. |
| San Joaquin Valley | Proteus Inc. Weatherization Installer City: Visalia, 93291 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Community Energy Projects / Energy Conservation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Workforce Development, Energy Conservation | Fellows will perform heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) work. Duties will also include repairing windows and insulating ducts, performing energy audits, and advising customers on energy conservation measures. This mentorship program will provide you with the hands-on skills needed to perform energy efficiency services. As a community-based organization and service provider, Proteus seeks to lead by matching Fellows with a mentor that will teach them the skills they need to perform energy conservation work. Proteus invests in their employees and will provide Fellows with tools to succeed on the job, including training opportunities. |
| San Joaquin Valley | University of California, Merced Bobcat Eats Food Waste Awareness and Prevention Program City: Merced, 95343 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Food Waste Recovery Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Relationship Management Technical: Food Justice / Food Recovery, Environmental Justice / Equity | The Bobcat Eats Food Waste Awareness and Prevention Program aims to reduce food waste at the Merced County Food Bank and to feed the community. The program has several elements, including the Bobcat Eats Food Network, which works to reduce food from local farms; the No Food Left Behind text messaging service at UC Merced that connects the community to events that might have food leftover; The People's Fridge, a community fridge open to all; the Pop-Up People's Pantry; and contactless food box deliveries for Merced residents. The UCM Office of Sustainability creates and institutionalizes an ever-evolving collection of sustained, supported, and meaningful projects and actions that develop resiliency and create practical lasting solutions. The workplace culture is results-oriented, and staff value collaborative efforts to build sustainability into every aspect of campus. Fellows will benefit from conducting hands-on work with experts that are willing to foster leadership development and mentoring. |
| San Joaquin Valley | Inside Out Community Garden Heal a Community through Engagement and Education City: Fresno, 93706 Placement Type: Both Project Focus: Urban Greening / food justice Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Facilitation Technical: Volunteer Management, Food Justice / Food Recovery | The objective of the Inside Out Community Garden is to heal through education, community participation, and building healthy eating habits while combating food injustice. Fellows will plant drought-resistant and edible foliage to lower greenhouse gas emissions and bring beauty to the community. Southwest Fresno is a community rich in culture and potential, making it an amazing place to learn cultural competency and respect. Fellows will have the opportunity to gain practical experience from Inside Out's mentorship and leadership team, who will challenge fellows to think creatively about community engagement. The community center serves a diverse population and provides an opportunity for candidates looking to bridge social and health gaps. |
| San Joaquin Valley | Central California Environmental Justice Network Greener Fresno: Engaging Fresno youth in mapping areas for tree planting efforts City: Fresno, 93727 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Urban Greening / Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Environmental Justice / Equity | This project will design and implement a participatory process that will engage Fresno youth in a series of activities where they will: a) Learn about Environmental Justice and Climate Change; b) Participate in the development and implementation of creative strategies to solicit feedback and compile a tree planting plan based on responses from Fresno residents of areas impacted by air pollution c) Participate in the development and implementation of educational materials and interventions to educate residents on ways to mitigate climate change impacts and reduce their carbon footprint; d) Develop a contest or activity to encourage Fresno youth to track their climate actions. CCEJN is a leader in the environmental justice movement in the Central Valley. Working with them will give Fellows the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from environmental justice communities, interact with key decision makers at the local, regional and state level and be part of the creation of pioneer programs that will improve the quality of life of South-Central Fresno residents. The CCEJN team is committed to work for and with residents of disadvantaged communities to help advance the priorities that these communities identified. All CCEJN staff members are people of color who have trusted relations with community members and who care deeply for their wellbeing. |
| Sierra Nevada | Sierra Nevada Alliance Lake Tahoe Ambassadors City: South Lake Tahoe, 96150 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Community Energy Projects / Active Transportation Desired Skills: General: Community Engagement, Education Technical: Volunteer Management, Marketing or Social Media | The Lake Tahoe Ambassadors Program will train and place students at highly visited locations in Lake Tahoe, to supplement the limited park ranger and enforcement staff, while also educating visitors to help fulfill local Climate Action Plan education strategies. Ambassadors will interact with visitors and share knowledge about the specific site, the environmental sensitivities of Tahoe, and climate change impacts and solutions as they relate to sustainability and waste reduction. Ambassadors will collect and report metrics, including tracking their interactions and general experiences with visitors, using a specifically designed app. SNA will provide mentorship and leadership development for the Fellows by collaborating with community, academic partners, and existing workforce development program infrastructure to provide ample structured professional development opportunities throughout the service term. The Alliance workplace culture is professional, youthful, and fun! Communication is open and available via the use of technology apps employed and the general culture that exists. |
| Sierra Nevada | Sierra Nevada Alliance Sierra Nevada Forest Resiliency Projects City: South Lake Tahoe, 96150 Placement Type: Onsite Project Focus: Wildfire Prevention and/or Mitigation / Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation Desired Skills: General: Research, Education Technical: Tree Planting / Care, Data / Quantitative Analysis | Two Fellows will serve with the Feather River RCD working alongside RCD Forestry Technicians, primarily on vegetation management projects. Projects include Aspen release (thinning encroaching conifers), meadow restoration, forest health and fuels reduction thinning and piling, riparian native planting and plant protection. Five Fellows will serve with The Inyo National Forest helping with prepping treatment units for forest restoration and fuels reduction. Fellows can also help develop outreach and educational materials for forest restoration work, in particular around prescribed fire. Both the Feather River RCD and the Inyo National Forest have proven track records as host sites working with SNA staff. In addition to learning about forest restoration and management, Fellows have the opportunity to be involved with projects that will help grow capacity in the rural Sierra for the future of Climate Corps. The Alliance workplace culture is youthful, professional, fun, and connected! |
