Climate Action Fellow

Project summary

The California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is part of a statewide initiative to address and mitigate the effects of climate change. CCAC matches Fellows with organizations to mobilize community members to take direct climate action through education, volunteer mobilization, and assessment focused on urban greening, organic waste diversion and edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders.

Opportunity description

Embark on a transformative journey with Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and the City of Pasadena to tackle climate resilience, education, and environmental justice. Dive into urban greening initiatives on school campuses and lead organic waste and edible food recovery projects, addressing critical needs such as heat island effect, food scarcity, and food waste reduction. Through hands-on engagement and volunteerism, Climate Action Fellows will empower communities, drive climate action, and cultivate real-world skills, all while contributing to a sustainable future. Fellows will split their time between school-based projects and collaborating with the City of Pasadena, gaining valuable experience with diverse stakeholders and environments. In partnership with the city, Fellows will conduct organic waste audits to enhance diversion efforts and educate the community to reduce organic waste in landfills. Overall, Fellows will organize climate action events, educate youth, and evaluate project impact to engage our communities in climate mitigation and community resilience. Duties include, but are not limited to: Spearhead urban greening, food waste reduction, and edible food recovery projects at schools and parks, designing, implementing, and mobilizing community engagement to drive awareness and climate action. Coordinate volunteer recruitment and training to build robust support for climate action projects, such as tree and native vegetation plantings, food recovery events, and composting programs at local schools and within the community. Conduct educational outreach to promote the City's organics recycling program - including organic waste audits - to advocate for proper food scrap collection, prevent contamination, and encourage community engagemen.t Facilitate and promote community compost hubs in gardens and parks citywide and inspire backyard composting, encouraging resident participation through monthly compost workshops and free compost bin promotions. Develop native plant gardens at local schools, facilitate native plant and composting lessons and community workshops, assist students in seed collection and planting, and lead school shade audits with students for urban greening initiatives.

Benefits

• $33,600 stipend
• $10,000 education award
• 340 hours of professional development
• Minimum essential healthcare
• Loan forbearance
• Food and childcare assistance (for those eligible)