Garden Education 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

In collaboration with Leah's Pantry, Climate Action Fellows lead the charge in engaging 5,000 elementary school students, teachers, families, and neighbors within the city 's Promise in our Thriving 30 School Garden Equity Initiative. Fellows will spearhead diverse urban greening initiatives, including tree planting, composting, and school garden installations, while delivering vital garden-based education on horticulture, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Leading the design, creation, and maintenance of school gardens, Fellows will cultivate relationships and advance initiatives to combat climate change and enhance community resilience. By empowering communities to actively participate in their local food systems and reducing waste, Fellows will foster healthier, more sustainable neighborhoods, creating a lasting impact on both the environment and society. Duties include, but are not limited to: Engage students, teachers, staff, families, and community volunteers in developing and maintaining school gardens, conducting food waste reduction and recovery activities. Teach various climate-friendly gardening, nutrition, and cooking workshops, incorporating various school subjects, with a focus on student-centered, culturally responsive, hands-on instruction and social-emotional learning. Conduct school garden maintenance activities to enhance soil health, productivity, and vitality. Actively participate in the school community, attending meetings and events as appropriate, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to plan and execute special events, theme days, and special programs such as Café to Compost. Incorporate trauma-informed strategies into instruction and outdoor classroom management with a willingness to think critically about established practices and adapt new methods.

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)