TRIANGLE, VA – Today, the Biden Administration made several announcements related to the American Climate Corps (ACC), including the launch of nearly 2,000 positions in the ACC that are accepting applications.
Highlights from the announcement include:
- There is a new website and application portal for the 2,000 open positions. The positions are hosted by hundreds of organizations across 36 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Available positions involve a variety of work in conservation, climate resilience and clean energy, such as forestry technician, trail crew, and cultural resource management. The website will continue to update with new positions over time.
- The Administration also announced career pathway opportunities for ACC members through access to TradesFutures curriculum while serving in the corps and newly expanded eligibility for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Pathways Programs.
- Illinois, New Mexico, and Vermont are launching state-based climate corps programs, which will coordinate with the ACC.
In response, Outdoors Alliance for Kids members released the following statements:
“The American Climate Corps is reinvigorating youth involvement in climate and corps work by providing thousands of new opportunities to earn a living protecting our planet. That these wide-ranging opportunities are happening in their backyards to address the climate issues impacting them directly will only make the program more accessible and relevant to our young people,” said Jackie Ostfeld, Co-founder and Chair of OAK, and Campaign Director of Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All. “This is a timely announcement from the White House as our economy continues to rebound and youth around the nation make plans for the summer. The ACC will be a chance for many of them to spend the summer outdoors while opening pathways to long-term careers in the conservation and climate sectors.”
“As a national nonprofit focused on creating more equitable access to play infrastructure for children and their families, KABOOM! recognizes the importance of having a trained workforce that is ready to build and maintain that outdoor recreation infrastructure. The American Climate Corps will help do that by generating both interest and opportunities for young people, especially those coming from low-income communities of color, through national service. National service has been proven to help generate talent pipelines, provide learning opportunities, and encourage young people to be more civically engaged. I’m proud to support this program and thank President Biden for his leadership in making the American Climate Corps a reality,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!.
“We are thrilled by the launch of ClimateCorps.gov and the announcement of more than 2,000 climate corps job opportunities. This initiative offers young people meaningful ways to help tackle the climate crisis, participate in community resiliency projects, and contribute to a more just and sustainable future, all while gaining critical knowledge and skills,” said Judy Braus, Executive Director, North American Association for Environmental Education.
“The Corps Network celebrates the launch of ClimateCorps.gov and the opportunity for young Americans to now officially apply to join the American Climate Corps (ACC),” said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President & CEO of The Corps Network. “I am grateful to The Corps Network’s membership of more than 150 Corps programs across the country that have spent decades engaging young people in conservation service and laying the groundwork for a national Climate Corps initiative. We thank the Biden Administration for quickly developing a central hub where the young adults of our country that want to make an impact on our climate future can take the first step towards green careers. Along with our member organizations, we look forward to working with the Biden Administration on implementation of the ACC.”
“The Student Conservation Association has even more reason to be excited this Earth Day following the announcement that the American Climate Corps is now accepting applications! Thousands of open positions are available across the country, including several with our organization,” said SCA President and CEO Lidia Soto-Harmon. “We stand at the ready to help young people and communities build a more a more equitable, sustainable future through service and hands-on job training. We look forward to the future generation of conservation leaders becoming part of this groundbreaking movement by joining the fight against climate change. With the American Climate Corps, we are moving towards a cleaner, brighter future, together.
Contact: Natasha Blakely, natasha.blakely@sierraclub.org
About the Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK)
OAK is a national strategic partnership of organizations from diverse sectors with a common interest in connecting children, youth, and families with the outdoors. The members of OAK are brought together by the belief that the wellness of current and future generations, the health of our planet and communities and the economy of the future depend on humans having a personal, direct, and life-long relationship with nature and the outdoors. OAK brings together more than 100 businesses and organizations to address the growing divide between children, youth, and the outdoors. http://www.outdoorsallianceforkids.org
