Seeking next generation of climate leaders

Seeking next generation of climate leaders to join the first cohort of the Michigan Healthy Climate Corps Program!

Apply by Jan. 21 to start your career as a climate professional and help accelerate climate action in Michigan

Note: This corrected version of a Jan. 8 release fixes an incorrectly reported stipend amount for MI Healthy Climate Corps members. The correct monthly stipend amount of $3,000 adds up to $24,000 for eight months.

Are you or someone you know interested in supporting climate action and exploring a future in Michigan’s growing climate and clean energy economy? The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy (OCE) is excited to announce the job openings for the state’s first ever MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Corps for 2024!

The MHC Corps will field a cohort of 30 AmeriCorps members who will provide critical support to communities tackling climate change starting in March 2024. These AmeriCorps members will work to advance the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP) through implementation of targeted climate action projects in state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, universities, and businesses in Michigan. The MHC Corps is a new effort aimed at developing an enduring, capable network of climate professionals committed to their communities and a sustainable future for Michigan.

“This is an exciting new chapter in Michigan’s effort to assist communities, businesses, and all Michiganders with the knowledge and tools necessary to fully engage with climate mitigation and resilience work,” said Phil Roos, EGLE director. “These leaders will be ‘boots on the ground’ to help really dig into the best strategies to help meet the state’s climate goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”

The following organizations are recruiting a climate corps member:

Antrim Conservation District Calvin University City of Detroit City of East Lansing City of Eastpointe City of Kalamazoo City of Lansing City of River Rouge Clean Fuels Michigan Detroit 2030 District Detroit Future City East Bay Charter Township Everly Collective Lansing Board of Water and Light Let’s Grow Michigan Marquette County Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Public Lands Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Climate and Health Adaptation Program EGLE’s OCE Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Worker and Community Economic Transition Michigan Energy Options Michigan Saves Northeast Michigan Council of Governments Oakland County Regional Transit Authority of SE Michigan SEEDS Ecology and Education Center Spartan Housing Cooperative Superior Watershed Partnership Transportation Riders United Village of Elk Rapids West Michigan Environmental Action Council Washtenaw County

Projects will be tailored to the organization and community in which the MHC Corps member serves. Examples of potential projects include:

• Connecting residents to clean energy or energy efficiency programs and funding opportunities,
• Supporting your community in accessing clean public transit and bicycle friendly infrastructure,
• Activating recycling or composting programs in your community,
• Researching and assessing opportunities to advance environmental justice, and
• Developing plans for climate resiliency and implementing adaptation measures in your community.

As a member of the MHC Corps, in addition to providing capacity to support climate action, you will:

• Receive a $24,000 stipend for the program’s initial eight-month term and travel, lodging, and meal support for select in person events.
• Receive an education award to use towards loans or future education expenses.
• Receive healthcare benefits, including dental, vision, and mental health supports.
• Become eligible for AmeriCorps child care assistance.
• Be granted free admission to EGLE’s annual MI Healthy Climate Conference.
• Participate in fellowship building and receive trainings and professional development opportunities.

We encourage all those who are interested to apply, especially individuals from historically underserved communities and those on the frontline of climate impacts. Individuals must be 18 years old to serve; no degree or formal work experience is required. The start date is March 18, 2024, and the service term runs through November 15, 2024.

Applications are due January 21, 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit MiHealthyClimateCorps.org/become-a-member.

A second cohort is planned to begin an 11-month term starting in September 2024. In future years, the MHC Corps will expand to offer additional opportunities throughout the state.

Additional background on the MI Healthy Climate Corps: The MHC Corps is a new workforce program focused on advancing and reaching MI Healthy Climate Plan goals, building capacity in communities across the state, and helping guide federal and state resources. The MHC Corps was launched by EGLE’s OCE in partnership with the Michigan Community Service Commission and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. The MHC Corps kicked off in August 2023 with support from the Fiscal Year 2024 budget that included $2.1 million in federal and state funding over two years to support the MHC Corps.