Lake Elsinore-Area Residents Invited To Apply For Climate Fellowship

LAKE ELSINORE-WILDOMAR, CA — Lake Elsinore and Wildomar residents interested in engaging in climate action in the Inland Empire have an opportunity to apply for a unique state program that pays a stipend of up to $30,000 and includes health benefits and education funding.

Applications are now being accepted for the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship. The program seeks 115 fellows to become full-time AmeriCorps members — either a two-month summer term or an 11-month term that runs Sept. 19, 2022, through Aug. 17, 2023.

"California Volunteers’ California Climate Action Corps Fellowship leverages the power of AmeriCorps to advance climate actions that engage community members, cultivate change, and leave a lasting impact," according to the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor's website that explains the program.

Selected fellows will be placed with partner organizations and will help organize community climate action projects. The fellows will serve with a public agency, tribe, nonprofit, or school "committed to engaging their community in climate action focused on urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency," according to the website.

Target regions for the program include Butte and surrounding Northern California counties, Oakland, San Jose, Central Valley, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, San Diego, and tribal communities, according to the website.

California Climate Action Corps fellows will receive professional development opportunities, training and climate-related certifications, the website states.

Benefits include a $30,000 living allowance (before taxes) spread over 11 months; a $10,000 combined Segal Education Award and California For All Education Award (upon completion of the 11-month service); SNAP (Food Stamps) — for those eligible; forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and payment of interest accrued during service; health insurance; and child care assistance (for qualifying fellows) paid to an eligible provider of fellow's choice.

Requirements include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, ability to pass state and federal background checks, be at least 18 years of age, live in California, and hold an associate's degree or higher, and/or have relevant experience. (See the full requirements list here.)

Read more about the 2022-23 fellowship and apply here. Fellowship positions are open until slots are filled.

For more information about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov.