Michigan Climate Corps

Welcome to the Michigan Climate Corps, an innovative initiative at the forefront of climate intervention and environmental resilience across Michigan. We're on a mission to empower communities and individuals throughout the state to actively forge a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. Our unique collaboration of diverse partners and AmeriCorps programs offers Michiganders an exciting platform to participate in critical climate strategies, champion environmental justice, and carve out green service-to-career pathways. Join us in our commitment to making a tangible impact on Michigan’s environment and discover your role in shaping a greener, healthier state. 

Benefits of joining the Michigan Climate Corps as an AmeriCorps member:

• Get paid to tackle the climate crisis through part-time or full-time opportunities.
• Launch your career on a path to high-quality, good-paying opportunities.
• Access training that will help you gain skills and knowledge for a career in the clean energy and climate-resilience economy.
• Serve in an opportunity that is term limited (term lengths usually between three months and one year, with opportunities to serve multiple terms).

View a map of Michigan Climate Corps programs

What is the MI Climate Corps Network? 

The Michigan Climate Corps Network represents a coordinated, collaborative, service-based approach to climate intervention. The Michigan Climate Corps Network is led by the Michigan Community Service Commission within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and in partnership with the Michigan Department of Great Lakes and Energy’s Office of Climate and Energy. Together, the Network is leveraging federal, state, local, and private resources, and diverse partnerships to increase Michigan’s climate resiliency by: 

• Prioritizing resources in Environmental Justice communities, where those who are least responsible for climate change bear the greatest burdens and have the fewest resources to address their diverse needs.
• Increasing the capacity of local communities to develop and implement individualized climate adaptation and mitigation strategies aligned with the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
• Training young people in clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience, and creating and expanding pathways into green jobs through workforce development and training, apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship programs. 
• Coordinating a statewide network of climate stakeholders - federal, state, and local governments, nonprofits, universities, businesses, labor organizations, and local communities - to facilitate collaboration, share trends and best practices, and leverage our collective influence and resources to positively impact Michigan’s climate future. 

The Michigan Community Service Commission’s (MCSC) launch of the Michigan Climate Corps Network and the State’s commitment to climate action has positioned Michigan as a national leader in climate intervention and workforce development. The Network supports Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan commitment to achieving 100% carbon neutrality in Michigan by 2050, and advances President Joe Biden’s National Climate Resiliency Framework, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and American Climate Corps Executive Order. Michigan’s Climate Corps AmeriCorps programs are implementing partners of the American Climate Corps.

How do I join the MI Climate Corps? 

Michigan’s Climate Corps programs recruit AmeriCorps members at various times throughout the year. To view all open Climate Corps positions nationwide, including those in Michigan, visit www.acc.gov. Read a summary of each MI Climate Corps program below, and click the link to learn more, contact the program directly, or apply to be an AmeriCorps member.

View Open Positions

The Michigan Community Service Commission has funded eight diverse and impactful AmeriCorps programs across the state, each with its unique approach to climate intervention. Michigan AmeriCorps programs are regularly recruiting host sites and AmeriCorps members to participate in the Michigan Climate Corps. Get in touch with them today using the links below.  

What are the benefits of joining the MI Climate Corps?

Serving as an AmeriCorps member in Michigan's Climate Corps is a profoundly enriching and impactful journey. Our members lead the way in climate action, embarking on projects that foster environmental sustainability and bolster community resilience. They're instrumental in serving Environmental Justice communities and play a pivotal role in ensuring equitable climate solutions. This experience not only nurtures Michigan's environment but also offers personal and professional growth, instilling a deep sense of accomplishment and community spirit. 

Individuals serving in the MI Climate Corps also receive a variety of AmeriCorps benefits including living stipends (amounts set by each AmeriCorps program), Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards, professional development and training, and connection to the national AmeriCorps network. Some AmeriCorps member may receive federal hiring preference and access to American Climate Corps benefits.

What are the benefits of hosting a MI Climate Corps member?

For nonprofits and local governments, becoming a Host Site in the Michigan Climate Corps is an extraordinary chance to contribute directly to climate resilience and environmental stewardship. Passionate, skilled AmeriCorps members are placed at Host Sites for three months to one year where they tackle climate-related projects with innovation and energy. Nonprofits and public agencies benefit from the skills and increased capacity delivered by AmeriCorps members. This collaboration magnifies the Host Site’s environmental impact and strengthens their community network. By joining us, Host Sites shape a sustainable future while benefiting from the fresh perspectives and dedicated service of AmeriCorps members. 

What AmeriCorps programs are part of the MI Climate Corps Network?

By summer 2024, over 200 AmeriCorps members will be engaged in direct climate action and environmental conservation through AmeriCorps programs within the Michigan Climate Corps Network. Our AmeriCorps members will be at the heart of transformative service activities, including clean energy initiatives, land and water conservation, forestry management, green job workforce development, disaster prevention, community planning and engagement, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, and much more. 

Ann Arbor Climate Corps

The Ann Arbor Climate Corps (A2C2) supports Ann Arbor's A2Zero plan, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. Starting in October 2023, ten AmeriCorps members began serving with A2C2 to focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and climate resiliency, particularly in Environmental Justice communities. Member activities enhance neighborhood-focused decarbonization, education, sustainable practices, and public land stewardship.Learn More or contact Maggie Halpern at mhalpern@a2gov.org.

AmeriCorps Climate R.E.A.D.Y.

The AmeriCorps Climate R.E.A.D.Y. (Recreation, Education, Awareness, Demonstration, and Youth) Program at Wayne State University is an opportunity for individuals (ages 18+) to engage in outdoor recreation and the natural environment, while supporting climate resiliency. Launched in 2022, AmeriCorps Climate R.E.A.D.Y. (ACR) engages AmeriCorps members in southeast Michigan, focusing on environmental hazards, energy efficiency, outreach and education, and green infrastructure. Supported by numerous partners, the program aims to create healthier, stronger communities through education and direct climate interventions. Learn more or contact Deandra Smith at dsmith.climateready@gmail.com.

MI Healthy Climate Corps

The MI Healthy Climate Corps (MHCC), operated by the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) in partnership with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM), offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to Michigan’s climate goals. Beginning in early 2024, 30 AmeriCorps members will be placed in host sites across the state to collaborate on projects aligned with Governor Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. MHCC members will be placed in communities across the state to develop and implement individual climate intervention strategies. Learn More or contact Angel Squalls at squalls@cedamichigan.org.

YouthWork Climate Corps and Conservation Corps

YouthWork empowers young adults with job skills and experience and prepares them for careers in environmental conservation, sustainable skilled trades, and climate intervention. YouthWork prepares the next generation of stewards, emphasizing green jobs and prioritizing underserved youth and communities. The program has been recognized for its impact, receiving awards like the National Project of the Year from The Corps Network and the 2023 Governor’s Service Award for National Service Impact. Member activities focus on climate intervention and environmental conservation activities, including habitat and waterway restoration, climate adaptation, trail building, and historic and cultural preservation. Learn more or contact Mary Williams at mwilliams@CFS3L.org.

Huron Pines AmeriCorps

Operational since 2007, focuses on enhancing Michigan's natural resources and fostering environmental stewardship. Members engage local volunteers, community groups, and schools in service projects, hands-on learning opportunities, and educational workshops. The program has made significant achievements, including restoring over 1,000 miles of river, improving over 22,000 acres of public land, and connecting over 73,500 students with environmental education and stewardship opportunities.  Learn more or contact Amanda Vanaman at amanda@huronpines.org.

Michigan Sustainable Business Forum AmeriCorps

MCSC has awarded MI Sustainable Business Forum a planning grant to develop an AmeriCorps program where members will connect K-12 schools across Michigan with business leaders and mentors to address a gap in sustainability education and public participation in education. The relationships fostered in this project will encourage student sustainability learning and community engagement while equitably addressing environmental and social justice issues. Planning grant activities will focus on exploring national service as a solution, designing a strategy to engage AmeriCorps programming and writing any necessary applications to access AmeriCorps resources. Learn more or contact Rose Spickler at rspickler@misbf.org.

SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers AmeriCorps Program 

Also in the planning phases, SEEDS is developing a scalable, replicable model to provide staffing support to rural Michigan communities and organizations. AmeriCorps members will be placed at host sites in nonprofit and community development organizations to help them build capacity to develop community and organization wide climate action targets. AmeriCorps members will engage host sites and communities in developing implementation plans and gathering the data necessary to track progress against their climate action goals. Learn more or contact Sarna Salzman, Executive Director, at sarna@ecoseeds.org.

Central Michigan University Rural Resiliency Corps

Currently in its planning phase, this program will place members in rural municipalities and nonprofits, focusing on climate resilience activities such as capacity building, climate action plan development, and educational outreach. Members will also receive professional development, preparing them for green careers. Learn more or contact Matt Liesch, Program Director, at liesc1me@cmich.edu.

How else can I be involved? 

Are you a business, public agency, labor organization, educator, or nonprofit seeking innovative ways to contribute to climate action? The Michigan Climate Corps offers diverse partnership opportunities beyond being an AmeriCorps member or Host Site. Collaborations can range from environmental projects to community outreach, offering a platform for your organization to make a significant impact.

Engage with us to have Climate Corps programs undertake impactful projects that align with your corporate social responsibility goals.

Sponsor a project or program, or donate to support our initiatives, providing crucial resources for our efforts.

Participate in MI Climate Corps Network meetings to share resources, information, best practices, and opportunities.

Partner with the Network or individual programs to offer training, workforce development, job placement, or career coaching to AmeriCorps members.

Let's work together to create sustainable solutions for Michigan's environment and communities. Reach out to explore how your organization can join this exciting movement! 

MI Climate Corps General Contact: Amanda Scott, AmeriCorps Program Officer for Michigan’s Climate Corps, at scotta35@michigan.gov.