Get Involved with the American Climate Corps
- In September 2023, the Biden Administration announced the launch of the American Climate Corps (ACC), a workforce training and service initiative.
- In December 2023, the Administration announced a memorandum of understanding among seven federal agencies tasked with implementing the ACC.
- In April 2024, the Administration launched ACC.gov / ClimateCorps.gov – an online hub for people to learn about the ACC and apply to positions.
–––––
Established in 1985, The Corps Network is the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps. We proudly represent more than 150 Corps programs across the country. With our decades of experience in Corps operations, we are excited to work with our federal partners to help implement the ACC and connect individuals to Corps service and job opportunities.
–––––
American Climate Corps News
April 2024 – ACC.gov launches and White House announces career development opportunities for ACC members
March 2024 – Logo for the American Climate Corps is released
February 12, 2024 – Working Lands Climate Corps Announcement
December 19, 2023 – American Climate Corps Announcement from White House
September 20, 2023 – White House Launches American Climate Corps
American Climate Corps FAQ
What is the American Climate Corps?
Launched by the Biden Administration in September 2023, the American Climate Corps (ACC) is a “workforce training and service initiative that will prepare tens of thousands of young people for good-paying jobs in the clean economy.” The White House envisions that the ACC will mobilize more than 20,000 participants in its first year to do critical projects like strengthening community resilience to natural disasters, restoring America’s lands and waters, deploying clean energy technologies, addressing environmental injustice, and more. Through completing conservation and climate resilience work, ACC members will earn certifications and build skills on the path to high-quality jobs in the clean energy and climate resilience economy.
In short:
Led by the federal government, the ACC is an initiative that seeks to put young Americans to work on conservation and climate resilience projects and train them for green jobs.
What’s the latest news on the American Climate Corps?
January 2021
Issued within a week of taking office, President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad calls for the creation of a “Civilian Climate Corps” to “mobilize the next generation of conservation and resilience workers and maximize the creation of accessible training opportunities and good jobs.”
September 2023
The Biden Administration officially launches the American Climate Corps on September 20. See The Corps Network’s response. Among other news, the White House…
- Calls on “Tribal, State, and local governments, labor unions, nonprofit service allies, the private sector, and philanthropy to collaborate with the federal government to expand skills-based training partnerships to ensure our nation has the workforce necessary to meet our climate goals.”
- Launches an American Climate Corps webpage where interested parties can sign up to learn more.
December 2023
The Biden Administration makes a series of American Climate Corps announcements on December 19. Among other news, the White House…
- Announces a series of virtual listening sessions in January – February 2024 to hear from the public about their American Climate Corps priorities.
- Announces the signing of a memorandum of understanding among seven federal agencies tasked with implementing the American Climate Corps. The MOU defines core principles for the ACC.
Spring 2024
On Earth Day (April 22), the government launched ClimateCorps.gov – a new website where people can apply to American Climate Corps positions. The White House also made several ACC announcements:
- The ACC is partnering with North America’s Building Trades Unions’ nonprofit partner TradesFutures. Beginning summer 2024, every American Climate Corps member will have access to TradesFutures’ industry leading apprenticeship readiness curriculum during their term of service in the American Climate Corps.
- American Climate Corps members will have access to a streamlined pathway into federal service after a recent update to modernize the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Pathways Programs.
- As of April 22, three states – Vermont, New Mexico, and Illinois – announced the launch of new state-based climate corps programs, building on 10 existing states that have already launched successful climate corps programs.
- The President announced a new interagency public private partnership to launch Energy Communities AmeriCorps, which will place American Climate Corps members in energy communities across the country to support projects in communities that have powered our nation for generations.
Summer 2024
Per the White House’s December 19 American Climate Corps announcement, this is the target timeframe for when the Biden Administration hopes to finish enrolling the first American Climate Corps members and put them to work addressing and conservation, clean energy, environmental justice, and climate resilience projects.
How can I get involved with the American Climate Corps?
Work/Serve:
Visit ClimateCorps.gov to find positions. You can also search The Corps Network’s Jobs at Corps page for additional open opportunities at Service and Conservation Corps across the country.