Colorado Climate Corps (CCC) is a multi-pronged strategy to address climate change and advance the Governor’s bold goal of moving Colorado’s electric grid to 100% renewable sources by 2040 and protecting the environment for future generations, by any of the following:
- Providing critical capacity and support to local governments, especially county commissions, to develop and execute climate action plans and/or projects;
- Building upon and expanding existing conservation and youth corps to do hands-on projects, including wildfire and flood mitigation;
- Implementing additional environment and energy projects with nonprofits, higher education, Tribes, and local or state government that accelerate the adoption of clean, renewable resources and energy efficiency, advance electrification efforts in our transportation sector, mitigate against droughts, floods, and wildfires, and ensure the conservation of our public lands and wildlife.
Colorado Climate Corps is a collaboration with the Colorado Interagency Climate Team. In collaboration with the Colorado Interagency Climate Team, Colorado Youth Corps Association placed the first 633 AmeriCorps members of the Climate Corps on the ground in 2022. These first members focused on wildfire mitigation and water & energy efficiency.
With the addition of CivicSpark, the reach of the Colorado Climate Corps expanded to include members supporting local governments and nonprofits in planning for and addressing sustainability and climate change issues. Serve Colorado is working with additional partners to expand Climate Corps that will create a holistic approach to addressing climate change in Colorado.
American Climate Corps
Launched in 2022, the American Climate Corps (ACC) will empower a new, diverse generation to tackle two of the greatest challenges of our time: environmental injustice and climate change. We are creating a world in which individuals are equipped with the career training and hands-on skills to make change — change we can breathe, see, feel, and touch. And where together, we have the power to reimagine and reorient the course of our lives, our communities, our country, and our planet.
Youth Corps for Colorado/Colorado Climate Corps
Programs of Colorado Youth Corps Associations, Youth Conservation and Colorado Climate Corps members protect and conserve our outdoor spaces by doing trail conservation, wildfire mitigation, and weatherizing homes with energy efficient appliances.
Program Manager Contact Information: Caley Ford, cford@cyca.org
CivicSpark
CivicSpark builds capacity and resilience to address climate change at the local level. AmeriCorps members support organizations and local government agencies to address community resilience issues. Initiatives include:
◊ Educating communities about climate change
◊ Developing and implementing community sustainability plans
◊ Conducting electric vehicle readiness planning
◊ Updating drought contingency plans
Additionally, this program will aim to create a pipeline of diverse future leaders.
Program Manager Contact Information: Bill Sadler, bill@civicsparkfellowship.org
CSU Extension 4-H STEM Initiative
Spark an interest in STEM by providing in and out of school programming for underserved students and at-risk youth.
Program Manager Contact Information: Melinda Macpherson, melinda.macpherson@colostate.edu
Environmental Education Corps
A program of Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education. AmeriCorps members increase environmental literacy for PreK-12 students by expanding the reach and impact of environmental education programs at schools and other partners.
Program Manager Contact Information: Erin Dreps, erindreps@caee.org
Mountain Roots Healthy Futures
A program of Mountain Roots Food Project. AmeriCorps members improve food security and nutrition in underserved communities by providing education, expanding access to local food, and addressing capacity issues.
Program Manager Contact Information: healthyfutures@mountainrootsfoodproject.org
Farmer in Training
The Farmer in Training (FIT) Program is a partnership with Fort Lewis College’s Old Fort Farmer in Training Program and United Way of Southwest Colorado's TeamUp AmeriCorps. FIT AmeriCorps members gain hands-on experience growing vegetables at high elevation. Through field work,classes, and field trips, the FIT program provides a strong foundation for aspiring and beginning farmers. Members also participate in additional projects and tasks aimed at expanding the Old Fort and partner agencies’ food security initiatives.
Program Manager Contact Information: alh@unitedway-swco.org
Volunteer Generation Fund
Serve Colorado was awarded an AmeriCorps Volunteer Generation Fund grant, expanding our capacity to increase youth engagement in environmental projects in 2023 and beyond! The grant will partner with identified local nonprofits to maintain and enhance the state’s world-class recreation amenities, provide Colorado’s underrepresented youth STEM education, leadership, and career opportunity education, and support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in their ongoing work to support communities in Colorado in mapping urban heat islands.
Ways to Get Involved
Apply for Funding: Grants are available for nonprofit organizations, federally recognized Tribes, institutions of higher education, and state/local agencies to plan or operate an AmeriCorps program. Learn more here.
Serve in a Program: Contact a program above to learn more and apply!
Partner to Increase Impact: Strategic partnerships strengthen AmeriCorps programs and their service impact in local communities. Interested in partnering? Contact Jackie Rader, jackie.rader@state.co.us for more information on how you or your organization can get involved.