Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at Garden School Foundation

Location: Los Angeles, California

Number of Positions Available: 10

Time Commitment: September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Monday - Friday, approximately 8am - 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development.  This is a hybrid position, onsite 4 days per week.

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 15, 2025 - Aug 14, 2026 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.

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About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship

The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2025-26 CCAC Fellowship. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders. These are paid, full-time fellowships—similar to internships—but with over 175 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving hands-on experience in the climate field.

CCAC Fellows are matched with organizations across California to mobilize communities to take direct climate action and lead projects focused on wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and organic waste diversion and edible food recovery.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July  31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025.

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Program Benefits

Fellows will become part of a dedicated community of Garden Educators, advocates, and sustainability professionals, gaining mentorship, expertise, and camaraderie within a dynamic team. Through connections with Los Angeles-based food justice, food policy, and school garden organizations, fellows will expand their professional network while deepening their knowledge of sustainable food systems. Regular field trips, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences provide opportunities for growth, skill-building, and sector-wide engagement. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $35,000 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Earn up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 175+ hours of training and professional development
• Receive food assistance via CalFresh (for those eligible)
• Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during the service term*
• Minimum essential healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance* (for those eligible)

Description of Duties

Garden School Foundation’s Cafeteria to Compost program harnesses the full transformative potential of school gardens to combat food waste, expand access to fresh, whole foods, and empower young environmental stewards. Through daily composting and food redistribution efforts, students take tangible action against food insecurity and climate change. Fellows serving with GSF will be part of this nationally recognized, campus-based climate initiative, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to create sustainable change in their schools and communities. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Educate students by leading standards-aligned composting lessons, training Student Green Teams, and fostering hands-on learning experiences in food waste prevention and climate action
• Facilitate food collection and redistribution by setting up sorting stations, encouraging students to try new foods, redistributing uneaten items, and engaging kids in daily discussions about composting
• Manage composting operations by weighing and recording food scraps, maintaining compost piles, sifting and storing finished compost, and ensuring a clean, organized composting area
• Support on-campus Farmers Markets by coordinating produce pick-ups, setting up market stations, and welcoming families to increase access to nutritious foods
• Analyze program impact by regularly updating food waste and composting data, tracking redistribution efforts, and using insights to refine sustainability initiatives
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 15, 2025
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 15, 2025
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in Community Outreach, Composting, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Native Plant Management, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), and Must possess a valid driver’s license. Fluency in Russian or Spanish is a plus. Other valuable contributions include:

• An interest in climate change mitigation, volunteerism, or public service
• Experience with outreach, education, training, or community behavior change
• Fundamental understanding of climate change science, environmental policies in California, and/or environmental priorities
• Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills

About Garden School Foundation

Garden School Foundation provides in-depth garden-based education to youth at Title I schools in Los Angeles, strengthening connections between food justice, environmental stewardship, and community health. By using the full transformative potential of school gardens as teaching sites, we nurture a healthy and mindful generation of children who care for their bodies, their communities, and the earth. We currently serve ten Title I elementary schools, reaching over 3,200 students and their families each year. More info: gardenschoolfoundation.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by September 2025. This is a competitive program and interviews are not guaranteed. CCAC is an equal opportunity Fellowship with a preference for candidates already living in the communities they will serve. Applications are for the California Climate Action Corps Program in general, but applicants can select up to 5 preferred organizations and positions within the application.

*Program structure, fellow benefits, and final participation are subject to approved grant award(s).