Serve Washington to launch new Climate Corps Network

OLYMPIA--Serve Washington is pleased to announce it will be launching a new Climate Corps Network. Legislation during the 2023 session (HB 1176/SB 5247) will allow Serve Washington to create the new AmeriCorps grant program, which will connect, amplify and grow climate-related service opportunities that mobilize and train young adults and veterans to build clean energy and climate-resilient communities, economies and ecosystems.

“We’re thrilled we’ll be able to give more service opportunities for veterans and young people while also being at the forefront of supporting climate-ready communities,” said Serve Washington Executive Director, Amber Martin-Jahn. “National service, volunteerism and civic engagement are cornerstones for healthy thriving communities. The Washington Climate Corps Network will help make an impact in local communities, especially those experiencing disproportionate environmental harm from emerging climate issues.”

Gov. Jay Inslee signed it along with three other climate laws this week. Read about them on the Governor’s Medium page.

Washington’s climate corps is the ninth state-level program of its type in the nation. The Legislature approved a total of $7.45 million in funding for the WCCN over the next biennium.

The new Climate Corps Network aims to engage and report on climate-related activities encourage service member participation in events and service-related programs that develop leadership skills, environmental stewardship and civic engagement and provide climate-related professional and educational opportunities for service members.

Climate Corps Network members will engage in various climate-resilience activities. These include and are not limited to mitigation or adaptation related to wildfire reduction, heat island reduction, distributed energy systems, sea level rise management and response and addressing food insecurity.

Read about the Washington Climate Corps Network on our Fact Sheet [PDF].

As with all AmeriCorps service programs, Serve Washington will make climate corps grants available through a competitive request for funding opportunity. UPDATE: The request for grant applications period is now closed. Please sign up to receive notifications when the request for when the next request for grant applications period opens.

The WCCN request for grant applications period is open now through 11:59 p.m. August 17. This opportunity is open to nonprofits, tribal organizations and public agencies that currently operate a national service program in Washington.  

Click here to sign up to receive future email notifications. After you enter your email, make sure the "funding notifications" box is checked. Awardees will be announced on our news page this fall. 

All open positions to serve as a Washington Climate Corps AmeriCorps member will be posted on the Service Year and My AmeriCorps websites.