Climate Action Fellows

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellows at Frontline Catalysts

Location: Oakland, California

Number of Positions Available: 4

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 Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 9am - 5:30pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development.  

**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

Frontline Catalysts offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental impact, garner hands-on urban greening experience, and collaborate with a passionate team committed to climate action and community engagement. Fellows will gain experience in sustainable gardening, composting, and environmental education with the support of a team dedicated to ecological stewardship. 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

Join Frontline Catalysts as a Climate Action Fellow and be at the forefront of transformative environmental change in Oakland’s Fruitvale District. This project focuses on greening local schools and public spaces and establishing outdoor education gardens to cultivate a thriving, climate-resilient community. Centered around area schools and Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, our efforts empower residents to take action in environmental stewardship while deepening their connection to nature. As a Climate Action Fellow, you’ll play a vital role in leading hands-on restoration and education initiatives. From planting native vegetation to restoring habitats, developing outdoor education gardens, and coordinating composting programs, you will engage community volunteers in meaningful climate action. Fellows will lead urban greening events, remove invasive species, plant native vegetation, and organize educational workshops on sustainable practices, composting, and ecosystem health. This is an opportunity to build leadership skills, drive real environmental impact, and inspire a greener, healthier, and more resilient Oakland. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Engage community volunteers in urban greening and creek restoration projects, including removing invasive species and planting native vegetation
• Coordinate events to enhance urban green spaces, reduce urban heat island effect, and improve the health and longevity of restored ecosystems
• Develop and maintain outdoor education gardens and composting projects to promote sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and food sovereignty
• Organize and lead educational workshops on sustainable practices, composting, and creek ecosystems to foster environmental stewardship and climate resilience
• Collaborate with local organizations to expand the impact of education gardens, composting initiatives, and creek restoration efforts through community partnerships
• 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, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Technical Writing, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, 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), Access to a reliable vehicle, and Must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in 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 Frontline Catalysts

Frontline Catalysts (FC), founded in 2021, equips Oakland youth (ages 11-24) through leadership, advocacy, and storytelling rooted in cultural healing. Our mission is to empower Frontline Youth to lead the movement for transformative climate action. FC’s initiatives include the Catalysts Action Leadership Institute, Climate Justice Youth Leadership Development with OUSD, EcoWoke: Healing the Town with Peralta Hacienda, and Frontline Voices digital storytelling for the movement. These programs train youth in research, organizing, and climate action. FC engages 300+ youth annually, fostering partnerships to uplift frontline communities and cultivate future civic leaders. More info: frontlinecatalysts.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).