Climate Action Associate

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Associate at California Creative Learning Academy

Location: Los Angeles, California

Number of Positions Available: 5

Time Commitment: September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027. Fellows in this position commit to a 40-hour work week, Monday - Friday, approximately 8:00AM - 4:30PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development. 

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Fellowship, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 21, 2026 - Aug 13, 2027 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship.

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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 2026-27 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—with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training, providing 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.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19.

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Program Benefits

CalCreative leadership will be available to our Fellows for questions, collaborations, and support. Fellows may observe a seasoned teacher’s class, interview administrators, and lead their own assemblies and garden education classes. The school will offer its own Social-Emotional Learning resources, professional development opportunities, and training with the rest of the staff when appropriate. Other benefits include:

• Receive a $35,250 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Receive $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 170-340 hours of training and professional development
• Receive $300 in professional development funds
• 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

California Creative Learning Academy (CalCreative) offers authentic learning experiences aligned with our values of stewardship and empowerment for change. As a Climate Action Associate, you will engage in volunteer outreach, direct climate action, and environmental education to promote organic waste diversion and urban greening initiatives. Through food rescue and redistribution, we've diverted over 4,500 lbs. of organic waste from landfills and delivered over 1,700 lbs. of food to support families in need. In collaboration with LA Sanitation and Rio de Los Angeles State Park, we focus on developing nature-centric outdoor green spaces and urban greening initiatives to mitigate the heat island effect and sequester carbon. Climate Action Associates will drive climate solutions through outreach and engaging volunteer opportunities. Lead efforts in greening urban school yards, promoting organic waste diversion, and fostering student understanding of the importance of climate action. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Canvass and recruit volunteers to engage in climate action initiatives to support urban greening and organic waste diversion efforts
• Oversee the lunch waste diversion program, coordinating organic food diversion efforts, redirecting food waste from landfills to an off-site composting facility, and providing training to student leaders to effectively manage it
• Conduct assemblies, lessons, camps, and field trips to educate and inspire on urban greening and organic waste diversion topics
• Expand urban garden areas to transform green spaces by planting native species on school grounds
• Establish environmental education programming—covering topics such as food rescue, organic waste diversion, and civic activism—for the Youth Environmental Leadership Club and other campus environmental programs
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 14, 2026
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 14, 2026
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and 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, marketing & social media, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, and volunteer management & engagement. 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 California Creative Learning Academy:

California Creative Learning Academy (CalCreative) is a charter public school serving diverse students and families, in TK - 8th grades, in the Northeast Los Angeles area. Our progressive, arts-integrated, project-based learning program offers students learning experiences that focus on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. The mission of our program is to champion an education for all that embraces the power of possibility through holistic learning, authentic experiences, and the agency to effect social change. More info: calcreative.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. Interviews will take place May-Aug, with all positions filled by September 4, 2026. 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. Applicants can select up to 5 preferred positions within the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship application.