Climate Action Fellows
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
Climate Action Fellows at Frontline Catalysts
Location: Oakland, California
Number of Positions Available: 1
Time Commitment: January 21, 2026 - September 11, 2026
This is a full-time, 7.5-month, 1200-hour program from January 21 - September 11, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Monday - Friday, approximately 7am - 3:30pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 120-240 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 Jan 21, 2026 - Sep 11, 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 20 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 120-240 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 Nov 12 - Dec 17, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before Dec 3, 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 $24,882.35 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 7.5-month service term
- Receive $5,176.50 Segal Education Award (before taxes and upon completion of 1200 hours)
- Participation in 120-240 hours of training and professional development
- $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
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 January 5, 2026
- Be at least 18 years of age by January 5, 2026
- 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 Nov 12 - Dec 17, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before Dec 3, 2025. Interviews will take place Nov-Dec, with all positions filled by January 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. 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).