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EGLE announces MI Healthy Climate Corps to launch in January
August 29, 2023
30 Americorps members will support climate action throughout Michigan
When it comes to carrying out the MI Healthy Climate Plan, who better to help than the MI Healthy Climate Corps?
The MI Healthy Climate Corps (MHCC) is a soon-to-launch initiative by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy (OCE) in partnership with the Michigan Community Service Commission to leverage state and federal investments for progress toward a healthy, prosperous, carbon-neutral future for all Michiganders.
Starting in early 2024, the MHCC will field a cohort of 30 federal AmeriCorps members who will provide vital support for climate action across Michigan. Corps members will receive training and career development support to bolster Michigan’s climate leadership pool.
“We are excited about this opportunity to not only build capacity to work on goals in the MI Healthy Climate Plan but to build capacity to support communities across Michigan in reaching their goals,” said State of Michigan Climate and Energy Advisor Cory Connolly.
The MI Healthy Climate Corps will move Michigan along the path set by the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
The MI Healthy Climate Plan positions Michigan as a leader in tackling the climate crisis, laying out a broad vision for fulfilling Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s commitment to achieving 100% economywide carbon neutrality in Michigan by 2050.
Corps members’ service will build capacity in governments and nonprofit organizations across the state to further Climate Plan goals, helping to guide federal and state resources and support to communities and people who need it most. Networking, training, and professional experience will develop Corps members’ skills and relationships for the long haul and future careers.
“This is a cutting-edge opportunity for action in the moment we most need it,” Connolly said. “By signing up, you can help us get to a just and sustainable future for Michigan and have a transformational experience along the way.”
The MHCC will engage with community partners, state agencies, and others in the coming weeks and months to identify needs and opportunities for the program and set up a process to request support. The program also will initiate a process for interested candidates to find opportunities that meet their interests, abilities, and leadership goals. Those interested in joining or being a host community can connect on the program’s website, which will be updated as details become available.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s state budget passed included a combined $2.6 million in federal and state funding over two years to support the MHCC. Members will receive $30,000-$35,000 stipends for the program’s initial eight-month term as they work on projects aligned with one or more goals in the MI Healthy Climate Plan. Fees for host institutions are expected to be minimal and will prioritize making the program accessible.
A second cohort is planned to begin an 11-month term starting in September 2024. In future years, the Climate Corps will expand to offer additional community support and service opportunities throughout the state.