Michigan’s Climate Corps represents a coordinated, collaborative, service-based approach to climate intervention.
Starting in 2021, more than 45 AmeriCorps VISTA members, in partnership with several state departments and nonprofits, spent two years meeting with stakeholders across the nation, researching best practices, collecting and organizing data, and developing resources and plans for a successful launch of MICC.
MCSC has awarded funding to eight new and existing AmeriCorps programs across the state representing diverse communities and industries with varied approaches to climate intervention. MCSC’s 2023-24 Michigan Climate Corps grantees include:
- EGLE + CEDAM – MI Healthy Climate Corps (30 AmeriCorps members).
- City of Ann Arbor – Ann Arbor Climate Corps (10 AmeriCorps members).
- YouthWork Climate Corps & Conservation Corps (129 AmeriCorps members).
- Huron Pines AmeriCorps (20 AmeriCorps members).
- Wayne State University – AmeriCorps Climate Ready (18 AmeriCorps members).
- Central Michigan University – Rural Michigan Resiliency Corps (planning grant).
- SEEDs Ecology and Education Centers – SEEDs AmeriCorps (planning grant).
- Michigan Sustainable Business Forum – MISBF AmeriCorps (planning grant).
The MI Community Service Commission coordinates and supports the Michigan Climate Corps Network in partnership with the MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. MI Climate Corps Network members meet virtually bi-monthly.
Structure
State Service Commission supported network of Eight AmeriCorps programs – new and existing and planning and operational. While each is different and utilizes various structures and program models, they are untied by a common goal of advancing service as a solution to climate change.
State connections
Michigan Community Service Commission under Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy hosts an AmeriCorps program – the MI Healthy Climate Corps – and provides support to the Network via an interagency agreement). Activities are aligned with the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
Resourcing
AmeriCorps + ARPA, currently seeking additional funding opportunities to extend climate corps beyond two years currently funded. For example, one of Michigan’s programs, the MI Healthy Climate Corps, secured 3.1m in state support for the first 2 years of that program. The MCSC is seeking additional funding via grants submitted on behalf of the collective network and has also applied for multi-state and regional funding to support the Climate Corps Network, its programs, and member activities.
Members in Program
By summer 2024, the Michigan Community Service Commission expects more than 200 AmeriCorps members will serve on direct climate intervention and environmental conservation activities through Michigan’s Climate Corps.
Living Allowance
Varies by program.
Member development
Training/workforce development, monthly MI Climate Corps Member meetings, bi-monthly MI Climate Corps Network meetings (staff), Professional Development and atte3ndance at events/conferences, free climate-focused training.
Climate metrics
Varies by program – mostly capacity building, education, and trails/waterways.
Inter Program Coordination
Eight MI Climate Corps AmeriCorps programs currently under MCSC.
Branding Approach
Varies by program.
Employer role
Within MI Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO); Starting to engage employers via CSI network + labor organizations, but minimal involvement currently.
Post Service Outcomes
Varies by program – need to work on a coordinated way to measure this among programs.
