Passed and funded in 2023 through SB 5247 / HB 1176.
The Washington Climate Corps Network (WCCN) is a network of service organizations coordinated by Serve Washington that are supported by community and state allies working to address climate change in Washington. WCCN engages young adults (ages 18-25) and veterans to help build climate resilient communities, economies, and ecosystems. The WCCN prioritizes service to overburdened communites. These are areas where people who live there face disproportionate environmental harms and risks. They are often disproportionately comprised of people who may be minorities, low-income, and/or tribal or Indigenous.
How does the WCCN work?
Participating service programs provide climate service project opportunities for climate corps members to help communities address their most pressing climate needs while gaining career and leadership support. Serve Washington supports the WCCN through funding for service progams so they can achieve the goals of the network. Serve Washington also provides dedicated training and community-based support while coordinating state climate goals and resources.
What are the goals of the WCCN?
- Opening leadership opportunities and career pathways in Washington’s growing climate and energy economy.
- Growing climate-service support for and with overburdened communities.
- Reducing barriers to service for members in overburdened communities.
- Fostering environmental stewardship and civic engagement among community members.
Structure
State appropriations to ServeWA which will be utilized to administer grants to participating programs, coordinate network activities, and work in coordination with the clean energy workforce advisory committee.
State connections
Governor’s Office and Workforce Board as well as othe ragencies are involved.
Resourcing
Approximately $4.3 million over two years.
