Applications to Join New American Climate Corps Program, AmeriCorps NCCC Forest Corps, Now Open

AmeriCorps and Forest Service launch Forest Corps

AmeriCorps and the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service held a ceremonial signing of an agreement establishing the AmeriCorps NCCC Forest Corps program, the first major interagency partnership under President Biden’s American Climate Corps. Applications to join the AmeriCorps NCCC Forest Corps or “Forest Corps” are now open at AmeriCorps.gov/ForestCorps.

Introduction

AmeriCorps and the Forest Service have come together to create the AmeriCorps NCCC Forest Corps program, which is part of President Biden’s American Climate Corps initiative. This partnership aims to train the next generation of diverse conservation and climate resilience workers. Applications to join the Forest Corps are now open.

Partnership Goals

The partnership between AmeriCorps and the Forest Service aims to:

• Train the next generation of conservation and climate resilience workers
• Address environmental priorities across the country, including reforestation and wildfire mitigation
• Accelerate and strengthen the response to climate change

The Forest Corps Program

The Forest Corps program is a five-year, $15 million interagency agreement. The first cohort of 80 members will begin their service in the summer of 2024. The program will focus on:

• Conserving national forests and grasslands
• Mitigating wildfire risks in high-risk regions
• Supporting reforestation efforts and wildfire crisis response

Benefits for Participants

Members of the Forest Corps program will receive a compensation package equivalent to $15 an hour, which includes:

• Lodging
• Transportation
• Clothing
• Living allowance
• Health benefits
• And more

No prior education or experience will be required to join the program.

Quotes from Key Figures

Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps: “AmeriCorps and the Forest Service are invested in training the next generation of diverse conservation and climate resilience workers. During their service, AmeriCorps members will support our highest environmental priorities across the country, from reforestation to wildfire mitigation.”

Randy Moore, Chief, Forest Service: “This partnership with AmeriCorps provides a great opportunity inviting people from diverse backgrounds to learn about conservation and forestry and become our future workforce. Bolstering our future workforce is a crucial part of implementing the Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy and creating climate resilient forests, I can’t think of a better win-win.”

Ken Goodson, AmeriCorps NCCC Director, AmeriCorps: “In just about six months, the first AmeriCorps NCCC Forest Corps cohort will deploy, marking a new era of youth-powered climate action. This program will not only help with reforestation, wildfire response, and conservation of America’s beautiful public lands, but it will deliver jobs for young Americans and strengthen the climate resilience economy. We’re grateful to the Forest Service for their partnership.”

AmeriCorps’ Impact

Each year, AmeriCorps engages more than 14,600 members and volunteers in various projects related to conservation, renewable energy, and community resilience. In the past year alone, AmeriCorps members and volunteers have preserved and protected over three million acres of public lands, trained hundreds of thousands of Americans in conservation and energy efficiency, and restored thousands of miles of waterways.

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.