Conservation and Climate Change

With decades of experience in environmental stewardship, a vast network of partners across the country, a community-driven infrastructure, and proven pathways from service to employment, AmeriCorps is well positioned to conserve our lands and waters, expand renewable energy use, and increase community resilience. 

A Modern-Day Civilian Conservation Corps

For nearly three decades, AmeriCorps has served as a modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps, yet more diverse, equitable, and focused on 21st century environmental challenges. Working closely with other federal agencies, Governor-appointed State Service Commissions, and hundreds of nonprofit partners, AmeriCorps engages more than 14,600 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers each year in conservation, renewable energy, and community resilience projects that address the climate crisis.

Fast facts
AmeriCorps member works among plants

3M+

Acres of public lands are improved and preserved each year by AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps members working outside.

14,600+

AmeriCorps members and volunteers work to address the climate crisis.

Protecting Tomorrow

Pathway to Green Jobs

Working in rural and urban communities throughout the country, AmeriCorps members develop into well-rounded, problem-solving citizens, all while receiving workforce training to support a sustainable future in the green jobs sector.

By the Numbers

In 2022, AmeriCorps members and volunteers improved more than 3 million acres of parks and public lands; treated 25,000 miles of trails or rivers; weatherized or retrofitted more than 4,800 homes or public structures; protected or restored more than 650 structures after natural disasters; and provided environmental stewardship education or training to more than 360,000 individuals.

Tackling the Climate Crisis

Together, AmeriCorps and its partners:

  • protect biodiversity, increase reforestation, restore watersheds, prevent wildfires, and expand access to recreation.
  • work to reduce carbon emissions and save energy costs by conducting energy audits, weatherizing  homes, and installing renewable energy systems. 
  • support urban areas by creating and maintaining city parks and greenspaces, improving storm water management, and maintaining urban farms.
  • reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food systems through community gardens, farm-to-table initiatives, reducing food waste, and education.
  • help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

Program Highlights

NCCC Traditional Corps

NCCC Traditional Corps members work on at least four different projects in different states and cities with multiple sponsor organizations to meet a variety of community needs in the areas of energy conservation, infrastructure improvement, natural and other disaster services, and urban and rural development.

American Climate Corps

In 2023, President Biden announced the American Climate Corps (ACC), a new initiative to train young people in high-demand skills for jobs in the clean energy economy by putting a new generation of Americans to work conserving our lands and waters, bolstering community resilience, advancing environmental justice, deploying clean energy, implementing energy efficient technologies, and tackling climate change. The ACC will launch in 2024. Learn more and get the latest about this initiative by visiting www.whitehouse.gov/climatecorps.

CAC AmeriCorps

A community action agency that serves low to moderate-income individuals, CAC AmeriCorps addresses pressing local environmental and infrastructure issues and interconnected social needs in Knoxville and surrounding areas. Projects focus on enhancing community resilience through environmental education, improving public lands and infrastructure, and disaster preparedness and response. 

The Corps Network

As the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps, the Corps Network operates across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories. The networks providing access to service project opportunities that address conservation and community needs. 

Newsroom

Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Agreement Between Seven Federal Agencies to Implement the American Climate Corps

Read the release

AmeriCorps members in action

Your Help Is Needed

Do you want to make an impact in your community and your country? AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations to strengthen communities across our nation.

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