Frequently Asked Questions

What is Climate Corps?

• The Climate Corps fellowship program offers emerging and transitioning professionals a 10-month, hands-on sustainability work and learning experience with organizations leading environmental initiatives.
  
• The Climate Corps fellowship program offers three cohort cycles per year: Spring (early March), Summer (June), and Fall (September). Fellowships are full-time (M-F, typically 9-5).
  
• Most hours are spent at a partner site and the remaining time is dedicated to professional development. Fellows also participate in bi-monthly virtual training conferences featuring guest speakers, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities.
  
• Fellows will begin their UC Climate Stewards professional certification by completing the first of four training segments in partnership with the University of California. The full certification includes:
  
  • UC Climate Stewards Course – A foundational training segment delivered in partnership with UC.
    
  • Climate Careers – Expert panels, interactive activities, and guided reflections on climate-focused career paths.
    
  • Career Readiness – Workshops and professional networking opportunities.
    
  • Self-Directed Development – Fellows can dedicate up to 10% of their site hours to professional growth activities, such as conferences, workshops, or informational interviews.
    

What benefits are offered to Climate Corps Fellows?

• A monthly living wage stipend, starting at $3,150/month.
  
• $1,000 end-of-program financial award​.
  
• Health care coverage with 100% of health care insurance premiums covered by the employer.
  
• Generous allotment of paid time for vacation, sick time, and holidays.
  
• Access to a national Member Assistance Program, which includes financial and legal assistance, medical advocacy, and counseling services.
  
• Extensive professional and personal development training including:
  
  • ​Career-readiness training in interview preparation, salary negotiation, and developing a professional resume and cover letter.
    
  • Attending panels, workshops, and presentations by climate resilience industry professionals.
    
  • Professional networking opportunities.
    
• University of California Climate Stewards Certification. This acclaimed UC California Naturalist Program prepares UC Climate Stewards to engage in and lead local solutions to advance community and ecosystem resilience through the University of California School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
  

What are the requirements for applying for a fellowship?​

• Coursework or related experience in environmental fields (e.g., work, internships, volunteer work) is preferred.
• Be authorized to work for any employer in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor Fellowships). You may check here to verify if you qualify.
• Experience and/or the drive to create race equity with team members and programmatically.
• Further Requirements are posted per position opening. 

 ** For Garden Educator positions with Climate Corps Education Outside, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident. If you are interested in becoming a Garden Educator, click here. 

How can I apply?

1. Review the fellowship opportunities on the Climate Corps Careers Page. 
2. Apply to the one in your geographic region that excites you and aligns with your goals.
3. Submit one application (you’ll be considered for other suitable positions during the interview process).

​We’ll review your application and reach out to let you know if you have been selected for the next steps.

​ Is there a deadline for applications?

• Of the three fellowship cohort cycles offered, you should apply to the cycle that best suits your ability to commit to a full-time (M-F, typically 9-5) schedule.
  
• Our recruitment cycles typically begin 3 months before the scheduled start date of the fellowship. We advise Fellows to apply as early as possible to give our recruitment team ample time to consider their candidacy.
  

What does the interview process look like? 

• For each position, the Recruiting Team screens and interviews applicants to determine the top candidates based on interests and experience alignment. The entire process can take between 2-6 weeks. Here are the steps:
  • Step 1: First Interview​
    
    • In this initial video interview, we’ll ask questions to assess your fit for both the fellowship program and the partner organization. Toward the end, you’ll have the chance to ask us one or two questions. If you’re interested in another fellowship opportunity, feel free to share that during the interview. We may even suggest a role that could be a better match! 
  • Step 2: Reference Collection
    • Within approximately 2 weeks of your first interview, we’ll notify you if you’re moving forward as a finalist. If selected, we’ll request your references to complete this step. Being chosen as a finalist means you’re one of the top candidates for the fellowship!
  • Step 3: Partner Meeting
    • As a final step, all finalists virtually meet with the partner organization. These meetings typically last 30 minutes and are an opportunity for the partner to learn more about you and for you to explore the role in greater detail. 
  • Step 4: Offer!
    
    • Once we hear back from the partner, we will reach out to you to make an offer.
      

Can I apply for more than one fellowship in the same cycle?

• You should only apply to one position: the one in your geographic region that excites you and aligns with your goals.​
  
• When reviewing applications, the SEI Recruitment Team assesses whether your application might align with other positions and will notify you if we identify a potential match.
  
• If you're selected for an interview, then you’ll have the opportunity to express interest in other fellowship opportunities during the conversation.

What is the Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Track?

• The Strategic Energy Management (SEM) track is located in the Pacific Northwest region and is open to anyone in the area who has related coursework, training and/or experience in fields related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, data analysis or building efficiency. You can find out more here.

Is the stipend for the fellowship negotiable? 

• The stipend for each fellowship is carefully determined in collaboration with our partners during the development of the position. As a result, the stipend amount is set prior to posting and remains fixed throughout the fellowship opportunity.

How often are open Climate Corps positions posted? 

• Climate Corps offers three start dates per year: on the first business day of March, June, and September. We start posting for the new cycle about 3 months before the start date.

How can I prepare for my interview?

• Always revisit the job post before any interview.  All job postings for the upcoming cycle can be found on our Climate Corps careers page. 
  
• Want to be sure you ace your interview? Check out these great resources!
  
  • How to Ace Your Next Interview
    
  • ​Video Interview Guide: Tips for a Successful Job Interview
    

What do Fellows do next after their fellowships?

• 98.6% of alumni continue working in a sustainability-related field or pursue higher education opportunities within four months of completing the program.
• ​Fellows have found incredible opportunities following their fellowship experience. Many seamlessly transition into positions within their hosting organizations, contributing their skills and expertise to make a lasting impact. Alternatively, Fellows utilize the final months of their fellowship to embark on a fulfilling job search, successfully securing roles in sustainability with different organizations. Furthermore, some Fellows decide to enroll in graduate programs after completing their fellowship. This range of post-fellowship paths showcases the versatility of our program and the multitude of avenues it opens up for our talented participants. 

 When will I hear back on my application status? Or how can I check my application status/progress?

• The SEI Recruiting Team consistently reviews applications for the coming cycle. If you apply for the upcoming cycle, we will respond to advise you of any next steps. 
• Following the initial interview, you can expect to receive an email typically within one week.
• ​If you have not heard from us regarding your application and you applied to the upcoming cycle, you may check in with the SEI Recruiting Team by email: [email protected]. We are unable to take calls at this time.

Is the position I applied for still open?

• If the role is posted on the Climate Corps website, then it is still open.

Can current students apply for a Climate Corps Fellowship?

• Fellows are generally expected to commit to a full-time, 40-hour workweek, with availability between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. For this reason, we typically recommend that applicants apply after completing their studies or if the fellowship start date aligns closely with their graduation.​

Can international students apply for Climate Corps?

• If you are eligible to work in the United States, can commit to a full-time position, and possess valid I9 documentation for the duration of the fellowship, then you are eligible for the Climate Corps program! Note that SEI cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. ​
  

Can candidates apply if they are authorized to work under optional practical training (OPT) or curriculum practicum training (CPT)?

• As long as you can commit to a full-time position, and possess the necessary documents listed for an I9 (valid for the duration of the fellowship), we are delighted to have you on board! Note that SEI is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. ​
  

How much in-person/remote work is expected for a fellowship?

• Specific details depend on each partner organization’s needs.
• The position description for each fellowship opportunity will indicate whether the position is remote, hybrid, or in person. For hybrid-specific positions, the days on-site are indicated in the job post. 

Can I do a fellowship with a second job?

• SEI’s Climate Corps program is a full-time, immersive experience involving project work, training, professional development, and community building. Fellows are expected to commit to a 40-hour workweek, typically Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though specific scheduling flexibility may be arranged with site supervisors. We encourage Fellows to fully engage in the professional development and community-building aspects of the program. While uncommon, some past Fellows have managed second jobs by working evenings, weekends, or on a flexible schedule. ​

 I’ve accepted a Climate Corps fellowship and turned in all my hiring paperwork. What’s next?

• Kudos for completing your hiring paperwork! You will be contacted by your SEI Regional Supervisor on or near the first day of your fellowship with the next steps and instructions.