In September 2024, WashU launched the WashU Climate Corps, part of the Campus Climate Action Corps (CCAC), the first nationwide AmeriCorps program solely dedicated to campus-based, community-led climate action.
The summer term of the WashU Climate Corps will run from May or June 2025 through the end of July 2025 and will build on the foundation of the program established over the academic year. There are three focus areas: 1) energy conservation and carbon reduction, 2) urban trees and ecology, and 3) circularity and solid waste pollution prevention. Members within each focus area split their time between relevant projects on campus and in the St. Louis community in partnership with local non-profits.
Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction Focus Area
Furthering Campus Commitments
This team works on advancing the WashU Green Labs Program, which provides resources and incentives to encourage and support lab staff in adopting a range of more sustainable practices, including opportunities for energy efficiency.
Expanding Community Partnerships
Through a partnership with local non-profit EnergyCare, this team works to provide home weatherization and energy assistance to low-income households in St. Louis.
Urban Trees and Ecology Focus Area
Furthering Campus Commitments
This team supports activities of the WashU Arboretum, including public outreach and education, leading tours, citizen science to document campus biodiversity, tree plantings, website updates, and more. WashU Arboretum is a Level 3 accredited arboretum.
Expanding Community Partnerships
In partnership with Forest ReLeaf, this team is working to expand urban tree canopy, expand tree species diversity, and support a diverse learning environment that is focused on growing awareness around the importance trees play for healthy people and healthy places, particularly in North St. Louis City. As part of its commitment to planting and enriching communities, Forest ReLeaf is committed to focusing on tree equity, i.e., intentionally growing tree canopy in areas adversely impacted by the effects of redlining, disinvestment and environmental racism.
Circularity and Solid Waste Pollution Prevention Focus Area
Furthering Campus Commitments
This team is developing the Circularity Center programs and channeling resources (a physical warehouse space and store) and surplus materials to achieve greater social and environmental impact for the WashU and St. Louis communities. The team will also develop standard operating procedures for program operations, evaluation and assessment tools, annual reports for leadership, and marketing materials. The team collaborates with staff from the Office of Sustainability, Campus Mail, the Office of Government and Community Relations, Residential Life, and other program stakeholders and hosts sales and donation events on campus and at the North Campus Circularity Center.
Expanding Community Partnerships
In addition to building relationships with a wide variety of non-profit organizations in the region that will become a part of WashU’s materials reuse ecosystem, the Circularity team is working with local community organizations to assess waste infrastructure in the City of St. Louis and convene and coordinate stakeholders to support community-driven solutions.
Join the Team!
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Must pass a National Service Criminal History Check
- High school diploma or equivalent is required
- Must be located in or willing to relocate to a host site area
- Valid driver’s license and car, and/or dependable transportation
- Personal commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship
- Motivated team player with exceptional organizational skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and comfortable with public speaking
Preferred Qualifications:
- Current student attending Washington University in St. Louis (though not required)
- Interest in extending AmeriCorps term into a part time (WashU students only) or full time (open to all) service term beginning with the Fall 2025 academic year; please inquire for details
- Experience with community outreach and/or community education
- Experience or knowledge of environmental education, environmental stewardship, sustainability, or home energy efficiency
Term of Service:
The Minimum-Time AmeriCorps member must complete at least 300 hours during the service term, which will run from May 5, 2025 – July 31, 2025. May 5 – June 1 have flexibility for significantly fewer hours for any members transitioning from the academic school year. June 2 – July 31 will require a fulltime commitment (about 30 – 35 hours per week, depending on the number of hours worked in May). Inquire for more details.
Benefits:
As a Minimum-Time AmeriCorps member, the Climate Action Energizer will receive:
- A $250 stipend from CCAC and $4,000 stipend from WashU
- A $1,565.08 Segal Education Award. This award is contingent upon the successful completion of the program, is good for 7 years, and can be used to pay for college or technical school or to pay back qualified public student loans.
- Student loan forbearance and interest payments for qualifying members
- Professional development and an enhanced professional network
- Inclusion in WashU’s broader Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change Internship program cohort, including professional development and social opportunities
- Excellent performance will earn preferred consideration for full time and part time CCAC Americorps positions at WashU that start in September 2025.
Service Location:
Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
For detailed position descriptions for each open position, follow the links below:
To Apply
Send a Resume and Cover Letter to sustainability@wustl.edu with CCAC Application in the subject line. State which of the focus area(s) you are interested in being considered for.
For more information about the WashU Climate Corps program described above, please contact sustainability@wustl.edu.
For more information about the overall Campus Climate Action Corps AmeriCorps program, please email Glennys Navarrete at gnavarrete@compact.org.