The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has chosen 28 organizations to host members of USDA’s Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) as part of President Biden’s American Climate Corps initiative. The aim is to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders, providing technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people to deliver climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers.

Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “America’s rural communities are on the frontlines of climate change, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to growing and supporting a conservation workforce that can develop and implement the innovative climate solutions that this challenge demands.”

The selected host organizations include a diverse range such as the American Forest Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., and the University of Maine System. These organizations will work closely with state and county-level NRCS staff to facilitate and monitor the climate work of WLCC members.

Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network, expressed excitement about the program, stating, “I am excited to see the first WLCC members get to work over the coming months on a range of activities that will prepare them for impactful, rewarding careers while they help build more resilient and sustainable farms and forests.”

The WLCC Training Program, led by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), will provide comprehensive training for WLCC members, covering conservation concepts, practices, and systems with a focus on locally led efforts. The program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to advance conservation objectives effectively.

The American Climate Corps initiative aims to train young people in high-demand skills for careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy. Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, commended the mobilization of organizations to support climate-smart agriculture and conservation planning, highlighting the importance of youth-powered climate action.

Interested individuals can apply for positions at ClimateCorps.gov, with nearly 2,000 positions available across 36 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The first cohort of the American Climate Corps is set to be deployed to communities across the country in June 2024.

The American Climate Corps aligns with President Biden’s efforts to promote equity and environmental justice, prioritizing communities traditionally underserved. Through initiatives like the American Climate Corps, the administration aims to train the next generation of land and water stewards, advancing environmental justice and tackling climate change.

USDA, as one of the seven agencies involved in shaping the American Climate Corps, plays a crucial role in transforming America’s food system and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The agency is committed to building a more resilient and equitable food system while investing in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America.

For more information on USDA’s initiatives and programs, visit www.usda.gov.