CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Associate at Los Angeles Leadership Academy

Location: Los Angeles, California

Number of Positions Available: 3

Time Commitment: September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027. Fellows in this position commit to a 40-hour work week, Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 8AM - 4PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development.

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Fellowship, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 21, 2026 - Aug 13, 2027 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship.

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About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship

The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2026-27 CCAC Fellowship. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders. These are paid, full-time fellowships—similar to internships—with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training, providing hands-on experience in the climate field.

CCAC Fellows are matched with organizations across California to mobilize communities to take direct climate action and lead projects focused on wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and organic waste diversion.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19.

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Program Benefits

At LALA, Fellows gain meaningful opportunities for professional development and networking through collaboration with faculty, regular training, and ongoing learning experiences. We maintain strong relationships with higher education partners such as Pasadena City College’s Plant Sciences Department, policy organizations including the LA Food Policy Council and UEPI Oxy, and professional partners like Avenue 33 Farm, State Parks, and Test Plot. This network creates access to curated field trips, hands-on workshops, shared meals, and applied learning experiences that illuminate real-world climate solutions and relevant career pathways. Past interns have benefited from resume-building workshops, letters of recommendation, and extended employment opportunities—ensuring their time at LALA supports both personal growth and long-term career development. Other benefits include:

• Receive a $35,250 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Receive $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 170-340 hours of training and professional development
• Receive $300 in professional development funds
• Receive food assistance via CalFresh (for those eligible)
• Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during the service term
• Minimum essential healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance (for those eligible)

Description of Duties

Los Angeles Leadership Academy’s Farm-to-School and Sustainability programming connects students, families, and the broader community to nature, food systems, and climate solutions. Through this multi-tiered approach, Fellows strengthen urban greening and organic waste diversion efforts while building hands-on climate education opportunities in Lincoln Heights. In partnership with community organizations, the Academy distributes fresh produce to more than 150 families each week. Fellows will expand this impact by mobilizing volunteers, developing community resources, and advancing the goal of diverting an average of 9,000 pounds of food waste per month. They will support and grow a comprehensive composting system that utilizes food scraps from the school garden, cafeteria, and food redistribution partners, increasing organic waste diversion to more than 2,000 pounds per month and expanding compost production for community use. Fellows will also help launch a cafeteria-to-compost initiative and deepen student engagement in climate action. In the dining hall and outdoor classroom, they will guide more than 400 students in hands-on learning focused on composting, native plant habitat, and sustainability, translating daily habits into measurable climate impact. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate management of the community compost hub, overseeing compost collection, pile building and maintenance, and community engagement to maximize organic waste diversion and soil health
• Support the development and launch of a new cafeteria-to-compost program in the school dining hall, strengthening daily composting participation and student climate action
• Advance the expansion of the weekly free food distribution by unloading, packing, and distributing produce bags to local families
• Develop and share resources for weekly produce distribution, including produce storage and handling guidance, food preservation, and educational materials about seasonal or unfamiliar items
• Engage the Northeast LA community through targeted outreach, green space expansion, Farm-to-School programming, and community education workshops that connect food systems, composting, and sustainability
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 14, 2026
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 14, 2026
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and experience in community outreach, composting, data/quantitative analysis, engaging with K-12 students, Google suite, graphic design, project management, and volunteer management & engagement. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, or Vietnamese is a plus. Other valuable contributions include:

• An interest in climate change mitigation, volunteerism, or public service
• Experience with outreach, education, training, or community behavior change
• Fundamental understanding of climate change science, environmental policies in California, and/or environmental priorities
• Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills

About Los Angeles Leadership Academy:

The Los Angeles Leadership Academy (LALA) prepares urban secondary students to succeed in college or on chosen career paths, to live fulfilling, self-directed lives, and to be effective in creating a just and humane world. LALA’s Farm to School Program has been a critical part of engaging students, families, and the community around food justice issues. Our school farm and outdoor classroom are at the center of our weekly free food distribution, community composting, and hands-on project-based learning for our students and community to engage in food access, healthy cooking, and sustainability. More info: laleadership.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. Interviews will take place May-Aug, with all positions filled by September 4, 2026. This is a competitive program, and interviews are not guaranteed. CCAC is an equal opportunity Fellowship with a preference for candidates already living in the communities they will serve. Applicants can select up to 5 preferred positions within the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship application.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $3,204.00 per month

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person