To be eligible to serve as a UC Riverside College Corps Fellow, applicants must:

• Must be 17 years or older by the start of your service term

• Must be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States or AB-540 eligible Dream Act student

• Must satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check unless an AB-540 eligible Dream Act student

• Regardless of whether you are required to complete a background check, you must not have been convicted of a sex offense and/or murder

• Must hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent

• Must be an enrolled full-time undergraduate student

• Must be in good academic standing

• Must be able to commit to the program for one full academic year

As a Climate Action Fellow, you will engage in hands-on environmental stewardship and community engagement activities focused on sustainability, conservation, and climate resilience. You will work closely with your assigned site to support climate action projects, educate the community, and promote sustainable practices.

As a Climate Action Fellow with UCR College Corps, you will be placed at one of several local organizations or campus departments dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Each Fellow will serve at one site for the full academic school year, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to meaningful projects. Available service sites and duties include:

• UCR Office of Sustainability
   Support projects such as Green Labs, Sustainable Transportation, Environmental Justice initiatives, Cool Campus Challenge, Zero Waste programs, Greenhouse Gas tracking, and environmental education awareness. Fellows will educate and engage the campus community, participate in outreach events, and attend professional development activities.

• UCR Facilities Services
   Assist with zero waste initiatives, campus recycling, waste management, and tracking programs. Fellows will support outreach and engagement efforts, educate the campus community, and participate in trainings and events related to sustainability.

• UCR Dining Services
   Contribute to projects focused on food waste prevention, eliminating single-use plastics, waste diversion, recycling, composting, and food waste buffets. Fellows will engage in campus education, outreach events, and professional development opportunities.

• UCR Botanic Gardens
   Assist with planting, weeding, mulch spreading, flagging, trail repair, irrigation, drainage work, and operating site equipment. Fellows gain experience in land restoration, conservation, and environmental education while participating in occasional weekend activities.

• Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District (RCRCD)
   Engage in planting and maintaining native plants, weeding, spreading mulch and compost, irrigation, drainage work, and native land restoration. Fellows will support environmental education efforts and may participate in weekend activities, including physically demanding tasks.

• City of Riverside Ward 2 Office
  Assist with hands-on climate action projects, public education, and community outreach. Fellows will present information on sustainable resources, engage with community members at events, and support various local initiatives.

• TreePeople
   Participate in planting and tree maintenance, community engagement, environmental education, and urban forestry projects. Fellows may assist with tabling at events and are expected to support occasional weekend activities.

As a Climate Action Fellow with UCR College Corps, you will contribute to meaningful projects that support sustainability and promote healthy, informed communities throughout Riverside. You will work directly with local organizations and agencies to raise awareness of environmentally responsible practices and help build a stronger, more equitable region. Through your fellowship, you will gain the following benefits:

• Financial Support

  Earn up to $10,000 upon successful completion of your service term. This includes a $7,000 living allowance and a $3,000 Education Award that may be applied to tuition or repayment of qualified student loans.

• Hands-On Community Service

  Contribute to projects focused on conservation, waste reduction, green space restoration, and public education around sustainable habits. Some placements may include extended time outdoors and lifting materials over 25 pounds.

• Serving Where It Matters Most

  Support communities often first impacted by limited access to resources and services while promoting sustainable living and environmental quality.

• Professional Growth

  Gain real-world experience working with nonprofit partners, campus sustainability offices, and local government programs while developing outreach and project planning skills.

• Leadership Development

  Strengthen your ability to lead service efforts, collaborate with diverse teams, and advocate for long-term community well-being.

• Meaningful Connections

  Join a supportive network of Fellows and community leaders committed to service, sustainability, and equity.

• A Lasting Impact and Sense of Purpose

  Contribute to work that strengthens neighborhoods and supports shared responsibility for local resources.