Community Climate Action Fellowship
The Michigan Climate Action Network (MiCAN) and the University of Michigan are partnering to launch the Community Climate Action Fellowship—a first-of-its-kind program connecting students with grassroots climate action across Michigan.
This program provides students with meaningful, hands-on experience while strengthening local organizations on the frontlines of climate justice and resilience. Together, we’re bridging the gap left by programs like the Climate Corps and creating new pathways for the next generation of climate leaders.
Fellowship Details
- Launches in 2026 with summer placements (25–40 hours per week)
- Fellowships will be a combination of in-person, virtual, and hybrid,
- Open to students from all three University of Michigan campuses: Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint
- Compensation provided
- Fellows will gain mentorship, hands-on experience, and connections with grassroots climate leaders through this place-based educational experience.
Why It Matters
This fellowship program is an investment in:
- Grassroots leadership – building capacity where it’s needed most
- Student development – preparing students for climate leadership
- Community resilience – supporting place-based solutions across Michigan
This program is a model of deep collaboration between academia and the grassroots climate movement—strengthening both while shaping a more just, sustainable future.
Interested in being a host site for a future cohort of Community Climate Action Fellows? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Amanda Robert to learn how your organization can get involved and help mentor the next generation of climate leaders.
2026 Pilot Host Organizations
For the pilot year, 30 student fellows will be placed with 15 MiCAN member organizations across Michigan.
- Ann Arbor for Public Power – A grassroots organization of nearly 500 local residents advocating for a 100% renewable, publicly owned electric utility. They focus on community organizing, electric grid planning, providing hands-on opportunities for civic engagement and environmental advocacy.
- Grand Rapids Climate Coalition – A coalition of 105 member groups advocating for a just and livable climate in Grand Rapids and Kent County. They focus on outreach, education, and local policy advocacy, empowering residents and businesses to take active roles in climate solutions.
- White Lake Area Climate Action Council – A lakeshore nonprofit promoting sustainable solutions for Montague, Whitehall, and surrounding townships. Their work centers on climate action plans, nature-based solutions, and green infrastructure, with opportunities for volunteer engagement and community organizing.
- Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition – Mobilizes collective action for urgent greenhouse gas reductions and a just transition to renewable energy. Grounded in social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, they unite local stakeholders through education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing.
- Soulardarity – Advancing energy democracy in Highland Park and Southeast Michigan through organizing, education, and community-owned solar. Founded in response to widespread streetlight removal, they build equitable energy solutions and grassroots power in historically overburdened communities.
- Up North Advocacy – A Northern Michigan and Eastern Upper Peninsula nonprofit empowering communities through civic engagement, coalition-building, and regional advocacy. Grounded in love for the area, they champion democracy, education, environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and a just transition to clean energy. They work closely with tribal communities, lead the Regional Healthy Schools Initiative, and advocate on issues such as shutting down the dangerous Line 5 pipeline.
- People’s Water Board Coalition – A Detroit-based organization promoting water justice and health equity across Michigan. They focus on legislative advocacy, public education, and community organizing to address water affordability, climate resilience, and infrastructure challenges.
- Transportation Riders United (TRU) – Advocates for safe, reliable, and equitable public transit in Southeast Michigan. Their work includes policy advocacy, community outreach, and program development to expand access and sustainability in public transportation.
- Citizens’ Resistance at Fermi Two (CRAFT) – An Indigenous-led group working to shut down the Fermi Two nuclear plant and promote clean energy. They specialize in anti-nuclear advocacy, public education, and coalition-building with frontline and Indigenous communities.
- Third Act Michigan – Unites Michigan elders to fortify democracy and advance climate action statewide. They focus on empowering citizens to challenge fossil fuel influence and pursue sustainable investments and policy change.
- Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice (DWEJ) – Works to foster clean, healthy, and safe communities through education, policy, and workforce initiatives. They engage residents and organizations in Detroit to advocate for environmental and climate justice.
- Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) – A statewide advocacy organization advancing environmental and climate justice. They build networks, organize communities, and influence policy for those most affected by environmental racism.
- Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities – Based in Traverse City, they strengthen northwest Michigan communities through clean energy, sustainable food systems, and transportation advocacy. Their hands-on programs include campaigns, tree plantings, farm-to-school projects, and Line 5 activism.
- We Want Green Too – Creates inclusive, sustainable spaces for Veterans and Detroit’s East Side residents. They offer environmental literacy, green job readiness, and community empowerment opportunities to help participants become leaders in the emerging green economy.