Linn County recruiting high school students for new Climate Resiliency Corps

Linn County is searching for high school students who want to be part of a new initiative — the Climate Resiliency Corps — to help local communities become more resilient to climate change.

Linn County Sustainability’s Climate Resiliency Corps was formed this fall, and this application cycle will result in the first batch of volunteer corps members.

Each year going forward, 20 students from across Linn County will be selected for the Climate Resiliency Corps. They will build skills in sustainability and leadership by developing and implementing a community project that builds climate resiliency. Projects can revolve around areas like energy efficiency, waste reduction, local food systems and green spaces.

The initiative was envisioned by Green Iowa AmeriCorps member Corey Lewis, who is serving as sustainability coordinator in the Linn County Sustainability Department. He will be leading the resiliency efforts while the department advises.

Interested applicants from any jurisdiction in Linn County can apply at https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/FormCenter/Sustainability-37/Climate-Resiliency-Corps-158 by Dec. 15.

Brittney J. Miller is the Energy & Environment Reporter for The Gazette and a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.

Comments: (319) 398-8370; brittney.miller@thegazette.com