Climate justice fellowship applications open
/
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced state funding for a new fellowship program. Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
By Rachel Vick
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that state’s latest efforts to ensure climate justice ahead of Climate Week — preparing the next generation of New Yorkers for green jobs with a multi-million dollar program.
The Climate Justice Fellowship Program, administered through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and $6 million in funding, will connect 150 residents from historically disadvantaged communities, like Queens, with full time fellowships.
"These fellowships demonstrate how New York is working to foster new and creative ways to support climate justice and clean energy training for individuals in disadvantaged communities while stimulating rewarding career paths for future generations of New Yorkers," Hochul said.
Over the next three years, fellows will be placed at community-based organizations, businesses and local governments on projects to advance climate justice and clean energy priorities.
State Sen. Jessica Ramos said that acknowledging the importance of including members of disproportionately impacted communities “can only be the beginning of meaningful investments to protect our communities and end fossil fuel dependency once and for all."
There will be 50 fellowships available in 2021 and up to 100 fellowships through 2023. NYSERDA has committed to working with outside agencies to limit barriers to access and ensure wrap-around services such as transportation and childcare services for participants.
"Those living in historically disadvantaged communities know the needs of their communities best,” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said. “Our Climate Justice Fellowship program is unique in that it allows for individuals to pair up with entities that want to facilitate clean energy and climate justice efforts in the very same communities - creating unique collaborations and helping ensure an equitable green transition in neighborhoods that have traditionally been underserved."
Participant applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Oct. 28, and hosts will have to apply with a candidate already identified and an outline for the project over the one-year cohort period.
Anyone interested can sign up for a webinar covering requirements and answering questions at 10 a.m. on Sep. 16.
