The Chesapeake Bay Trust is excited to announce that the application for Host Organizations for the 2024-25 Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps* is open. Each year this initiative, supported by the Trust, state of Maryland, and BGE an Exelon Company, places young adults (ages 18-25) with nonprofit and government agencies to work full-time in the environmental field for one year of stipend-supported service. The Corps Members receive hands-on job experience and skills in the environmental field by supporting projects and programs at their Host Organization, participating in the program’s professional development trainings, and taking advantage of other program opportunities including grant writing and networking.

The Chesapeake Bay Trust anticipates placing approximately 50 Corps Members at nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout Maryland to work full-time for a year of stipend-supported service from August 14, 2024 to August 13, 2025. Corps Members will receive a living stipend of $31,200 from the Trust to support their year of service.

Applications to serve as a Host Organization consists of a proposed position which include a range of responsibilities and activities to be undertaken by the Corps Member in the fields of climate change, environmental restoration, energy conservation, sustainable agriculture, forestry, community engagement, and/or preK-12 environmental education.

All applications must be submitted through the Trust’s online system by Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 4:00 pm EST. The application package and access to the online application can be found on the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps section of the Trust’s website.

The Trust is holding an information session on Monday, November 6th, 2023 from 2:30-3:30pm to discuss the upcoming 2024-2025 Corps Program and Host Organization application and to answer any questions. If you are interested in attending the information session, please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsce2rrDMtGNBkkgViqPWkVByWxZfltgQl.

*In 2022 the Maryland General Assembly enacted the Climate Solutions Now Act, one aspect of which is the expansion of the climate focus of the Chesapeake Conservation Corps and provision of resources to increase the number of Corps placements. These changes allow the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps (Corps) to increase its impact in addressing the complex environmental issues of today in the face of climate change, serving communities disproportionately affected by climate change, and preparing young adults for the demands and needs of the green workforce.