The program has already placed 100 AmeriCorps members across the state to work on climate resilience and clean energy projects, with plans to expand to 300 members by next year. The model could be replicated in other states looking for sustainable ways to fund climate service work.
In the absence of federal support, these state-funded programs show that there is still a demand for climate service work at the local level. Communities across the country are facing the impacts of climate change, from wildfires in California to hurricanes in the Southeast, and there is a clear need for hands-on assistance in responding to these crises.
While the American Climate Corps may have been short-lived, its legacy lives on in the form of state-funded initiatives that continue to support young people working on climate and conservation projects. As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the need for these programs will only grow, and state governments will need to step up to fill the gap left by the federal government.
It’s clear that the work of the American Climate Corps is far from over, even if the program itself has ended. By investing in state-funded initiatives and supporting local climate service work, communities can continue to build a green jobs workforce that will help combat climate change and build resilience for the future. The Washington Climate Corps Network recently made a significant impact by awarding almost $1.5 million in grants to 11 different projects across the state in 2025. These projects aim to restore degraded estuaries, help communities prepare for extreme heat, and wildfire smoke, ultimately building climate resilience in the region.
Matt Glazewski, the director of the Washington Climate Corps Network, described the program as having lofty goals despite its relatively small size. The main objective is to develop a climate workforce and introduce people of all ages to potential climate-friendly careers.
Unlike the American Climate Corps, which faced partisan challenges, Glazewski has successfully garnered support from Republicans in Washington for the state’s program. Grants are being allocated to rural areas where terms like “climate action” may not typically resonate. For example, a $200,000 grant is being directed to the Port of Pend Oreille in the northeast corner of Washington, where efforts are underway to convert diesel locomotives to run on cleaner engines.
Glazewski emphasized the importance of engaging diverse communities in climate initiatives, stating that even deeply conservative regions can be on board with sustainable practices if they see the economic and environmental benefits. Some Republican members of the state legislature, including Senator Shelley Short, have shown support for the Washington Climate Corps Network, highlighting the program’s ability to transcend political divides.
By building a broader coalition and showcasing the versatility of the Climate Corps Network, Glazewski hopes to demonstrate that climate action can take many forms and be relevant to any community. Whether it’s promoting job opportunities in the green or blue economy or mobilizing people to support meaningful projects, the program is designed to empower individuals and communities to embrace sustainable practices for a brighter future.
