FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Apr 08, 2024

Washington, DC - Today, Governor Jared Polis, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith and Serve Colorado discussed Colorado’s nation-leading work to protect Colorado’s future and achieve bold climate goals by utilizing AmeriCorps members and national service.

“From reducing the risk of forest fires to saving water, Colorado is a national leader in
keeping Coloradans safe. I am thankful for the important work of Colorado's Climate Corps
to further workforce development, invest in clean energy solutions, and foster work that
preserves our beautiful state for future generations,” said Governor Polis.

“Serve Colorado is a national leader when it comes to expanding opportunities for service
to address community needs across our state as well as utilizing national service as a
workforce development tool,” said Lt. Governor Primavera. “Between 2019 and 2022 we
doubled the number of operational programs in Colorado, creating new service
opportunities in education, health care, economic mobility, and climate response. We are
excited to see national investment in the work states, including Colorado, are leading
when it comes to civilian climate corps.”

“We are at a crucial time where we must step up and take action to address the climate
crisis,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “That’s why, every year, AmeriCorps
engages nearly 15,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in
conservation, renewable energy, and community resilience projects that address climate
change.”

The Colorado Climate Corps launched in 2022 with 633 service members taking part in its
inaugural year, and in 2023, over 770 members worked on projects covering all 64 Colorado
counties. Colorado holds the distinction of being one of the first states to launch a Climate
Corps. The Biden-I’m Harris Administration has expressed interest in drawing insights and
forming partnerships with state-based climate corps, particularly as they gear up to launch
the inaugural cohort of the American Climate Corps. Notably, Colorado has been designated as
a founding implementing partner of the American Climate Corps, positioned at the forefront
of this federal initiative.

Colorado Climate Corps members:

  • Provide critical capacity and support to local governments to develop and execute
    climate action plans and/or projects including educating communities about climate
    change, developing and implementing community sustainability plans, conducting
    electric vehicle readiness planning, and updating drought contingency plans
  • Conduct wildfire and flood mitigation projects and conduct water and energy
    efficiency projects
  • Implement additional environment and energy efficiency projects in low-income,
    single family, and multi-family homes.

For the past three decades, AmeriCorps has conserved natural habitats, improved energy
efficiency, protected clean air and water, and helped mitigate climate change's effects.
Every year, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers treat millions of acres of
parks and public land, and thousands of miles of trails and rivers to create a greener and
cleaner planet.

For more information about Serve Colorado and the Colorado Climate Corps visit
servecolorado.colorado.gov/colorado-climate-corps.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.