The White House has announced a new paid training and service program that could benefit emerging landscape architects. The American Climate Corps (ACC) will help address the climate crisis by training and putting young people to work in clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience jobs.

Specific projects will affect coastal resilience and restoration, forest and public land management, sustainable agriculture, natural resource use, and the clean energy transition. The ACC will also focus on equity and environmental justice – prioritizing projects and investments in underserved communities and energy communities that powered our nation for generations.

The federal government wants to ensure that all young people have the chance to participate in the ACC. For most ACC positions, no prior experience is required. However, emerging landscape architects could be uniquely qualified for ACC positions and projects, which in turn could help advance their careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy.

ASLA encourages emerging landscape architects and firms to sign up for more information on joining the American Climate Corps. Landscape architecture firms may serve as host for service members, offering valuable experience and opportunities to advance climate change solutions for young individuals, while providing established practices with enhanced capacity to address the challenges of climate change.

ASLA recognizes the serious risks that climate change poses to ecosystems and to public health, safety, and welfare. Landscape architects are the most qualified professionals to lead and develop solutions to this mounting challenge. To learn more and express interest in the American Climate Corps, visit the White House website.