What an incredible year it’s been for the Campus Climate Action Corps (CCAC)! As July comes to a close, the program wraps up its first year of service with the 2023-2024 term. It’s been a journey filled with growth, challenges, and plenty of accomplishments. Here are some highlights and updates from the 14 host sites across 9 states.
Looking Back: A Year of Growth and Impact
The CCAC program has grown tremendously over the past year, and the momentum isn’t slowing down. With the introduction of the CCAC Connecticut (CCAC CT) program, supported by a state funding grant through Serve Connecticut, CCAC is expanding its reach even further. The program aims to add 8 new host sites in Connecticut for the 2024-2025 term, with endless possibilities for impact.
Those interested in becoming a CCAC CT host site or member, they can reach out to [email protected]. The program is also looking to hire a CCAC CT Program Associate—apply today!
Celebrating Achievements
CCAC has seen significant growth this term and is showing no signs of slowing down. With the launch of the CCAC CT Program and boosted recruitment efforts, the program is set to expand to 6 new host sites (and counting) in the next term!
Ecosystem Health Projects:
CCAC teams initiated 10 ecosystem health projects this year, addressing issues from invasive species to coastal erosion. Each project was a step toward creating healthier, more resilient ecosystems.
Basic Home Energy Assessments:
The program completed 65 Basic Home Energy Assessments, providing low-cost interventions to help homeowners improve their energy efficiency and save on utility bills.
Education Events:
CCAC host sites organized 10 education events that engaged communities in fun and informative ways, from Energy Efficiency Jeopardy to interactive recycling presentations. These events helped spread awareness and empower people to take action.
CCAC Host Site Highlights
The dedication and creativity of the CCAC host sites have been truly inspiring. Here are some of the proudest moments from the teams:
- Central Connecticut State University (CT): Hosted a “Clothing Swap and Fast Fashion” event, offering free quality clothing while educating the community on sustainable fashion.
- Colby-Sawyer College (NH): Partnered with local organizations to remove invasive knotweed, enhancing the scenic view and educating visitors about the dangers of invasive species.
- College of the Atlantic (ME): Completed 13 comprehensive energy audits and is set to conduct over 30 more, with the CCAC team collaborating with various organizations and communities to support this work.
- Kennesaw State University (GA): Addressed food deserts in the community by teaching locals how to sustainably grow their own food, complete with 'grow kits' to get them started.
- Lasell University (MA): Helped plant and maintain a community garden open to campus and community members, and also planted trees on campus for Arbor Day.
- Morehouse College (GA): Launched a recycling ad campaign, developed a carbon sink off a roadway, and installed energy efficiency sensors in campus buildings.
- NHS of New Haven (CT): Held an educational event for middle-schoolers, teaching plant identification and garden care through engaging activities like a 'greenhouse scavenger hunt.'
- Southern Maine Community College (ME): Developed key sustainability resources for the campus and community, including a comprehensive sustainability website and a green career database for students.
- St. Lawrence University (NY): Reached 950 homes with the Canton Decarbonization Campaign and provided energy assessments for 35 homes.
- Stetson University (FL): Organized the Hatter Closet donation drive to divert usable items from landfills and a Daytona Beach cleanup involving many student organizations.
- Simsbury Community Farm (CT): Cleaned up the farm, built 15 raised beds, and launched organic gardening practices, aiming to donate produce to local food pantries and educate the community.
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO): Developed a comprehensive energy efficiency model to help increase cost savings for local residents and address community-specific needs.
- Weber State University (UT): Completed 10 energy assessments, applying low-cost interventions like weatherstripping and LED light bulb installation.
- Connect Science (MA): Five AmeriCorps members in Stoughton and Salem taught environmental education through hands-on activities, including light pollution reduction projects and exploring wind, solar, and hydropower.
- Stoughton: Students are planning final projects on reducing light pollution and participating in an ecosystem and energy scavenger hunt.
- Salem: Students are engaged in hands-on projects focused on environmental stewardship, including recycling initiatives, wind and solar energy, and hydropower exploration.
There’s still time to get involved in the 24-25 term! Visit the CCAC website to fill out a member interest form or apply to become a host site today.
Meet the Coordinators Behind the Scenes
The CCAC Coordinators have been the driving force behind the program’s success. Here’s a look at what each of them is most proud of this year:
Amber, Education Coordinator: Curated the Campus Climate Action Toolkit, a go-to resource for campuses looking to expand their environmental initiatives.
Dan, Social Media Coordinator: Created an animated video to introduce key audiences to the CCAC program and played a key role in launching the program’s web presence.
Kristina, Communications Coordinator: Spearheaded the Environment for Everyone Campaign and authored every monthly newsletter, spreading the word and inspiring action.
Marshall, Energy Efficiency Coordinator: Implemented the Connect Science curriculum for grades 3-6, fostering a collaborative learning environment centered on social-emotional and service-learning.
Will, Energy Efficiency Coordinator: Developed the State Energy Efficiency Manuals, making it easier for people nationwide to incorporate energy-saving practices into their daily lives.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To all the supervisors, AmeriCorps members, and volunteers who made this first year of CCAC such a success—thank you. Their dedication, hard work, and passion have created a lasting positive impact on the environment. It wasn’t always easy, but their commitment to climate action has been nothing short of inspiring.
Special recognition goes to Breanna and Glennys, the Program Coordinators. Their encouraging attitudes and passion have brought out the best in the service members, pushing the program to new heights.
Sara, the Program Manager, has also been instrumental in the program’s success. Her thoughtful leadership has made CCAC a place where everyone feels supported and empowered to make a difference. Her contributions to CCAC, AmeriCorps, and the broader climate movement are deeply appreciated.
Finally, Sally, the Program Director, deserves a special thank you for her passion for environmental awareness. Her leadership and vision have been a guiding light for the entire program.
As CCAC looks ahead to the next term, there is excitement for what’s to come. The program is poised to continue making strides toward a healthier, more sustainable world, and everyone involved is eager to keep the momentum going.