MIT Civilian Climate Corps

The MIT Civilian Climate Corps addresses a critical gap in connecting academic efforts with real-world climate action, aiming to bridge the resources at MIT - students and faculty, with the communities in tackling environmental challenges. This initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Architecture, the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, and the MIT Urban Risk Lab. The Corps was conceived to foster interactions between careers and climate, community and climate action, students and communities, students and faculty, architecture and urban planning, and existing climate initiatives. It focuses on setting a standard for inclusive climate initiatives within academic settings, aiming to establish a replicable model for other institutions.

The MIT Civilian Climate Corps offers five programs designed to implement this vision effectively. The Corpsmember Program engages students in paid positions to work on pilot projects focusing on environmental and economic justice in collaboration with local partners. These projects vary in duration from six months to multi-year commitments. The Hub serves as a comprehensive resource center, offering students access to courses, internships, and volunteer opportunities related to climate action while supporting existing MIT programs. The Research to Action Fellowship provides graduate students with opportunities to propose projects that incorporate actionable components and community partnerships, focusing on just climate transitions. Courses and Training are also developed to engage students with local partners in co-teaching opportunities. Extended Projects support long-term collaborations between MIT and local communities, emphasizing climate, community, and career impacts.

MIT Civilian Climate Corps aims to mobilize the MIT community to achieve climate and environmental justice goals, build a pipeline of talent for a just climate transition, and produce significant impacts on campus and in the greater Boston area. By fostering strong community partnerships, the Corps aims to advance equity and provide students with the skills and experiences needed for innovative careers. The initiative seeks to create a visible, expansive program that connects students to a larger mission, facilitating systemic change through diverse levels of engagement. Through these efforts, the MIT Civilian Climate Corps will empower students, strengthen community organizations, and drive meaningful climate action, establishing MIT as a leader in sustainability and education.

MIT Urban Risk Lab: Lisbeth Shepherd, Miho Mazereeuw, Justin Brazier, Juliana Berglund-Brown

Eastie Farm and the Eastie Farms Climate Corps: Kannan Thiruvengadam, Jenny Wechter, Joel Seidner

MIT Office of Sustainability: Brian Goldberg, Susy Jones 

MIT SA+P: Nicholas de Monchaux (Professor and Head of Architecture at MIT), Chris Zegras (Professor of Mobility and Urban Planning, Department Head)

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Supported by: Department of Architecture Shier Fund and MIT d’Arbeloff Fund