As spring gives way to summer, 31 IU students will be spending the coming weeks helping Indiana communities and organizations make progress on their sustainability and climate goals.
The students are part of McKinney Climate Fellows (MCF), a program administered by the IU Environmental Resilience Institute and the Integrated Program in the Environment to connect IU undergraduate and graduate students interested in climate, sustainability, and community resilience with career experiences.
On May 11, fellows gathered for training in preparation for their service-learning experiences. During a one-day “Climate Camp,” students brushed up on technical skills and engaged in discussion on elevating sustainability within organizations.
“The emphasis of Climate Camp is on building relationships between fellows and ensuring they feel rock-solid in their support from ERI staff before they launch into a great summer of climate and sustainability work,” said Elspeth Hayden, MCF program manager. “Fellows also participated in popular technical sessions on GIS, design, communicating sustainability, and equity. Throughout the summer, we’ll be supplementing this training with other technical and professional sessions during our weekly virtual Lunch and Learn programming.”
Representing the Bloomington, Indianapolis, and South Bend campuses, this summer’s fellows will be supporting land conservation, engaging Hoosiers on the benefits of residential solar energy, advancing the mission of Indiana’s first green bank, and much more. They’ll be hosted by 29 organizations, including the Indianapolis Public Library, Save the Dunes Conservation Fund, and the Indiana Energy Independence Fund.
Ten fellows will be working directly with Indiana local governments as part of ERI’s Resilience Cohort program. This year, the cohort is focused on harnessing community capacity to tackle climate priorities and creating community tree canopy expansion plans.
McKinney Climate Fellow Lucas Giese, a master of public affairs student at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, said he’s excited to be part of Indiana’s climate solution this summer through his work with the City of Gary.
“This fellowship gives me the opportunity to get direct experience in local government and local climate action, two things relevant to my career goals,” Giese said. “I’m also eager to apply the knowledge I’ve gained from my studies at O’Neill to help an Indiana community that’s working to address climate change.”
Entering its eighth year, McKinney Climate Fellows has placed more than 200 students with local governments, businesses, and nonprofits across the state. About 75% of past fellows work in environmental and sustainability careers after graduation, with about half of McKinney Climate Fellows choosing to live and work in Indiana after graduation. The program is open to students from all IU schools and campuses.
“MCF’s vision of what a climate professional looks like doesn’t stop with one campus, school, or major,” Hayden said. “We want folks actively engaged and interested across sectors, all bringing their unique talents and passions to tackle resilience challenges.”
About the Environmental Resilience Institute
Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute connects a broad coalition of government, business, nonprofit, and community leaders to help Indiana and the Midwest better prepare for the challenges of environmental change. Together, we integrate research, education, and community to create environmental resilience and climate solutions—building a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future. Learn more at eri.iu.edu.
About the Integrated Program in the Environment
Bringing together faculty, students and staff across 10 Indiana University schools, the Integrated Program in the Environment is a hub for academics, research, and activities focused on the environment. Administered by the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, the School of Public Health, and College of Arts and Sciences, IPE is preparing the next generation of environmental and sustainability leaders. Learn more at environment.indiana.edu.
