Q: Is this a paid program?
A: Yes, Green Corps offers a paid training program that will prepare you for a career in environmental organizing and the broader social change movement.
Q: What does the year look like? How often do organizers travel and to where?
A: For the organizer program, there are eight weeks total of in-classroom training which occur throughout the year. Green Corps will cover the cost of travel to and from each training location. Organizers will work on a total of three to five campaigns throughout the year, for which you will move around the country.
For the campaigner program, Green Corps will cover the cost of travel from training to the new campaign location as well as additional trainings or campaign trips that are deemed appropriate during the campaign.
Here is an example of a year-in-the-life of a Green Corps organizer.
| AUGUST: | SEPTEMBER: | OCTOBER: |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| NOVEMBER: | DECEMBER: | JANUARY: |
|
|
|
| FEBURARY: | MARCH: | APRIL: |
|
|
|
| MAY: | JUNE/JULY: | AUGUST: |
|
|
|
Q: How does housing work while at training and while working on campaigns?
A: Green Corps will provide transportation to and from trainings after the introductory training, as well as free housing during all classroom trainings. During training, organizers will either be staying with their own friends or family if they live nearby or will stay with a Green Corps staff member, alumnus or friend of Green Corps in the area.
While working on campaigns, organizers are responsible for arranging their own housing, although Green Corps will help provide temporary housing through its network for organizers’ first week on the ground.
Q: What type of oversight do organizers receive during the year?
A: Each organizer has a Green Corps staff director who will make sure they have the resources, support and tools they need to be successful. Additionally, each campaign has a campaign partner who will be involved in developing the campaign plan and providing regular updates to organizers. Green Corps organizers also have access to the 40+ Green Corps alumni and experienced staff from the Public Interest Network who participate in trainings throughout the year and are an invaluable resource to new staff.
Q: How can I support Green Corps?
A: The best way to support Green Corps is to make a tax-deductible donation here!
Q: Do you have to be a graduating senior from college to apply?
A: No. Most of our applicants are recent college graduates because the program is for those who are ready to launch their environmental careers. However, there is no age limit to the program.
Q: Do you need to have environmental experience in order to apply?
A: Not necessarily. Our applicants have a diversity of interests and experiences. We are looking for people who are serious about saving the planet, have experience working with environmental or social change issues, and have demonstrated leadership experience.
Q: Does Green Corps hire international candidates?
A: Green Corps hires qualified individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. International students who have work authorization are invited to apply. Green Corps does not arrange for work permits or act as a sponsor through any governmental or private job or training program. As a nonprofit organization, Green Corps is unable to devote financial and staff resources in assisting applicants to obtain work authorization.
Q: How is Green Corps funded?
A: Green Corps is supported by grassroots donations, grants and campaign partners.
Q: How competitive is the program?
A: Similar to other post-graduate fellowships, the Green Corps program attracts many qualified candidates — typically over 1,000 per program year. While we are unable to offer positions to all qualified candidates, we do offer a unique referral program where we recommend some of our candidates to other environmental and social change organizations that may be a better fit.
Q: When will I know if I am accepted into Green Corps?
A: We will inform candidates within a week of attending a third round interview if we have a position for them or if we would like to put them on our waitlist.
Q: What are the benefits?
A: For positions starting in August 2025, the target annual compensation is $38,000 (but compensation may range between $38,000 and $41,690 depending on location). Green Corps offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, paid sick time (60-80 hours/year depending on location), accrued paid vacation time (accruing 10 days over year 1), our commuter benefit program, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer additional short-term campaign and training opportunities, as well as opportunities for advancement. Compensation and benefits will vary for short-term campaign positions.
Q: Can I choose my campaign or location?
A: Green Corps organizers and campaigners go where the environment needs them and wherever they can make the biggest impact. They could work on campaigns almost anywhere in the country, and while location preferences are considered for placements, we require all organizers to be geographically flexible.