1. Climate Corps
  2. For Communities

For Communities

The Municipal Assistance Program

The Climate Corps Municipal Assistance Program is designed to provide assistance to Connecticut communities wishing to plan for climate change but challenged by lack of resources. During the spring of each year, Climate Corps students will work with Sea Grant and CLEAR extension faculty to partner with selected communities on a range of tasks in support of climate adaptation. There is no charge for the Municipal Assistance Program, but interested communities must demonstrate a commitment to the partnership.

How it Works

  1. Upper class students from the Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, and Environmental Engineering majors apply for available seats in the UConn Climate Corps.
  2. In the Fall semester students complete a course on climate change that focuses on New England and local impacts, and on the roles and challenges of local government in adapting to it.  [view course syllabus]
  3. The following Spring semester, students can enroll in an independent study "practicum" working with community leaders. Instructors from CLEAR and Sea Grant work with community partners to come up with a list of useful and achievable tasks related to climate adaptation. Tasks can focus on assessment, mapping, planning, outreach, or other topics. Students teams are then set up to work on these projects.

How to Apply

  1. The number of participating community partners is limited by the number of students who elect to participate in the independent study.  Town officials, staff or other community partners interested in participating in the program are encouraged to contact Climate Corps faculty leader Juliana Barrett.
  2. Although this program is at no cost to the community, participating towns or groups will be asked to demonstrate their commitment to working with the university and the Climate Corps students. The principal requirements:
    1. Agreement to appoint a primary town/group contact for the student team assigned to your town.
    2. Agreement to a meeting with the project team to discuss your needs and ideas, and develop a list of priority actions.
    3. Agreement to host an informational session (audience at your discretion) for the student team to report their findings.