MHC Fellows - Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)- Environmental Support Division (ESD)

MI Healthy Climate Fellows:
Join the MI Healthy Climate Fellows (MHC Fellows) and make a lasting impact on Michigan's carbon-neutral future! The MHC Fellows program accelerates Michigan's climate action through capacity building and leadership development. Fellows serve across the state to advance the MI Healthy Climate Plan's (MHCP) goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan, unveiled by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in April 2022, aims to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis; create good-paying jobs; position Michigan as a climate action leader; and build a healthier and more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Michigan for all Michiganders.

About the Host Partner:
EGLE's Environmental Support Division (ESD) is responsible for the department's proactive public outreach, internal and external training, ensuring a safe and healthy workplace, and communicating emergency issues, among other support functions. ESD supports major outreach efforts such as the MI Healthy Climate Conference, public meetings, webinars, and other training for environmental professionals and the public to help EGLE Divisions and Offices such as the Office of Climate and Energy advance their goals.

The Environmental Education program, housed within the ESD, is a key initiative designed to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues among Michigan's residents. This program offers a range of educational resources, workshops, and outreach activities aimed at students, educators, and the general public. It plays a vital role in supporting EGLE's broader mission by equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make environmentally responsible decisions and contribute to the preservation of Michigan's unique environment.

Current Environmental Education programs include the Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support series, facilitation of the Michigan Green Schools Program, a lending program to share free educational models and resources, and professional development for educators. This position builds on the development of the MI Green School Guide completed during the 2024-2025 MI Healthy Climate Fellows program.

MHC Fellow Role and Responsibilities:

• Plan and facilitate MI Green School Guide workshops and professional development sessions with students, educators, administrators, and parent organizations to build school capacity for climate action.

• Support school communities in implementation of the MI Green School Guide, including answering questions, sharing resources, and guiding next steps toward action plan implementation.

• Assist schools with outreach and storytelling, helping them share their environmental success stories with local media and community partners.

• Incorporate feedback from school visits to refine and improve the MI Green School Guide and related resources.

• Engage new schools in high-need communities to expand access to climate planning tools and support.

• Track and report progress toward the goal of working with 20–30 school communities over the service term.

• Empower the community to access climate resources by planning meetings, educational programs, and/or other activities to consistently share information.

• Support EGLE with other climate-related projects as needed and as progress on the primary project allows.

• Participate in MHC Fellows development shared learning and collaboration activities including four MHC Fellow in-person convenings and, MHC Fellows monthly virtual trainings (will be provided by program staff).

• Fellows will host a community input session with their host site to collect community feedback and advance the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

Position Type: Hybrid

MHC Fellows can expect to report to serve in a Hybrid capacity; the MHC Fellow will be required to work in the office in Lansing at least one day every two weeks but are welcome to work in the office more.

Hours of Operation: (Flexible) 8 hrs, Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (final schedule will be set with host set during onboarding)

Site Location: 525 W. Allegan St. Lansing, MI 48933