Climate Stewards Volunteer Program

Volunteers committed to fighting climate change

Are you interested in helping your community adapt to our changing climate?

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County is planning to host another Climate Steward program starting in fall 2026! This 10-module training will prepare participants to act as community leaders, addressing climate change through educational outreach and mitigation projects. Volunteer participants who complete this program will learn about the science of climate change, mitigation and adaptation strategies, and how to engage with and educate their communities.

Climate Stewards must complete 12 weeks of training, then complete at least 40 hours of approved community volunteer work to become a certified volunteer in the program. For the program, volunteers must submit an application and agree to a background check in order to be an official CCE Westchester volunteer. Climate Stewards represent CCE Westchester and may work with CCE staff on climate programming in the future.

The online application can be located here! All submitted applications will be reviewed when selection begins in the summer of 2026. Most classes will be held over Zoom as a state wide cohort with project planning days in person in our Elmsford, NY facility.

About the Climate Stewards Training Program

Each module includes a slideshow presentation, assigned readings and videos, group activities, and work toward final action projects. During the last few weeks, trainees put their new-found skills into action with individual or group action projects that will be a wonderful entry into making a difference for communities.





Date	Module
September 10, 2026	Orientation
September 17, 2026	The Science of Climate Change
September 24, 2026	Climate Change Impacts
October 1, 2026	Climate Justice
October 8, 2026	Introduction to Local Governments and Municipalities
October 15, 2026	Introduction to Mitigation
October 22, 2026	Local Mitigation Strategies
October 29, 2026	Introduction to Adaptation
November 5, 2026	Local Adaptation
November 12, 2026	Communicating Climate Change
November 19, 2026	Volunteer Project Planning
December 3, 2026	Volunteer Project Presentations

Your Community Connections Can Help Fight Climate Change

Learn More: Climate Smart Communities & Clean Energy Communities

Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is a multi-state agency effort led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC). CSC outlines concrete action lists of steps communities can take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, adapt for a changing climate, and become more resilient in the face of new environmental challenges. Climate Stewards volunteers will use the CSC action lists to determine what municipalities have already done and opportunities to take action.

Research has shown that a key barrier to local climate action is lack of resources (staff, resources, and training). Climate Stewards will be trained and empowered with practical skills to help fill these gaps, tackle issues, and inspire change in their own communities.

NOTE: THERE IS A $15 FEE ONCE ACCEPTED.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Contact

Hillary Jufer
Horticulture Program Manager
westchester+1@cornell.edu
914-285-4640

Last updated June 17, 2026