Who is eligible to apply?

U-M undergraduate students from Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses are eligible to apply for M-CCAF. Fellows should be enrolled at their university during the entire length of the program (March-October). See the Eligibility and Application page for more details.

Who is a good applicant?

Strong applicants for the M-CCAF program exhibit traits of self-motivation, creative problem-solving, and an expressed interest in climate, sustainability, and/or grassroots organizing. See the Eligibility and Application page for more details.

What is the full program timeline?

M-CCAF contains three parts - the Winter course from March-April, the fellowship portion from June-July, and the Fall course from September-October.

What do the courses cover?

The Winter course is a one-credit preparation course that includes an introduction to community engagement, communicating across differences, climate literacy, and professionalism topics. The Fall course is also one-credit, and serves as a space for students to reflect on their experience, learn how to talk about their fellowship in future professional settings, as well as share their work with the U-M community. Each course is 7 weeks (Winter B and Fall A terms at U-M Ann Arbor).

Who is MiCAN? Who are the MiCAN member host organizations? 

MiCAN amplifies, connects, and supports the people, organizations, and communities demanding urgent, bold, and equitable solutions for a just transition to a resilient future. With over 200 member organizations, MiCAN helps coordinate and facilitate climate action on a statewide scale. M-CCAF host organizations are all members of MiCAN, and apply specifically to host an M-CCAF fellow over the summer. You can find previous host organizations on our Partnerships page.  

How are Fellows matched with a host organization?

Fellows are matched with host organizations on an individual basis based on their skills, desired gained experience, and logistical parameters including location and desired work mode.

What type of work do Fellows complete at their host organizations?

Fellows do a wide range of work depending on their existing skill set, desired gained experience, and organizational need. Many host organizations are small and require an intern to “wear many hats” e.g. volunteer coordination, communication, research, and more.

I don’t have experience in climate or grassroots organizing. Can I still apply?

Please do! No experience is required to be considered. Students from all disciplines and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to build a diverse cohort, including students who are new to climate and/or community engaged work.

Is this a paid fellowship?

Yes, M-CCAF fellows receive a stipend for their participation in the summer fellowship portion of the program.

How many hours per week are Fellows expected to work?

Fellows are expected to commit 30 hours per week during the June-July fellowship portion of the program. Exact schedules and day-to-day flexibility vary by host organization.

What if my host organization isn't near my hometown?

Some host organizations are located outside the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint areas. Funding support is available for fellows placed at host sites outside their hometown. If you have location requirements or preferences, you'll have the opportunity to note them during the application process.

Will my fellowship be remote, in-person, or hybrid?

Both the Winter and Fall courses are virtual. During the summer, a fellow’s work mode depends on their host organization and is factored into the matching process. You'll be able to indicate your preferences when you apply.

What support will I receive from U-M and my host organization?

During the Winter and Fall courses, fellows will receive substantial support from the program management and academic teams to ensure smooth transitions into and out of the summer portion of the fellowship. During the summer, fellows will communicate frequently and directly with their host organizations to receive guidance on and execute their workplans. M-CCAF provides structured support throughout the summer, including a dedicated mentor, weekly professional development sessions, cohort activities, and check-ins with the U-M team.