Indiana University

McKinney Climate Fellows

Website | https://eri.iu.edu/programs/mckinney-climate-fellows/index.html

McKinney Climate Fellows (MCF) is a workforce-development program that connects Indiana University undergraduate and graduate students interested in climate, sustainability, and community resilience with meaningful career experiences. Through partnerships with Indiana-based businesses, governments, nonprofits, and other organizations, fellows bring solutions-oriented capacity to real-world sustainability challenges while building the skills and professional networks needed for green careers.

The program responds to a growing need for sustainability talent across Indiana. It creates a mutually beneficial model: students gain paid, hands-on professional experience; host organizations receive dedicated support for climate and sustainability projects; and communities across the state benefit from work that strengthens environmental resilience. MCF began in 2017 and has grown into a statewide talent pipeline for climate and sustainability leadership.

MCF is distinctive in combining workforce development with direct service to Indiana organizations. Fellows work on projects such as climate and resilience planning, energy and emissions analysis, urban forestry, habitat conservation, waste reduction, outreach, and grant support. The program also offers training, peer learning, and access to a statewide network of sustainability professionals. 

Fun Facts about McKinney Climate Fellows

• Award-winning: recognized as a Second Nature Climate Luminary and AASHE Campus Sustainability Award finalist.
• Over 302 student fellowships and more than 100,000 hours of climate service have been completed through the program.
• More than 100 Indiana businesses, local governments, and nonprofit organizations have hosted through MCF.
• The sister Resilience Cohort program helps Indiana city, town, and county governments understand the local implications of climate change and implement climate adaptation strategies through technical consulting and student fellowship capacity.
• Students receive professional development and environmental-career resources, connect with peers and alumni, and may showcase their work at Indiana University and ERI events.

Year Program Established | 2017
Country | US
Public or Private Institution | Public
Number of students at institution | 90,000

Highlight Articles/Videos

McKinney Climate Fellows contribute 13,000 hours to resilience across state

Building a green talent pipeline: Empowering sustainability leaders

McKinney Climate Fellows: Sparking climate and sustainability careers

City Partners

MCF works statewide with Indiana-based businesses, local governments, nonprofits, and other organizations. More than 100 organizations have hosted fellows over the program’s history. Because the program’s partnerships span sectors and change from year to year, the host list is best viewed as a broad statewide network rather than a fixed set of city partners.

• Local and county governments across Indiana, including communities participating in ERI resilience initiatives
• Businesses and institutions advancing sustainability, energy, emissions, and waste goals
• Environmental nonprofits working on forests, water, and community resilience

 Current and past host list.

Contact Info

Elspeth Hayden
Academic Engagement Manager; McKinney Climate Fellows Program Manager
(812) 855-8742
haydene@iu.edu

McKinney Climate Fellows Program
mcf@iu.edu
717 E 8^th St
Bloomington, IN 47408

Social Media Addresses:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/environmentalresilienceinstitute
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/environmental-resilience-institute