Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Climate Justice Policy Fellows gain hands-on experience in policy advocacy at the state or national level, deepen their understanding of climate justice landscape, and make professional connections to build their careers. In partnership with the Earth Rising Foundation, the Fellowship prioritizes young people of color in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. who are interested in gaining experience in the climate and environmental justice sectors. We have three positions available, one each with our Virginia, Maryland, and Federal teams.

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the only group in the Chesapeake region of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. dedicated exclusively to building a powerful grassroots movement to fight climate change. We envision an equitable energy future where truly clean power sources — such as solar and wind — sustain every aspect of our lives and dirty fossil fuels are phased out. We strive to include principles of justice and equity in every policy we advocate for, with the knowledge that racial and social justice is foundational to climate justice.

Our team is working on bold campaigns to reduce emissions at a scale that matches the climate crisis we face. For over a decade, we have been pushing the envelope of what’s “politically possible,” using every tool inside and outside the box—from organizing to lobbying to litigation. 

 

Legislative Research:

Policy outreach and education: 

Administrative duties and CCAN team expectations

Fellowships begin on January 5, 2026. Fellows at CCAN work 10 to 20 hours per week over ten to sixteen weeks and are paid $25 per hour. The CCAN team works on a hybrid schedule. Each Fellow will work with their manager to determine their weekly schedule. 

Maryland Policy Fellowship applicants should live within reasonable driving distance of Annapolis, MD and be willing to work from Annapolis weekly. Virginia Policy Fellowship applicants should live within reasonable driving distance of Richmond, VA, and work in the Richmond office twice weekly. Federal Policy Fellowship applicants should live within reasonable driving distance of the Takoma Park, MD office.  

Please complete this Google form application by Thursday, October 23, 2025. You will be prompted to answer a series of short questions and asked to submit a resume and writing sample.

CCAN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Carol Brantley served on CCAN’s board from January 2017 until her passing in 2018. Her passion for public service and climate justice inspired our staff and board. She was dedicated to mentoring and supporting young leaders in the climate and social justice movements, including the young Quakers she worked with, who created a team called Coolin’ 4 Carol in her honor for the 2019 Polar Bear Plunge. 

Carol was a deep thinker and regular meditator with a rich spiritual life. She lived a life of introspection, love, compassion, and loyalty. Her natural gift for connecting deeply touched a wide circle of lives—friends, family, clients, community—and left a formidable legacy. Carol embodied beauty and elegance with striking, memorable minimalism. She had known suffering and loss, leaving her compassionate and generous. She was widely respected, and we have been honored to know her and be warmed by her light.