The fairfield-suisun climate learning exchange and training program will prepare approximately 25 local residents with the tools, experiences, and resources they need to be climate champions in…

This $324,908 EPA Region 9 Project Grant awarded on March 4, 2024 will fund the Fairfield-Suisun Climate Learning Exchange and Training Program. The program, delivered through a partnership between Greenbelt Alliance and Sustainable Solano, will prepare approximately 25 local residents to become climate champions in their communities. The 14-month program will provide training, workshops, field trips, and support for participants to develop and implement community projects focused on climate resilience, estuary protection, and environmental justice. Key deliverables include curriculum development, participant recruitment, monthly learning sessions, a final showcase event, and program evaluation. A sub-award to Sustainable Solano will support the organization's role in providing staff, transportation, and other resources for the program. The project aligns with the goals of the EPA's Geographic Programs - San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund (CFDA 66.126) to improve water quality and restore aquatic habitats in the San Francisco Bay region.

The fairfield-suisun climate learning exchange and training program will prepare approximately 25 local residents with the tools, experiences, and resources they need to be climate champions in their own communities. Greenbelt alliance and sustainable solano will partner to support creation of the climate learning exchange and training program, a 14-month course including guest speakers, skill building workshops, field trips, outreach, and project development to prepare participants for understanding interconnected climate challenges, how planning and policy development works, and come away feeling empowered that they can be part of creating local solutions as estuary champions and leaders. This agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $324,908. See terms and conditions. Activities:task 1: design curriculum, consult experts, plan program: engage and consult expert advisors and project partners to develop program curriculum and plan monthly activities. Task 2: solicit program participants: create outreach materials; create program application; conduct outreach activities; select program participants. Task 3: conduct pilot program (9 months): hold monthly 2-hour learning sessions with the program participant cohort for a 9 month period. Sessions may take the form of workshops, field trips, scenario exercises, guest speakers, and skill sharing. Task 4: hold final showcase event: plan event, conduct research and hold event task 5: wrap up and reporting: conduct exit-evaluations to gauge effectiveness of coursework and gain feedback; conduct program evaluation task 6: project management and coordination: monthly and quarterly reporting, invoicing, and team project management and coordination meetings.subrecipient:sustainable solano will receive a subaward. IT will assist with most tasks of the project by providing three part time staff and transportation for participants. Sustainable solano has experience working with local communities that will be beneficial to the success of the project.outcomes:deliverables: final program schedule; final program description and objectives; outreach materials; presentations (recorded and/or slides); resources posted online for sharing with the general public including info sheets, data tools, workshop materials; evaluation results; outreach flyers; photos of event; documentation of final participant projects; quarterly progress reports outcomes: the 25 program participants will deliver final projects ranging from educational outreach initiatives, skill building demonstrations, project ideas, and more. Partners, including public sector staff, elected officials, schools, special agencies, and local partners, will connect with program participants and build mutually beneficial relationships. The program will be used as a case study to build similar programs in other communities. Beneficiaries: residents of fairfield and suisun will benefit, by receiving the financial and educational resources enabling members of these communities to participate in the preparation, planning, and investments in climate resilience activities. Over the long term, participants will benefit from the established connections, partnerships, and tangible skills and project concepts necessary to continue work in these areas.