Future CCOs Post-Graduate Climate Fellowship
About the Fellowship Program
The Future Climate Change Officers Fellowship Program (Future CCOs) is designed to connect masters level graduates with employer organizations seeking talented climate change practitioners. Centered around this professional talent pool, the program was launched in 2013 and is establishing a professional track for graduates pursuing opportunities in the profession of climate change leadership.
The fellowship program is designed to deliver compelling business cases for climate change programs focused upon energy and GHG management, supply chain management, adaptation and resilience, incorporating climate science into operational decision making, risk management, etc. The fellows work with employers to develop new climate action programs and thought processes, as well as bring new ideas that will increase support for their related initiatives.
In addition, each fellow will be tasked with a specific long-term climate-centric project, to be identified by the employer, during the program that will lead to the development of a case study to educate that will be used to educate program participants, future fellows, university partners, business partners, and the broader climate community. ACCO and its members and partners provide guidance and counsel to the fellow and employer through this process.
Throughout the fellowship, ACCO provides a stream of educational and professional development opportunities, enabling the fellows to network and collaborate with peers in the program and subject matter experts in the ACCO community. A network of program participants and alumni will also be established for long-term access to mentors and climate professionals.
Interested in becoming an employer?
Past Fellowships
Sample Past Future CCOs Case Study Reports
Integrating Renewable Energy into the Energy Portfolio at Lockheed Martin
(authored in 2016 by Samantha Baker)Advancing Climate Protection Strategies at The Coca-Cola Company
(authored in 2015 by Ran Tao)
How it Works for Employer Partners
ACCO will recruit prospective fellows and match them based on qualifications, employer needs, and overall fit for the program. Employers will be responsible for overseeing the workload and responsibilities for the fellow, though ACCO provides regular support and guidance, meeting regularly with both employer and fellow. Additional details for employers include:
An operational audit or assessment should be performed before fellows arrive (or comprehensive climate change strategies and implementation information should be made readily available) so that fellows are best positioned for a smooth transition into the project.
An integration plan must be established to support the fellow’s developing role at the employer – an appropriate level champion should pave the way to ensure that the fellow’s work and function are adequately supported.
Employers should be committed to incorporating climate change response into their operational decision-making and strategies.
Fellows are required to participate in Future CCOs network meetings (2 per year) that are scheduled during the fellowship term.
Each fellow must be provided health, vision and dental benefits and reimbursed for approved work-related and/or travel expenses.
Employers will be asked to provide ACCO with updates on climate change initiatives related to the published case study (and the fellow’s work) annually for 2 years after fellowship is complete.
Program Financials
The fellow’s salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the employer. Employers will be required to provide a salary range and basic benefits prior to the public posting of the position. Employers may provide financial compensation and full benefits directly to the fellow. However, if direct compensation or employment is not an option, the employer may work with ACCO to establish an alternative arrangement (e.g. contracting ACCO, using a staffing firm). Employer organizations will also be responsible for paying ACCO a $10,000 per year program fee.
Note: Employers joining the Future CCOs program will automatically be enrolled in ACCO as a basic organizational member.
Recognizing the Co-Founders of the Future CCOs Program
This program was established in 2013 in partnership with the following institutions:
