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Energy Fellowship
I-REN is accepting applications through a partnership with CivicSpark an AmeriCorps Program to fill multiple vacancies within Riverside and San Bernardino City and County agencies. I-REN is looking for Energy Fellows who would like to launch a meaningful career, and make a difference in the Inland Empire by supporting a broad range of resiliency projects. Fellows gain exceptional career experience, and training to become future leaders in response to emerging environmental and social equity challenges.
The Fellows must have a minimum of an associate’s degree and be emerging leaders who are looking to gain professional experience within the community while creating meaningful impact. The fellows will be providing approximately 1,700 hours to the host city or county agency.
This 11-month program starts in Fall and runs through Summer. Fellows participate in a number of career-building activities through both CivicSpark and I-REN. Depending on availability, three-quarter term (8-month) options may be available.
Applications for the 2026 Three-Quarter Term cycle are now open.
How to Apply
Full-Time Fellow Applications
- Returning Fellow application open March 2026
- New Fellow application open April 2026
- Please visit our partners at CivicSpark to learn more about the application process: civicsparkfellowship.org/fellow.
Three-Quarter Term Fellow Applications
- Now accepting new Fellow applications through October 31, 2025.
- Please visit our partners at CivicSpark to learn more about the application process and apply: civicsparkfellowship.org/fellow.
Host Site Applications
- Returning Host site application open February 2026
- New Host Site application open March 2026
- If you are interested in being a Host Site for a Three-Quarter Term Fellow, please reach out to info@iren.gov
- Learn more from our partners at CivicSpark by visiting civicsparkfellowship.org/partnership-opportunities or reach out to Justin at justin@civicsparkfellowship.org.
Spring 2025
This year, the Energy Fellowship Program is proud to announce significant opportunities in professional development through strategic partnerships with companies and organizations who are leading the industry, including regional collaboratives, state agencies, non-profits, and companies pioneering spatial analytics, environmental services, and electric vehicles.
Select Partnerships | About |
|---|---|
Regional Energy and Climate Hub (REACH) Inland Empire | The Regional Energy and Climate Hub (REACH) Inland Empire is a collaborative initiative that brings together key state and regional stakeholders to advance place-based energy, land use, and climate progress through streamlined communication and coordination. |
Esri | Esri is a leading provider of geographic information system (GIS) software, known for its flagship product ArcGIS, which enables mapping and spatial analytics for various industries. |
Inland Empire/Desert Regional Consortium | The Inland Empire/Desert Regional Consortium (IEDRC) is a collaborative network of community colleges and educational institutions focused on enhancing career and technical education, workforce development, and economic growth in the Inland Empire and Desert regions. |
California Air Resources Board (CARB) | The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is a state agency dedicated to promoting and protecting public health, welfare, and ecological resources through the effective reduction of air pollutants. |
CR&R Environmental Services | CR&R Environmental Services is a leading waste and recycling collection company in Southern California, known for its innovative and sustainable environmental solutions, serving over 3 million people and 25,000 businesses. |
GRID Alternatives | GRID Alternatives is a nonprofit organization that installs solar power systems for low-income and underserved communities, advancing economic and environmental justice through renewable energy solutions. |
WattEV | WattEV is a company focused on electrifying freight transportation by providing infrastructure, maintenance, and support for zero-emission electric trucks. |
California Climate & Energy Collaborative (CCEC) | The California Climate & Energy Collaborative (CCEC) is a network that supports local governments in California by fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration to advance equitable climate and energy practices. |
Sample Projects
- Community Outreach & Marketing
- Building Benchmarking & Data Analysis
- Climate Action Plans
- View More Projects
Program Benefits
- $35,000 Living Allowance
- $7,395 Education Awards
- Professional Development Training
- View More Benefits
Hear from our I-REN Fellows
The I-REN Fellowship is an excellent opportunity to gain professional work experience. I’m acquiring invaluable knowledge while collaborating with agency members, supporting energy efficiency projects in our cities, and making a meaningful contribution to my community. I feel fortunate to be a part of such an amazing and rewarding program,says Geena Vescial, I-REN Energy Fellow, with Coachella Valley Association of Governments.
“Through this Fellowship opportunity, I have learned so much about myself through developing new skills like project management, project facilitation, and project implementation. I have been grateful to gain practical work experience working with public agencies, all while being able to make a positive impact within my local environment,” says Giovanni Valencia-Baxter, I-REN Energy Fellow, with Western Riverside Council of Governments.
If you are a city or county interested in hosting an I-REN Energy fellow, please e-mail us.