Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) is the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's (CMAP) summer program for high school and college students in northeastern Illinois. FLIP is a free leadership development program for students to learn about the issues that shape our region and gain an interest in urban planning.

Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) is a free summer program for high school and college students in northeastern Illinois. This leadership development program allows students to explore the field of urban planning and learn to address issues in their communities.

FLIP introduces students to planning topics through engaging online sessions and activities led by regional planning experts from CMAP and partner agencies. Topics touch on the many angles of urban planning, from design and public transportation to housing and environmental protection. 

Through FLIP, students learn about new professions and career paths in urban planning, urban design, sustainability, public policy, government, transportation, environmental planning, water supply, community development, and public engagement.

This year’s FLIP will consist of four online sessions, each of which is 90 minutes long. FLIP will be limited to 40 students this year. Students are required to attend all four sessions and will receive a certificate of completion.

FLIP 2021 dates:

• Friday, July 9; 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 16; 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 23; (extended session)
• Friday, July 30; 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Read more about last year’s FLIP program, which CMAP held virtually for the first time.

FLIP provides a place for students to learn about urban planning as a potential college major, career option, or lifelong interest.

FLIP allows students to:

• Build their college resumes.
• Receive a certificate of completion.
• Receive an optional letter of recommendation.
• Explore new professions and career paths.
• Meet students from around the region.
• Learn about the issues facing northeastern Illinois.

In order to participate, students must:

• Be enrolled in high school or college.
• Live or study in one of the seven counties of northeastern Illinois (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties).
• Possess a desire to learn more about the region and our communities.

Online applications closed on Friday, June 18, 2021.

Do you have questions or want more information? Contact FLIP’s program managers at FLIP@cmap.illinois.gov.