Future Leaders in Planning

Introducing high school students to a career in planning

Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) is the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) summer program for high school students in northeastern Illinois. FLIP is a free leadership development program for students to explore the field of urban planning and learn about the issues that shape our region and communities.

Partners can help spread the word about this opportunity for future planners — check out the FLIP communications toolkit.

About the FLIP program

FLIP introduces students to planning topics through engaging sessions and activities led by regional planning experts from CMAP and partner agencies. Topics touch on the many angles of urban planning.

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

The 2026 FLIP program runs over five days in June — June 23-26 (Tuesday through Friday), and June 30 (Tuesday).

Program benefits

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:

• Learn about issues facing northeastern Illinois
• Explore new professions and career paths
• Meet students from around the region
• Build their resume and gain valuable hands-on experience
• Become a better listener, observer, writer, and presenter
• Learn how to become a community advocate and leader
• Receive an optional letter of recommendation
• Receive a certificate of completion

The program is completely free to students, and includes snacks, meals, public transportation, and materials. Students will receive a stipend upon completion of FLIP.

Student eligibility

To participate, students must:

• Be enrolled in high school. Students entering high school or recent high school graduates are also eligible to apply. 
• 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
• Commit to attending all FLIP sessions

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 1. Apply to be part of the 2026 FLIP cohort.