Fresno’s Leading Young Professionals (FLYP) and the Downtown Fresno Partnership (DFP) are accepting applications for Downtown Academy Class 5.

---

The deadline for submitting applications for the upcoming session is Aug. 21.

Downtown Academy is a collaborative program designed to connect young professionals with key business, government and community leaders.

Downtown Academy is a 10-month class focusing on downtown Fresno that is offered to members of FLYP. The class meets one evening each month, taking tours of downtown projects and hearing from community leaders about obstacles and opportunities in Fresno.

Fresno’s Leading Young Professionals started Downtown Academy in 2010. FLYP is a nonprofit organization representing the greater Fresno area and working to attract and retain young professionals who are committed to professional and civic leadership.

 

“Downtown Academy has been an outstanding tool for informing and engaging young professionals on the complex issues that comprise urban renewal,” said Aaron Blair, CEO for Downtown Fresno Partnership. “Participants learn a lot, but they also give back to the community by sharing their knowledge and experience with others.”

The class meets the second Wednesday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. and includes walking tours of different areas of downtown followed by dinner and a group discussion. Each year, the class completes a project that directly advances revitalization efforts in Downtown Fresno.

The cost for participation is $350 which includes dinner after each class, transportation and lodging for the field trip, and a graduation celebration.

Applicants must be FLYP members. Anyone interested in applying can create or renew FLYP membership at www.flypinfo.com and can learn more about Downtown Academy at www.downtownfresno.org/about/DTA where they will find a FAQ and link to the online application.