The Walking College

An Interactive, Online Education Program for

Walkable Community Advocates

June - October 2015

America Walks is excited to open applications to participate in its new program - The Walking College.  To address an identified need for training and capacity building, we have designed a program of self-study, mentored instruction, and team problem solving. The Walking College will begin this spring and culminate at the 2nd National Walking Summit in Washington, DC.  Join us for an informational webinar about the Walking College on April 2nd at 1pm Eastern, 10am Pacific. 

Who Are We Looking For?

• Local change agents working alone, as part of a community organization, or in a profession such as public health, planning, transportation or education

• Community leaders with a passion for making their communities more walkable and livable, and a vision for what that would look like

• Advocates who are willing to invest personal time and energy in training and commit to continuing the work after completing the program 

What Do We Want To Do?

• Equip participants ("Walking College Fellows") with the tools and resources needed to create and grow walkable communities 

• Teach Fellows the hard and soft skills necessary to become effective community change agents

• Work with each Fellow to develop a "Walking Action Plan" for his/her own campaign, organization or community 

What Does It Look Like?  

• Instructional Program: Take part in an online study program with webinars, readings, mentoring sessions, community research, relevant assignments and other elements 

• Independent Study: After instructional training, Fellows will take their new knowledge to their communities, developing a community-based campaign or project 

• National Walking Summit: Program will culminate at the 2nd National Walking Summit, held in Washington, DC providing Fellows with further development of their skills and new networking opportunities 

What Does It Cost?

The true cost of a Walking College Fellowship is $3,500.  However, due to the generous support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Walking College Mentors, Walking College Fellows will pay:

• $100 Walking College Registration Fee

• Travel costs to Washington, DC for the 2nd National Walking Summit.  America Walks staff will assist Walking College Fellows efforts to fundraise for these costs and additional financial assistance including Walking Summit registration and a shared-room hotel stay for two nights.