FUTURE LEADERS IN PLANNING (FLIP)
About the Future Leaders in Planning Program
Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) is the Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC)’s innovative summer program that immerses high school students into Urban Planning experiences and face-to-face interaction with community leaders. FLIP students learn through doing – whether exploring Schenectady’s history on the Stockade Haunted Tour, paddling the Mohawk River by kayak, testing water quality, launching a drone over Schenectady, biking the Railroad Run from Pitney Meadows Community Farm into downtown Saratoga, or discovering Albany through Lincoln Park and the iconic Skyway. This year’s program is made possible in partnership with Schenectady County Connects (SJTA) / Schenectady County Workforce Development, connecting students not only to the places that shape their region, but to the people and pathways that drive its future. The cost of the program is free, covered through sponsorships.
FLIP 2026
KEY DATES:
- Orientation Day: August 12
- Summer Program: August 17 – 20
- Presentations & Panel: August 21
Application:
- Due: July 10
- Reference Letter: July 17
FLIP students learn through doing – whether exploring Schenectady’s history on the Stockade Haunted Tour, paddling the Mohawk River by kayak, testing water quality, launching a drone over Schenectady, biking the Railroad Run from Pitney Meadows Community Farm into downtown Saratoga, or discovering Albany through Lincoln Park and the iconic Skyway.
This year’s program is made possible in partnership with Schenectady County Connects / Job Training Agency, connecting students not only to the places that shape their region, but to the people and pathways that drive its future.
Previous Years:
2023 FLIP Recap
The 2023 Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) program brought together another outstanding group of students for a week of hands-on learning across New York’s Capital Region.
Participants explored planning in action through visits to Albany, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and Tivoli Preserve, where they met with local planners, community organizations, and regional partners. From discussions on food access at the South End Grocery and Blue Light Development Group to complete streets in Troy, downtown revitalization in Saratoga Springs, and environmental stewardship at Tivoli Preserve, students gained firsthand insight into the many ways planning shapes healthy, resilient, and vibrant communities.
The week concluded with student presentations, allowing participants to showcase their ideas and receive feedback from planning professionals and community members.
2022 FLIP Recap
The second year of FLIP was a great success, bringing together students from across the Capital Region for an exciting week of learning, collaboration, and exploration.
Participants visited Troy, Albany, Saratoga Springs, and the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, where they experienced planning firsthand through site visits, conversations with local professionals, and interactive activities. The program concluded with student presentations, allowing participants to showcase what they learned and receive feedback from planning professionals and community members.
2022 Partners and Sponsors
- Capital District Transportation Authority
- Capital District Transportation Committee
- University at Albany Geography and Planning Department
- Geography and Planning Student Association
- BlueLight Development Group
- The Future of Small Cities Institute
- Pitney Meadows Community Farm
- City of Troy
- City of Saratoga Springs
- Upstate NY American Planning Association Chapter
2019 FLIP Recap
FLIP launched its pilot program in 2019, connecting high school students with the opportunities and challenges of regional planning across New York’s Capital Region.
In collaboration with the Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Early College Program, students spent an engaging week exploring communities and organizations including Saratoga Springs, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, GlobalFoundries, Brookfield Renewable’s Cohoes Hydropower Facility, Pitney Meadows Community Farm, and Sierra Processing.
Along the way, participants learned about transportation, energy, economic development, sustainability, and open space conservation while connecting with planning professionals and industry leaders. The week concluded with student presentations and a community panel, marking the successful launch of the FLIP program.