Future Leaders in Planning (FLiP)

FLiP Future Leaders in Planning Student Leadership Development Program

About

FLiP 2024 is a FREE program that runs May 28 – 31, 2024 from 8:00a – 5:00p. It includes meals, snacks, a FLiP T-shirt, and more!

Designed as an opportunity for high school students to explore urban planning as a potential career, FLiP offers a broad exposure to planning.

Through a series of speakers, interactive planning activities, and tours on foot, bus, streetcar, and boat, FLiP provides:

  • The chance to network with and learn from planning professionals in the planning and related government services fields in the public and private sectors as well as connect with other students with a passion for planning for a thriving future for our community
  • Broad exposure to planning from multiple perspectives, including: comprehensive planning, economic development, environmental, historic preservation, community redevelopment, transportation, geographic information systems, safety, education and research, and more

Since its inception in 2016, the Planning Commission’s Future Leaders in Planning program has been a huge hit with students and parents alike. Traditionally, urban planning is a subject students are not exposed to until college or graduate school. FLiP changes that and addresses educational pathways to the career, inspiring future planners.

Hillsborough County School District students in good standing in grades 9, 10, or 11 are eligible to apply. Current seniors and students who have previously attended FLiP will be considered only on a space-available basis. Hillsborough County residents in private high schools may also apply. To ensure consideration for the program, all applications must be accompanied by a recommendation from a teacher, counselor, mentor, or community leader.

A huge thank you to our sponsors and partners – Hillsborough County Public Schools, ULI Tampa Bay, Sun Coast Section – APA Florida, TECO, PSG – and all of our contributors! Thank you for giving us a lift, literally, to HART & TECO Line Streetcar, USF Bull Runner, and the School District.

Our sponsors


Hillsborough County Public Schools Preparing Students for Life logo with lamp and light
ULI Urban Land Institute Tampa Bay logo
American Planning Association Florida Chapter Sun Coast APA FL logo
TECO an Emera Company logo
PSG logo with grey and blue blocks

How to Apply

Students apply from February 5 through April 19, 2024!

Student applications open on Monday, February 5 and are due by Friday, April 19, 2024. Recommendations are due no later than Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Students accepted into FLiP 2024 will be informed of program acceptance and receive more details and agenda in mid-May.

plan’ning

noun. The activity or profession of determining the future physical arrangement or condition of a community. Planning, also called urban planning or city and regional planning, is a dynamic profession that works to improve the welfare of people and their communities by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations. Planning helps communities envision their future and find the right balance of new development, essential services, environmental protection, and innovative change.

Past Programs

2023

Students enjoyed four days of great field trips, excellent speakers, and interactive group projects. The FLiP 2023 program ran from May 30 – June 2. Check out the 2023 recap!

2022

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, FLiP 2022 welcomed high school students from throughout Hillsborough County back on May 31 – June 3. For the first time, participants included home and virtual school students. This year, exciting new planning adventures and activities were added to the jam-packed itinerary. Check out the 2022 recap and Facebook photos.

2019

On June 4 – June 7, the Planning Commission held our fourth annual Future Leaders in Planning (FLiP) student leadership development program. A big hit with the students, mentors, and parents alike, FLiP offered a broad exposure to planning from both public and private sector perspectives across many fields. The students flourished while networking with professionals, collaborating in teams, and honing their presentation and public speaking skills. Check out the 2019 recap and Facebook photos.

2018

On May 29 – June 1, 2018, the Planning Commission held our third annual Future Leaders in Planning student leadership development program. FLiP 2018 expanded to a four-day program with 21 students invited to participate. Check out the 2018 recap and Facebook photos.

2017

On May 31, 2017, the Planning Commission kicked off FLiP 2017, our Future Leaders in Planning student leadership development program. The annual FLiP program expanded from nine to eighteen students and from a two-day to a three-day intensive program in just its second year. Check out the 2017 recap and Facebook photos.

2016

On June 21, 2016, the Planning Commission welcomed the inaugural class to our Future Leaders in Planning (FLiP) student leadership development program. The first year, FLiP was a two-day intensive program with nine students. Check out the 2016 recap and Facebook photos.

Thank you FLiP sponsors & program contributors!