AARP California Planning Academy

Every day local and state leaders make critical decisions that impact our neighborhoods, and it is vital that all voices are represented. That is why AARP California launched the AARP California Planning Academy for civic minded individuals looking to get involved in their local communities and serve as a voice for people 50-plus. This free, educational program equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections to be an impactful leader in their community’s planning efforts.

We invite you to apply for the 2025 AARP California Planning Academy class!

APPLY NOW

Applications are due March 16, 2025

Participants of the AARP California Planning Academy are introduced to:

• Local planning processes, principles, and practices, and how planning shapes our communities’ today and in the future.
• Issues affecting older adults, and how local planning efforts can be leveraged to enact meaningful and positive change.
• The key components of an age-friendly community.
• Essentials on how to apply and serve on a local board or commission as a voice for people ages 50-plus.

Planning Academy participants commit to:

• Completing 8 weekly virtual course sessions (60mins) on the fundamentals of planning and issues of importance to older adults. 2025 Planning Academy sessions will begin in late April through early June. They will be held on Thursdays from 12 – 1pm.
• Identifying opportunities in their local communities to represent the voices and concerns of older adults and serve on a board, committee, and/or commission.
• Advocating for older adult needs and wants in public planning processes on issues such as housing, transportation, and civic engagement.

No prior planning experience is required to participate in the Planning Academy, although professional planners are welcome. The Planning Academy is free, but space is limited.

Planning Academy FAQ: 
How many sessions are there?

• There are 8 virtual sessions, including a closing session and celebration.

How much planning experience do I need?

• None!  We are looking for people who are curious and interested about planning and civic engagement and who want to make an impact in their communities. 

What if I don’t know of a board/commission I want to serve on?

• We strongly encourage you to get to know the local planning bodies in your community, but it is not a requirement that you immediately serve on a board. 

What if I miss a session?

• By participating in this program, we hope you can commit to joining all 8 sessions. However, we do understand that emergencies and other conflicts may arise. 

What is the selection process to participate in the Planning Academy?

• We are looking for a variety of things in applicants, including but not limited to; commitment, regional diversity, interest/identified opportunity in civic space (boards/commissions, etc.) 

How many people are selected?

• Each Planning Academy class is 25-30 students.

How much does it cost to participate?

• The Planning Academy is free. 

What are the participation requirements?

• All selected participants will be asked to attend and fully participate in the 8 weekly sessions, as well as complete any pre-readings and prep work in advance of sessions. Selected participants will need to register as AARP volunteers to access recordings and meeting materials.

What happens after the program ends?

• Participants will be asked to continue serving as an AARP volunteer. AARP will continue to offer ongoing learning sessions, networking opportunities, and provide support to you in your role in identifying an open board/commission seat and serving in your community.

Is this only open to AARP members?

• No. The Planning Academy is open to the public. Selected participants are asked to serve as an AARP volunteer.

Who will lead the weekly sessions?

• AARP CA is the lead organizer of this Planning Academy and will facilitate and moderate the sessions each week. We will be partnering with several issue and subject matter experts to present on the various topics. This includes professional planners and urban designers, commissioners, non-profit leaders, and more. The final list of presenters will be made available to participants prior to the start of the academy.   

For additional questions, please contact Rachel Zaiden at rzaiden@aarp.org.