In Fall 2024, BikeWalkKC offered its first Community Transportation Academy (CTA) open to metro residents of Clay, Jackson, Johnson, Platte, and Wyandotte counties. For the initial program, we received 41 applications for 15 openings. You can learn more about the initial cohort by clicking here.
We're happy to announce that BikeWalkKC will be offering a second cohort of the CTA this fall! Applications are due no later than Friday, June 6.
Over the course of ten weeks, participants will:
- Learn how the bi-state Greater Kansas City transportation system is planned, designed, funded, and built (and who is responsible for what!)
- Understand how transportation insecurity impacts access to jobs, training, health care, groceries, and other essential services
- Gain a deeper awareness about how transportation relates to equity, health, housing, climate protection, and more
- Explore the impact of systemic racism and historic redlining on today’s built environment and how they impact residents’ ability to move around the region
- Learn how “regular” folks can advocate for changes and improvements in your community
- Present a project idea for a needed improvement in their community
"...I really appreciated and valued the diverse backgrounds and perspectives. I learned alot not only from the presentations and panels, but also from the fellow participants. I also appreciate the balance of structure presentations w/ unstructured conversations." - Testimonial from a 2024 CTA participant
View the academy schedule and topics for more detailed information.
Location: BikeWalkKC (1106 E. 30th Street, Suite G, Kansas City, MO 64110)
Schedule: The academy is taking place every Tuesday evening 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm from August 26 through November 4 (NOTE: No class will be held on September 16). Light refreshments are provided.
Stipends: We are not able to provide onsite childcare services, but we are able to offer stipends to help participants with things like babysitters/childcare, transportation, internet access, and other possible expenses that may cause a burden for someone to attend. The amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will note if they need a stipend when they apply.
Language: At this time, we're only able to offer the academy in English. We're hoping to find ways to expand translation services with a future cohort.
Feedback: As a participant in this class, we will ask you to complete a pre- and post-survey to help us understand how the CTA expands your knowledge of the region's transportation system and how we can continue to improve the program.
If you have questions, please email us at policy@bikewalkkc.org.
BikeWalkKC's Community Transportation Academy is supported by RE-AMP Network Administrative Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation.
A group photo with the 2024 Community Transportation Academy participants during the final week of the course.