Applications are Now Open!
This year's program is open to new students and past DTA graduates alike.
Before applying, please review the Class XI Syllabus to review program requirements and fees.
Deadline is May 31st at 11:59pm.
About Downtown Academy
The Downtown Fresno Partnership/Foundation established Downtown Academy in 2010 with Fresno’s Leading Young Professionals to answer the question: how do we make Downtown Fresno a vibrant place to live and work?
This year, the program enters its 11th cohort with well over 200 graduating members.
So, what is Downtown Academy? Downtown Academy is a 10-month award-winning collaborative program designed to connect key business, government, and community leaders with forward-thinking young professionals to explore Downtown Fresno, how we got here and where we’re headed.
Downtown Academy received the 2016 Leadership & Management Excellence Award from the International Downtown Association and has been referred to by former Fresno mayor, Ashley Swearengin, as “one of the best programs to come out of the revitalization movement”.
Program Goals
- A class curriculum that explores the complexities of urban renewal.
- An overnight field trip to other cities to help visualize successful revitalization strategies.
- Completion of volunteer hours and a group project that directly advance revitalization efforts.
- Become a downtown champion, and member of a tight-knit group that supports vibrancy, innovation, advocacy, and partnerships in our downtown!
Program Timeline
● April 19th, 2024 - May 31, 2024: Application Cycle Open
● June 6th, 2024: Class XI List Announced
● June 20th, 2024 - March 20th, 2025: Program
● June 20th, 2024: First Day of Class
● March 20, 2025: Graduation