The Flinn-Brown Fellowship, the Center’s cornerstone initiative, annually selects a cohort of about 25 Arizona leaders for the Flinn-Brown Academy. An immersive learning experience for accomplished community leaders from diverse backgrounds, Fellows engage in rich and civil discussions with policymakers, thought leaders, and political experts; form professional connections within a robust peer network; and gain profound understanding of how to contribute to addressing Arizona’s most pressing issues through a variety of paths into public service.
Flinn-Brown Academy At a Glance
- Accomplished Peers: The diverse Fellows chosen from throughout Arizona each year for Flinn-Brown are recognized broadly as strong leaders ready to go further.
- Rich Experience: The Fellowship includes an Orientation Lunch, the annual Flinn-Brown Convention, and 12 additional full-day Academy sessions from August through late October, with supplementary readings tied to seminar topics.
- Tuition-free: There is no cost to participate in the Flinn-Brown Fellowship. Mileage reimbursement and hotel accommodations are provided for participants outside of Maricopa County. Meals and supplies for seminar days are provided.
- Nonpartisan Design: The focus is on policy, politics, and solutions to Arizona’s pressing challenges. Interactive sessions include essential facts and figures, examination of policy choices, and articulation of key perspectives.
- Exceptional Presenters: They include highly experienced elected and appointed officials, executives, judges, scholars, and other experts engaged in decision-making at highest levels, plus political analysis from active state-level practitioners.
- Personal Growth: Offering unique components for self-assessment and practice of leadership, skills-focused learning events, individualized connections, long-term support, and leadership opportunities.
- Great Expectations: All Fellows commit to advance toward their civic-leadership goals in the near term, and to offer and seek support from colleagues in the Flinn-Brown Network beyond the Flinn-Brown Academy.
2025 Flinn-Brown Academy Schedule
The Academy sessions are typically held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a couple of evening events. This schedule is subject to change.
August 2025
Friday, Aug. 1: Orientation Lunch
Friday, Aug. 15: Flinn-Brown Convention
Thursday, Aug. 21: Economy & Demographics
Friday, Aug. 22: Government and Budget
September 2025
Thursday, Sept. 4: PreK-12 Education
Friday, Sept. 5: Higher Education
Thursday, Sept. 18: Public Health & Health care
Friday, Sept. 19: Human Services
October 2025
Thursday, Oct. 9: Environment
Friday, Oct. 10: Infrastructure
Thursday, Oct. 16: Criminal Justice
Friday, Oct. 17: Communications & Media Relations
Wednesday, Oct. 29: Civic Engagement
Thursday, Oct. 30: Day at the Capitol/Recognition Reception
Applying for Flinn-Brown
About 25 Arizonans are selected each spring for the Fellowship in a highly competitive selection process. The application for the 2025 Flinn-Brown Fellowship will open Feb. 1, 2025. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28, 2025.
Flinn-Brown Academy Facilitators
Flinn-Brown Academy sessions are facilitated by two former state legislators who are leading experts in Arizona policy and politics: Stan Barnes of Copper State Consulting Group and South Mountain Justice of the Peace Rebecca Rios. Learn more.
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