✨ Welcome to the brand new Urban95 Academy website!

Start designing cities that work for

The Urban95 Academy is a fully-funded executive education programme for municipal leaders worldwide to learn and develop strategies to make cities better for babies, toddlers and their caregivers.

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An online education
programme for city leaders

The course is delivered over seven weeks online and participants join a growing global network of practitioners working to improve the lives of children in their cities. Some cities will have the opportunity to study in-person in London and access other technical support. The Urban95 Academy is open to all Mayors, municipal leaders, city planners, designers and urban professionals working in local government.

The Urban95 Academy is a joint collaboration between the Van Leer Foundation and the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Who we are

  • 7 weeks of online learning, with weekly live sessions
  • Opportunity to study in London
  • Language: English
  • Completion certificate from LSE
  • Price: Free to participants

Explore the Urban95 Academy

You will learn how to

How to apply

Benefits

World-leading Education


The programme is designed & delivered by LSE Cities in LSE’s School of Public Policy. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the London School of Economics and cities with the most promising ideas for taking action will be invited to a fully-funded, intensive, week-long, in-person training in London on the LSE campus.

Continued Support

Upon completing the programme, cities may be eligible to receive additional technical support from Urban95 Academy partners and are invited to join the Urban95 Academy global network of city leaders who are improving the lives of babies, toddlers and caregivers in their cities.

Applied Knowledge

The programme focuses on analysis, strategy, and leadership with case studies from a range of cities that have already delivered Urban95 programmes. The online modules cover policies and programmes on mobility, public space, neighbourhood planning, accessibility, equity and inclusion.

Frequently
asked questions

Visit our FAQs

What is Urban95?

The Van Leer Foundation’s Urban95 initiative works with city leaders, planners, architects, and engineers to support the healthy development of young children growing up in cities. It is driven by a simple question – if you could experience the city from 95cm – the height of a healthy 3-year-old – what would you change? Its goal is to support healthier, safer, fairer, and more vibrant cities for young children and for those who care for them. Click here to learn more.

Who can apply to the Urban95 Academy?

The Urban95 Academy is open to Mayors and municipal leaders from all local governments. This includes city planners, designers and other urban professionals working for local city government. If you are not a city official but have an established history of working closely with a local government for example as part of an NGO, you can form a team with the municipality you are working with.

How much time do I need to commit to attend the academy?

The Urban 95 Academy takes place over seven weeks across 15 online learning modules and seven weekly virtual meetings with LSE academic faculty and guest lecturers. Participants should expect to commit roughly four hours per week to the online course.

Participants of city teams that are selected to attend the fully sponsored Residence Week in London will need to be able to travel and participate in a range of events and in-person training over the course of the week at the LSE in London. The Residence Week takes places three months after the online course.

Urban95 Academy Network

Taking part in the Urban95 Academy connects you to a growing network of engaged and motivated urban practitioners around the world, who are working to improve the lives of young children and caregivers.

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