The Walking College is a national program, administered collaboratively by AARP and American Walks, that seeks to build the capacity of local walkability and pedestrian safety advocates across to improve their communities. Each year specific states are selected to participate in the College, and Kansas was one of the states selected for 2023.

AARP Kansas, which is administering the program at the state level, has named 18 advocates and 3 mentors from across the state to participate in the 2023 Kansas State Walking College. College Mentors provide individual coaching and facilitate group discussions among Fellows.

Chris Tilden, FLAT Board Chair has been selected as Walking College Mentor, along with Andy Fry, President of Topeka Community Cycle Project and Jessica Mortinger, Transportation Planning Manager with the Lawrence/Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Chris and the other mentors are facilitating discussions covering a series of modules covering leadership development, coalition-building, walkable community design, local public policy, and strategic planning. The Mentors are also providing one-on-one coaching to each Fellow to assist them in developing a Walking Action Plan for their community.

The Walking College was developed in 2014 by America Walks, with funding support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. America Walks is a national education and advocacy organization which works to advance safe, equitable, accessible, and enjoyable places to walk and move.