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BETTER BLOCK UNIVERSITY
Better Block University is a leadership program designed to guide folks 18+ through community informed temporary transformations of spaces or streets in their communities. Upon completion of this program, participants will have learned from the Better Block process and have the tools to successfully implement a tactical urbanism project in their community to address a Public Safety issue.
We're searching for 15 individuals who are passionate about improving their communities and have actionable ideas for improvement. We are not looking for specific degrees or professional qualifications; rather, we are seeking people who care deeply about their neighborhoods and are ready to take action. 5 spots are reserved for North Texas participants, with the remaining 10 open to applicants from across the world.
Photos of the 2025 BBU Cohort's final projects and activations.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Over four months, this group will be guided by a Better Block curriculum, centered around our community-powered urban design process to re-activate neighborhoods. Equipped with this knowledge, they will each have the tools to design and implement a mini Better Block project envisioned under the scope of public safety. The BBU program will consist of hands-on coaching in design, community engagement, permitting, budgeting, evaluation, and peer learning alongside a national cohort of practitioners and community leaders.
REGISTER FOR BBU 2026
Tuition for the program is $5,000. This includes access to five class days and the BBU cohort, 10 hours of one-on-one mentorship with our team, and hotel costs for the in-person kickoff in Dallas, Texas (flights not included).
APPLY FOR BBU
APPLY FOR A NORTH TEXAS SCHOLARSHIP
Are you a North Texas local applying for Better Block University? Thanks to the generous support of The Communities Foundation of Texas, Harold Simmons Foundation, and HEB, we have 5 scholarships to not only cover all the costs for North Texas participants, but also provide $2,500 toward your project.
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP
CLASS 1:
IDENTIFY THE ISSUE & SURVEYS
During this in-person session in Dallas, participants will identify key issues and opportunities in their own neighborhoods, begin planning their projects, and get their hands dirty with a Dallas install.
AUGUST 1ST
CLASS 2:
BLOCK MAP
& PERMITTING
This virtual session is where we will dive deeper into the first steps of a Better Block project with Block Maps and how to go about permitting.
SEPTEMBER 8TH
CLASS 3:
DESIGN & ACTIVATION
During this virtual session, students will be learning about Wikiblock, workshopping final designs, permitting plans, and brainstorming activations.
SEPTEMBER 22ND
CLASS 4:
MARKETING & DATA GATHERING
During this virtual session, students will discuss the storytelling aspect of their projects, as well as how to gather data to help inform the story.
OCTOBER 6TH
IN-PERSON KICKOFF: Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at the Better Block Headquarters
VIRTUAL CLASSES: Sept. 8th, Sept. 22nd, and Oct. 6th, 2026
GRADUATION: November 10th, 2026
For questions and inquiries, contact marissa@betterblock.org
Better Block University is powered by the generous donations from the Communities Foundation of Texas, Harold Simmons Foundation, and HEB.
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