Step into the Future of Leadership with the BAM Fellowship
A groundbreaking journey in Civic Biodesign to equip you with the tools, skills, and vision to reshape communities and ecosystems.
Emergent Leaders Track –
Applications Open Now!
Are you ready to join the next generation of changemakers? The BAM Institute’s Emergent Leaders Track is now accepting applications!
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Limited Spots: Only 20 spots are available, so don’t wait!
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance within one week of applying, and all payment arrangements will be made after acceptance.
Special Scholarship Offer: Apply and be accepted in 2024 to receive a $500 scholarship toward your enrollment.
Take the first step toward building the skills, knowledge, and networks you need to create a meaningful impact in your community. Apply now to secure your spot!
The Program That Redefines Education
A New Paradigm for Learning
The BAM Institute is not just another education program—it’s a transformative journey designed for those who want to lead the way in a rapidly changing world. Our whole-system, regenerative approach equips fellows with the tools to not only understand complex challenges but to create lasting, meaningful solutions. By connecting human systems with natural ecosystems, the BAM Fellowship prepares you to thrive in uncertainty and design for a better future.
Why Now?
We live in a time of profound change. Traditional education models, built for a bygone era, are no longer enough to meet the demands of today’s challenges. Whether it’s climate resilience, community wellness, or equitable design, tomorrow’s leaders must be equipped to think holistically, act regeneratively, and work collaboratively. The BAM Fellowship is designed to meet this moment.
What Sets Us Apart
Self-Paced, Hands-On, and Project-Based: Move at your own speed while engaging in immersive, real-world projects that deliver measurable impact.
Leadership and Adaptability: Learn to lead with confidence, adapt to complex systems, and create solutions that work across scales—from individuals to communities.
Embedded in Real-World Communities: Gain more than knowledge—gain experience. Every module is rooted in real-world contexts, ensuring that what you learn today can be applied in meaningful ways tomorrow.
The BAM Fellowship isn’t just about learning—it’s about becoming. If you’re ready to grow, lead, and make a difference, this is your invitation to join the next generation of changemakers.
Outcomes That Matter
The BAM Fellowship is more than an educational program—it’s a launchpad for impactful leadership and meaningful change. Our fellows leave with more than just knowledge; they graduate with the skills, confidence, and experience to drive transformation in their communities and beyond.
What You’ll Gain
Mastery of Civic Biodesign Principles: Learn to design systems where humans and nature thrive together, creating conditions for long-term wellness and resilience in your bioregion.
Competency in Systems Thinking and Interdisciplinary Approaches: Develop the ability to see connections, map complexities, and synthesize insights across disciplines for innovative solutions.
A Portfolio of Real-World Projects: Showcase tangible outcomes from your fellowship—completed projects that demonstrate your ability to apply what you’ve learned to make a measurable impact.
Through the BAM Fellowship, you’ll gain not just tools, but the mindset and network to shape a more regenerative and interconnected future. Ready to take the next step? Your impact starts here.
A Program Built for You
The BAM Fellowship is designed to fit your life while challenging you to grow in ways you never thought possible. With a structure that is self-paced, project-based, and competency-focused, this program provides a unique and flexible learning experience tailored to emerging leaders.
The Framework: Modular Learning at Its Best
The fellowship is organized into eight distinct modules, each exploring a different layer of the "Scale of Wellness"—from The Self to The Township. This framework allows you to understand and design for wellness at every scale of human and ecological systems, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful learning journey.
The Three Components of Every Module
Each module integrates three key elements to create a well-rounded learning experience:
Event: Participate in hands-on, immersive learning experiences designed to deepen your understanding and spark creativity.
Project: Apply your knowledge to real-world challenges, delivering tangible outcomes that demonstrate your impact.
Competencies: Develop skills across nine essential dimensions, from systems thinking to leadership and practical design.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Whether you want to tackle one module at a time or work across several simultaneously, the BAM Fellowship is built for flexibility. Fellows typically complete one module per academic quarter, but the self-paced nature allows you to progress in a way that aligns with your goals and commitments.
This isn’t traditional education—it’s an adaptable, immersive journey that prepares you to thrive in the complex systems of the future. Dive into the BAM Fellowship and see how it fits your life, your vision, and your path to making a difference.
Different by Design
At the BAM Fellowship, we don’t just prepare you for the future—we empower you to shape it. Our innovative approach to education stands apart, built to meet the demands of a world in flux. Here’s what makes the BAM Fellowship uniquely transformative:
Emergent Learning
Adaptability is the hallmark of effective leadership. Our fellowship encourages innovation and iteration, giving you the freedom to experiment, learn from failures, and grow. Through emergent learning, you’ll gain the confidence to navigate uncertainty and drive meaningful change.
Whole-System Thinking
The challenges of our world are deeply interconnected, and so are our solutions. Whole-system thinking is at the heart of the BAM Fellowship, teaching you to map the relationships between people, communities, and ecosystems. You’ll develop a mindset that sees the big picture while addressing the finer details.
Regenerative Approach
We go beyond sustainability. The BAM Fellowship equips you with tools to design regenerative systems that restore and renew resources, relationships, and communities. By focusing on long-term resilience, you’ll learn to create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Real-World Contexts
Forget abstract classroom learning. At BAM, the world is your classroom. Every project and module is grounded in real-world settings—your hometown, your community, or your bioregion. This immersive approach ensures your work makes an immediate, tangible impact.
Collaborative Networks
Change doesn’t happen in isolation. The BAM Fellowship connects you with a dynamic network of peers, mentors, and community leaders. Together, you’ll tackle real challenges, co-create solutions, and build lifelong relationships that amplify your impact.
The BAM Fellowship is designed for changemakers who are ready to think boldly, act regeneratively, and lead with vision. Are you ready to embrace a different kind of education? Your journey starts here.
Is This Fellowship Right for You?
The BAM Fellowship is for those who are ready to lead, innovate, and transform the world around them. Whether you’re an aspiring changemaker or a seasoned leader seeking a fresh perspective, this program offers the tools, network, and inspiration to take your impact to the next level.
You Might Be a BAM Fellow If:
You’re Passionate About Transformation: You care deeply about creating change in your community and the environment. You see challenges as opportunities to build a more regenerative and equitable world.
You’re a Lifelong Learner: You’re curious, open-minded, and eager to embrace the complexities of our interconnected systems. You’re ready to grow, adapt, and innovate in ways that challenge conventional thinking.
You’re Committed to Your Community: You believe in the power of local action to drive global impact. You’re ready to invest in yourself and your community, knowing that your growth creates ripple effects far beyond you.
Everyone is Welcome
No matter your background, if you’re ready to make an impact, we want you here. The BAM Fellowship values diversity of thought, experience, and identity, recognizing that the best solutions come from inclusive collaboration.
If you’re driven to lead with vision, embrace innovation, and create meaningful change, the BAM Fellowship is the place for you. Let’s build the future together.
We want you here.
Let’s build the future together.
Semester Schedule for Module 1
Start Date: March 21, 2025
End Date (All Artifacts Due): September 21, 2025
Core Structure:
Event Participation: Choose and participate in hosting/organizing one event (dates announced during the semester).
Community Project: Develop or align with an ongoing project (progress evaluated continuously).
Nine Competencies: Each was explored over a 21-day cycle.
Kickoff Meeting (60-90 minutes each cycle): Set the stage for competency, explain expectations, and provide tools and resources.
Weekly Touchpoints (20-30 minutes each): Ensure understanding and guide self-managed learning.
Week 1: Guided Reflection & Clarifications
Week 2: Peer Sharing & Accountability
Week 3: Reflection & Application
Office Hours or One-on-One Check-Ins: Optional time slots for deeper support mid-cycle for students struggling with self-management or needing personalized feedback.
Peer Pods: Small groups to meet independently once per cycle to review progress, troubleshoot challenges, or share insights.
Weekly Breakdown
March 21 – April 10: Emotional Wellness
April 11 – May 1: Environmental Wellness
May 2 – May 22: Financial Wellness
May 23 – June 12: Intellectual Wellness
June 13 – July 3: Occupational Wellness
July 4 – July 24: Physical Wellness
July 25 – August 14: Social Wellness
August 15 – September 4: Spiritual Wellness
September 5 – September 21: Finalization and Submission
Additional Notes
Event Scheduling: Event participation dates will be announced during the semester.
Community Projects: If you bring a project, support will be provided to maximize its alignment with learning outcomes.
Reflection and Feedback: Weekly journaling is mandatory, focusing on progress in the current competency.
A Journey Through the Scale of Wellness
The BAM Fellowship is structured around eight transformative modules, each designed to explore a different scale of human and ecological systems—from the individual to the larger community. Together, they guide you through an in-depth understanding of wellness and systems design, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to create lasting impact.
The Modules at a Glance
The Eight Dimensions of Wellness
Each module integrates the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, providing a holistic framework for personal and community growth:
Intellectual: Expanding creative abilities and knowledge.
Physical: Building habits for health and vitality.
Environmental: Creating supportive, sustainable spaces.
Emotional: Developing resilience and fulfilling relationships.
Social: Fostering connection and belonging.
Spiritual: Cultivating purpose and ethical alignment.
Financial: Balancing resources for stability and growth.
Occupational: Aligning work with values and community impact.
Your Path to Impact
By engaging with all eight modules, you’ll build a comprehensive understanding of wellness and systems design, ready to apply these insights at every level—from your own life to global initiatives.
Explore how each module builds toward a comprehensive understanding of wellness and systems design.
Program Logistics: What You Need to Know
Affordable, Flexible, and Built for You
The BAM Fellowship is designed to make transformative education accessible, adaptable, and impactful. Here’s everything you need to know about the logistics of joining the program.
Cost of Investment
$3,000 per Module: Each of the eight modules is a self-contained learning experience, providing hands-on projects, immersive events, and skill-building competencies.
Pay-As-You-Go: You only pay for the modules you are actively working on, offering flexibility and financial predictability.
Duration and Flexibility
3-Year Program: The BAM Fellowship is structured as a three-year journey, with the flexibility to extend or compress your timeline based on your pace and availability.
Self-Paced Learning: You set the schedule. Whether you tackle one module at a time or balance multiple, the program adapts to your life.
Remote and Embedded Learning
Your Hometown is Your Campus: No need to relocate—your community becomes your living laboratory, ensuring your learning is rooted in real-world contexts.
Global Collaboration: Connect with fellows, mentors, and experts across regions to share insights and co-create solutions that span local and global scales.
No Traditional Degree, Just Impact
Focused on Skills, Not Credits: While the program does not offer traditional college credit, it’s designed to align with a 48-credit-hour curriculum. You’ll graduate with a portfolio of projects and demonstrated competencies that speak louder than a transcript.
Certification in Civic Biodesign: At the end of the program, you’ll be recognized as a Civic Biodesigner—a leader in an emerging field that you’ll help define.
Pay It Forward
When you invest in the BAM Fellowship, you’re not just investing in yourself—you’re contributing to the next generation of changemakers. Tuition helps fund future cohorts and initiatives, creating a cycle of transformation and impact.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Join a community of leaders shaping the future.
A New Role for a New World
What is a Civic Biodesigner?
A Civic Biodesigner is a leader, innovator, and systems thinker who bridges the gap between human systems and the natural world. Using regenerative principles and a whole-systems approach, Civic Biodesigners create conditions for wellness, resilience, and equity in the communities and ecosystems they serve. This role is uniquely suited to today’s world, where addressing complex challenges like climate change, social inequity, and resource sustainability requires integrated and adaptive solutions.
Your Role as a Change Facilitator
As a BAM Fellow, you’ll develop the skills to:
Identify Opportunities for Regeneration: Map out the intersections of human and natural systems to pinpoint areas for transformation.
Design Collaborative Solutions: Facilitate conversations and projects that engage diverse stakeholders, ensuring inclusive and impactful solutions.
Lead with Vision: Inspire others to think differently about the future, cultivating momentum for systemic change in your community.
Civic Biodesigners don’t just solve problems—they shape possibilities, working as catalysts for progress and renewal.
Career Paths and Impact Opportunities
The Fellowship prepares you for a range of roles and opportunities:
Community Leadership: Lead initiatives that foster wellness, equity, and sustainability in your local area.
Urban and Rural Design: Collaborate on projects to reimagine public spaces, infrastructure, and ecosystems for greater resilience.
Policy and Advocacy: Work with government or nonprofits to design policies that align with regenerative principles and systemic equity.
Education and Training: Teach others to integrate systems thinking and Civic Biodesign into their work.
Social Entrepreneurship: Launch your venture to address pressing challenges with innovative, scalable solutions.
Whether you aim to influence policy, redesign spaces, or launch initiatives, the skills and experience gained through the BAM Fellowship will position you as a leader in an emerging, vital field.
Start Your Journey
Be part of a new generation of changemakers. Step into your role as a Civic Biodesigner and create the future we need.
Profile of the Ideal Urban Participant
1. Grassroots Organizer
What they’re doing now:
They might be:Leading or supporting mutual aid networks, housing cooperatives, or food justice initiatives.
Working with underrepresented groups to amplify their voices in civic decisions.
Organizing neighborhood improvement projects like community cleanups, urban gardens, or block parties.
Why they’re a fit:
They already have the drive to mobilize people and address local issues, but they’re seeking tools and strategies to build more sustainable, scalable impact.
2. Social Entrepreneur
What they’re doing now:
They might be:Running or dreaming of launching a startup or nonprofit focused on urban challenges like affordable housing, transportation, or education.
Developing innovative products or services that address gaps in urban systems, such as waste management, energy efficiency, or community health.
Partnering with local governments or businesses to pilot new urban solutions.
Why they’re a fit:
They’re creative problem solvers with a vision for systemic change, but they want to strengthen their ability to connect their work with civic and community goals.
3. Urban Designer or Planner
What they’re doing now:
They might be:Working in architecture, urban planning, or landscape design and exploring how to make cities more livable, equitable, and sustainable.
Advocating for or implementing projects like bike lanes, public parks, or mixed-use developments.
Engaging communities in participatory design processes to ensure projects reflect local needs.
Why they’re a fit:
They understand the physical aspects of urban systems but want to deepen their skills in community engagement, systems thinking, and collaborative design.
4. Artist or Cultural Worker
What they’re doing now:
They might be:Using art, storytelling, or performance to raise awareness of social issues, celebrate local cultures, or bring people together.
Leading public art projects or cultural initiatives that reclaim and reimagine urban spaces.
Collaborating with community groups to amplify diverse voices and foster civic pride.
Why they’re a fit:
They are skilled at capturing and inspiring the human spirit but could benefit from frameworks that tie creative practices to systemic change.
5. Emerging Civic Leader
What they’re doing now:
They might be:Working in city government, community development, or a local nonprofit focused on issues like housing, transportation, or public health.
Participating in grassroots advocacy efforts, organizing campaigns for equity, or supporting civic engagement initiatives.
Building coalitions to tackle pressing urban issues, like climate resilience or economic disparity.
Why they’re a fit:
They have a growing influence in their community and are looking to enhance their leadership skills and impact through systems thinking and collaborative approaches.
6. Urban Ecosystem Advocate
What they’re doing now:
They might be:Advocating for green infrastructure, urban forestry, or community gardening programs.
Leading efforts to address environmental justice issues, like pollution in underserved neighborhoods.
Working at the intersection of urban ecology and public health, promoting clean air, water, and green spaces.
Why they’re a fit:
They are passionate about the intersection of nature and cities, but they want to expand their capacity to design urban systems that balance ecological health with human needs.
Shared Characteristics of the Ideal Urban Participant
Deep Urban Connection: A strong awareness of the challenges and opportunities in their city and a desire to address them.
Innovative Thinker: Interested in new approaches to urban problems, from community organizing to high-tech solutions.
Collaborative Spirit: Skilled at working with diverse groups and stakeholders, from neighborhood residents to local policymakers.
Ready for Impact: Excited to turn ideas into action and connect their work to broader systems of change.
Why They’re a Fit
The ideal urban participant brings energy, vision, and lived experience to the fellowship. They may already be creating ripples of change in their city but need the support, tools, and network to amplify their impact. By participating, they can deepen their understanding of systems thinking, gain practical skills, and connect with a like-minded cohort, empowering them to make cities more equitable, resilient, and vibrant.
Profile of the Ideal Rural Participant
1. Community-Driven Visionary
What they’re doing now:
They might be:Running a small farm or ranch, experimenting with sustainable or regenerative agricultural practices.
Leading or actively participating in community initiatives, like co-op grocery stores, local food hubs, or rural revitalization projects.
Advocating for policies that support rural resilience, such as infrastructure improvements or local economic development.
Why they’re a fit:
They see beyond their immediate challenges to envision a better future for their community, but they need tools, frameworks, and support to implement systemic change.
2. Local Change Agent
What they’re doing now:
They might be:A teacher or youth mentor leading outdoor education programs or school gardens.
A small business owner building local supply chains or creating jobs in a rural area.
A town council member or civic leader working to increase community engagement and solve local problems.
Why they’re a fit:
They have strong community ties and are already working to make an impact, but they’re looking to deepen their skills in leadership, systems thinking, and project implementation.
3. Environmental Steward
What they’re doing now:
They might be:Managing natural resources (e.g., water, soil, forests) and exploring sustainable practices.
Leading efforts to restore or preserve local ecosystems, such as native prairies or wetlands.
Engaging in conservation projects that balance ecological health with rural livelihoods.
Why they’re a fit:
They are passionate about protecting their environment and want to integrate ecological resilience with community wellbeing.
4. Connector and Collaborator
What they’re doing now:
They might be:Organizing local farmers markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
Acting as a bridge between rural and urban communities, fostering partnerships and sharing resources.
Coordinating grassroots efforts to tackle local challenges like food insecurity, housing shortages, or access to healthcare.
Why they’re a fit:
They have the relationships and communication skills to mobilize people but could benefit from new frameworks and tools to make a broader impact.
5. Aspiring Civic Innovator
What they’re doing now:
They might be:Working a day job unrelated to their community aspirations (e.g., in retail, manufacturing) while dreaming of starting a nonprofit, co-op, or social enterprise.
Passionately attending town meetings or volunteering but unsure how to translate their ideas into actionable projects.
Looking for a way to transition their energy and passion into tangible, scalable outcomes.
Why they’re a fit:
They are eager to learn, deeply committed to their community, and ready to take the next step in making their vision a reality.
Shared Characteristics of the Ideal Participant
Rooted in Community: Deep ties to their local context and a genuine investment in its wellbeing.
Systems Thinker: Curious about how different aspects of rural life (agriculture, economy, environment, social dynamics) connect.
Action-Oriented: Ready to turn ideas into actionable projects that benefit their community.
Collaborative Spirit: Willing to learn from and contribute to a diverse cohort of fellows with varied experiences.
Start Your Journey
Be part of a new generation of changemakers. Step into your role as a Civic Biodesigner and create the future we need.
Take the First Step
Are you ready to create real change? The BAM Fellowship is your opportunity to join a community of bold, visionary leaders committed to shaping a more resilient and regenerative future.
Why Wait?
Join a community of changemakers shaping the future.
Applications are now open for the next cohort.
This is your chance to step into a transformative journey, build impactful skills, and lead meaningful change in your community and beyond.
Click below to apply now and start your path as a Civic Biodesigner.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help! Whether you’re curious about the program details, want to learn more about the BAM Fellowship, or simply need guidance on the application process, we’d love to hear from you.
Let’s Stay in Touch
Have specific questions? Contact us, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
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Pay It Forward
Your Impact Goes Beyond the Fellowship
When you join the BAM Fellowship, you’re not just investing in your own growth—you’re contributing to a ripple effect of transformation. Your participation directly supports future cohorts, community initiatives, and innovative projects that drive real change. Together, we’re building a legacy of regeneration and resilience.
How It Works
Empowering Future Changemakers: A portion of your tuition helps fund the next generation of fellows, creating opportunities for more people to join the movement for change.
Fueling Community Initiatives: Your participation supports projects like Karol’s Prairie, the Sioux Falls Tool Library, and the Preservation Kitchen—real-world efforts that bring wellness and regeneration to life.
"The BAM Fellowship didn't just teach me new skills - it fundamentally rewired how I see the world and my place in it. Through deep immersion in civic biodesign, I learned to recognize my own biases and inherited assumptions about how things 'should' work. The Fellowship's most powerful lesson was that a system is what it does, not what we wish it to be. This insight proved invaluable when I ran for City Council, as it helped me move beyond simplistic solutions to understand that what we're really doing is developing strategies to influence outcomes. When you realize there are no perfect solutions, only thoughtful approaches to complex challenges, it actually becomes easier to take meaningful action. The Fellowship gave me tools I never knew I needed and expanded my capacity for understanding far beyond what I thought possible. Most importantly, it taught me how to be comfortable with discomfort - to stand in the space between what is and what could be, and to work effectively with others despite our differences. This has transformed not just how I approach public service, but how I engage with every aspect of community life." - Jordan Deffenbaugh, 2021 Fellow
Be Part of the Movement
By choosing BAM, you’re not just shaping your own future—you’re building a better, more connected world for others. Join us in creating a cycle of growth and opportunity that extends far beyond the Fellowship.
