Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout is among seven public officials from across Colorado who’ve been selected to participate in an upcoming program at Harvard University.

As a member of the 2022 class of Gates Family Foundation Harvard Fellows, Stout will attend a three-week program at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government in July. Sean Strode, a city councilor in Rifle, also was selected.

“It’s beyond an honor to be chosen to participate in the Kennedy School as a Harvard Fellow for 2022,” Stout said. “I’ve spoken to alumni of this program, and they have called it nothing short of life-changing, so I am excited to learn from others, share the innovative things we’re doing here in Grand Junction and bring back everything I learn for the benefit of our city.”

Executives from state and local governments across the country participate in the training. They work together and with Harvard University faculty to analyze case studies of real issues, find interdisciplinary solutions to complex problems and learn from each other to bring ideas back for review and implementation in their organizations.

“My goal in participating in this fellowship is to work in tandem with other local public servants from across the country to find innovative solutions to the issues we’re all facing, to pool knowledge and resources for the benefit of our communities and to improve the way we all serve our constituents,” Stout said.

Since 1980, the Gates Family Foundation has enabled more than 270 Colorado civic leaders to participate in the program. 

The Gates fellowship pays all but a small portion of the $16,900 program cost — which includes tuition, housing, curricular materials and most meals.