Students and New Planners
Make Connections to Launch and Advance Your Career
You're excited about making a difference in your community, and you're not alone!
Whether you're a planning student or a new planner, APA will help you gear up for the career you want.
Socialize for Success
Connect with peers and pros on campus and in communities.
- Planning Student Organizations interact with students, faculty, and local communities.
- Emerging Planners Network webinars provide valuable insights and practical knowledge.
- Young Planners Groups network with professional planners at the chapter level, opening opportunities to find mentors, plan and attend events, and volunteer.
- Join an APA division and share your interest in a planning specialty.
- Join the APA Students and Emerging Planners LinkedIn group
Be a Leader
Add your voice to the national planning conversation.
- Attend the National Planning Conference.
- Join the Planners' Advocacy Network.
- Serve on APA's Student Representatives Council.
Get Recognized
Compete for awards, scholarships, and fellowships from APA, its chapters and divisions, and other organizations:
- APA Scholarships
- APA Outstanding Student Awards
- Enter the Student Planning and Design Competition at NPC
- Chapter and division scholarships, grants, writing competitions, and more
Students and New Planners Blog Posts
June 24, 2025
One More Lesson: Advice from Professors for Current and Future Planners
February 7, 2024Empowering Students: Student Representatives Council 2024 Leadership Goals
December 4, 2023Career Advice for Planning Students
September 20, 2023The New Nicollet Redevelopment: Reimaging New Places and Opportunities
July 13, 2023
Opportunity Unbound Scholarship Recipient Reflects on First NPC
June 26, 2023Designing the Future of Planning: Success of the 2023 Student Design Competition
March 3, 2023Understanding a Career in Urban Design
December 7, 2022Finding Meaning in Municipal Careers: Insights From Planning Directors