The American Planning Association - North Carolina Chapter (APA-NC) is an association of nearly 1,400 professional and citizen planners working to preserve and create great places throughout North Carolina. APA-NC promotes equitable, healthy, and prosperous communities across North Carolina through professional planning leadership, advocacy, and education.
This year APA-NC and APA-SC are having a joint conference in Charlotte, NC! The conference session proposals on this platform are for both states but the awards proposals are for APA-NC only. APA-SC is not holding awards for this year.
As a reminder, each submittal must provide all requested information to be considered for review.
For more information and details about APA-NC, please visit the website at https://northcarolina.planning.org/.
For more information and details about APA-SC (SCAPA), please visit the website at scapa.org/.
APA North Carolina “Expansion” Scholarship
Application Window: July 31 - September 30, 2025
The APA NC “Expansion” Scholarship (Professional & Academic) aims to expand opportunities for planners and aspiring planners of various backgrounds and experiences to pursue additional professional development opportunities, especially for those who may have funding needs beyond what is available from their employer, school, or personal resources.
Recipients of the APA NC Expansion Scholarship will advance social equity in the profession and demonstrate academic success. The scholarship is offered by the Diversity*, Equity & Inclusion Committee of APA North Carolina.
*Diversity is an inclusive concept that encompasses but is not limited to race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, sexuality, ability, educational attainment, spiritual beliefs, creed, culture, tribal affiliation, nationality, immigration status, financial status, political beliefs, and veteran status.
Scholarship funds may be applied to one of the following:
- Academic courses when enrolled in an eligible academic program
- AICP exam registration / prep course
- CZO exam registration / prep course
- LEED exam registration / prep course
- Other certification exams and prep courses may apply at the discretion of the APA NC DEI committee
Funds may be applied to exam/prep courses for first and second certification exam attempts.
ELIGIBILITY
Students and planning professionals of various identities and income statuses. Students must be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate Planning, Geography, Public Administration, GIS, Architecture, Urban Design, or related programs. Eligibility of related programs determined by the DEI committee. Programs are not required to be Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)-approved programs. Applicants must be APA NC members; membership for students is free.
This scholarship is awarded annually to planning professionals (employed & unemployed) and students intending to pursue careers as planners who will diversify the profession, especially those who can demonstrate a genuine financial need.
Applicants must provide one (1) recommendation letter and submit a short essay (written or spoken) response.
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Awards: For the 2025 cycle, we will award three (3) academic scholarships at $500 each and three (3) professional development scholarships at or up to $500 each. Academic scholarships will be disbursed with proof of Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 enrollment after the drop/add period ends. Professional development scholarships will be awarded in reimbursement form -- awardees should contact APA NC DEI chairs regarding arrangements if reimbursement may provide a financial challenge to the awardee. Professional development scholarship award reimbursement must be claimed within 180 days of award acceptance.
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Essay topic: In approximately 200 - 400 words, please explain how this scholarship will support your planning professional development goals. If employed, please also provide information explaining why additional financial support is needed beyond what your employer currently provides for professional development.
This may be provided in written (preferred), audio, or video format.