APA for Students

Students are active in chapters, participate in APA governance through the Student Representatives Council, and meet and exchange ideas on campuses through Planning Student Organizations.

Free Student Membership Program
APA offers a free year of membership to third-year undergraduate and first-year graduate students in PAB-accredited planning programs in the U.S. Click here to learn more, and see if your school is participating.

Early Career Program
Join APA anytime while you're a student and you'll automatically be enrolled in our Early Career Program. You'll receive enhanced benefits — like discounts on conferences, division memberships, and publications — at rates far below what regular members pay.
Learn more about the Early Career Program
Join APA

The New Planner
The New Planner is an online publication for and by APA student members. Articles are now being sought, and stipends will be paid to the authors of published articles.
Click here for the current issue
Click here for details on submitting an article

Annual AICP Student Project Awards
Each year, AICP recognizes student projects in the areas of contemporary issues, application of the planning process, and applied research. Winners are honored at the APA National Planning Conference.
Click here for details
Winners and Previous Winners

Campus Activities
APA-recognized Planning Student Organizations (PSOs) provide an opportunity for students to meet and exchange ideas and information on campus. PSO representatives serve on the Student Representative Council.
Read more about PSOs
Click here for a list of APA PSOs
Click here to read about individual PSO activities

National Student Leaders
The Student Representatives Council (SRC) promotes the involvement of planning students in APA activities as well as promoting the provision of APA services and resources to student members.
See who represents your region
Click here for leadership information
Click here for SRC chair election information

AICP Outstanding Student Awards
The AICP Outstanding Student Awards were created to recognize outstanding attainment in the study of planning.
Learn more

National Planning Conference
Students receive discounts on National Planning Conference registration. Student members who volunteer to work a day during the conference receive free registration. APA recommends lower cost housing options, and student programs and social events are offered.
Browse conference information

APA Congressional Fellowships
Each year APA selects two graduate students in planning or a related field to spend six months in Washington, D.C., as Congressional Fellows working on Capitol Hill and with APA's Policy Office. The 2006 fellow is Brad Cantor of New York.
Click here to read about the program

SRC Outstanding Planning Student Organization Awards
This awards program is a way for student groups (PSOs) throughout the country to share ideas, learn from one another, and receive recognition (and rewards!) for creative, successful activities. Winning organizations will be recognized during the APA/AICP Meeting/Awards Ceremony and receive a cash award for the school’s PSO.
Click here to learn how your organization can enter

Job Services
APA membership can help make finding your first job easier. Make important contacts at chapter meetings, search for jobs and internships using Jobs Online, and attend the Job Connection at APA's National Conference.

Careers
The career section provides students with information on selecting schools, finding scholarships, and planning for the next stages of their professional life.
Click here for all the details

Mentoring Programs
Members of the AICP College of Fellows and APA divisions share their knowledge, insight, and experience with planning students.
See all mentoring programs

Scholarships and Fellowships
Find information on scholarships and fellowships, student opportunties for financial aid, student competitions, and recognition programs. Students should also check the Notices section.

Membership Benefits and Discounts
Student members receive discounts on select books from PlanningBooks.com, membership in some special interest divisions, and registration for the APA National Planning Conference. Student members who renew after graduation receive two years of affordable membership as a New Professional, to help in the transition to regular member dues.

Planning magazine
Planning magazine will show you how the principles you're learning in the classroom are being applied in practice. Student members can read this month's issue online.

Divisions
Explore different types of planning by joining one or more divisions. Meet practicing planners and learn what they do .

Chapters
Chapter membership gives you the opportunity to meet professionals in an informal setting through meetings and other gatherings.