AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship
The American Planning Association is committed to providing opportunities for all to achieve excellence in planning by fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in the organization and in the planning profession.
AICP Certification Diversity scholarships help make the planning profession more diverse. Diversity is an inclusive concept which 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.
Selection Guidelines
This scholarship is awarded with the intention of diversifying the planning profession. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship and self-identify with an underrepresented population, please contact your Chapter's Professional Development Officer / President or your Division's chair for more information. International members should email AICP@planning.org for more information.
Members can apply to use the scholarship for the exam, for the assessment or for both. If using the scholarship for both steps, the member must have obtained all their professional planning experience prior to submitting their assessment. The scholarship must be used in the cycle it was granted and it cannot be transferred. Members have the option to re-apply for scholarships with their chapter or division.
Certification Timeline*
Spring Cycle
March — Scholarship recipients selected
April — AICP registration window opens
May — Members take exam
June — AICP assessment submission window opens
Fall Cycle
September — Scholarship recipients selected
October — AICP registration window opens
November — Members take exam
December — AICP assessment submission window opens
* The dates for each cycle can be found on our website.
AICP Certification fees for Diversity Scholarship recipients
| Fee | Regular Fees | Scholarship Recipient Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Program and Exam Registration | $255 | $85 |
| Experience Assessment | $255 | $85 |
| Exam Transfer (if needed/requested) | $100 | $100 |
| Essay Appeal (if needed/requested) | $100 | $100 |
| Total | $510 | $370 |