AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship

The American Planning Association is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in the organization and the planning profession, thereby providing opportunities for all to achieve excellence in planning.

AICP Certification Diversity scholarships help make the planning profession more diverse. 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.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, self-identify with one or more of the categories above, and have a financial need, please apply. Here are additional details:

• Applicants must be members of APA.
• Fifty scholarships will be awarded through a lottery system. Applicants can receive the scholarship for the exam or the assessment (not both).
• Scholarships cannot be transferred to a future cycle, but recipients can reapply.
• Members who do not receive a scholarship can apply again in any future window.
• All APA members (both domestic and international) can apply for the scholarship.
• Contact information and test results of scholarship recipients will be shared with APA Chapter Professional Development Officers (PDOs).
• The dates to apply for the Fall 2025 scholarship are July 9, 2025, at 9:00 am CT to August 29, 2025, at noon CT.

Scholarship Application

Certification Timeline*

* The dates for the fall certification window can be found on our website.

AICP Certification fees for Diversity Scholarship recipients