Student Essay - Indigenous, Rural or Northern Planning Application Form

Application Form
Deadline: 3:00 PM February 27, 2025

The Alberta Professional Planners Institute is proud to host an essay for students in the
realm of “Indigenous, Rural, and Northern Planning”. APPI may award two (2) $1,500 award for the 2025 year, to be used to further the applicant’s education. The recipient will have the opportunity to have their essay published in PLAN North West, and those that pursue this opportunity will be required to submit a biography to accompany their published article as a means of introducing themselves to the PLAN North West audience.

APPI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA).  Those individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, LGBTQ2S+, persons with disabilities, women and other equity deserving groups, are encouraged to apply for this award.

APPLICANT
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Contact Information

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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
  • Students must be entering or enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s degree program at a post-secondary institution in Alberta, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut. Students completing their final year in 2025 are eligible to apply.
  • Students may be enrolled in an accredited planning program, an unaccredited planning program, or a planning related field of study such as: urban, rural, environmental recreation, land use, or another program of study or design.
  • Student essay applicants do not have to be APPI Student members to apply for this award.
  • Student essay applicants do not have to self-identify and/or reside in an Indigenous, rural or northern community. This award is intended to cultivate an interest and further study in this realm of planning which is of paramount relevance in the APPI jurisdiction.
ESSAY TOPICS
Option A: Describe an existing or emerging planning topic relevant to Indigenous, rural, or northern communities.
  • Outline your topic and its relevancy to Indigenous, rural, or northern communities.
  • Suggest why planners should be aware of this topic and how it impacts planning in these communities.
  • Use data, case studies, research, or personal experiences to support your discussion.
Option B: Describe your interest and what drives your interest in Indigenous, rural, or northern communities.
  • Highlight your passion for planning and your interest in Indigenous, rural, or northern communities.
  • Describe any relevant personal, professional, or volunteer experiences that showcase your understanding and appreciation for these communities.
  • Outline your educational and professional goals as related to these communities.

Make a submission for only ONE of the Options. Essays must be original and unpublished.

Evaluation:
Essays will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Relevancy and Connection to Indigenous, rural, or northern planning (40%)
  • Innovation and Originality (30%)
  • Analysis and Exploration of the topic (30%)
Written submissions shall be between 600 – 800 words on ONE of the following themes:
EDUCATION

Please download and fill out this Student Essay Application Education Declaration PDF and have it signed and dated with the signature of your Program Head, then upload it to this application form using the upload field below. 

Use the field below to upload the completed Education Declaration, signed and dated by your Program Head
One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Submissions are restricted to the following items and must be provided in one pdf file via the upload field below with the file name: First Initial Last Name Essay for example: JSmithEssay

  1. Completed application form.
  2. The most recent university transcript or student record (to confirm student status).
  3. A written essay, between 600 – 800 words, on your chosen topic/option.
  4. Declaration: Certifying that all information provided is accurate at the time of application with the applicant’s signature and the date.

The Award recipients will be advised on April 8, 2025. The results will be posted on May 8, 2025 here: APPI Student Scholarships and Awards | Alberta Professional Planners Institute

Use the field below to upload your completed submission PDF with the Submission Requirements as described above.
One file only.
5 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf.