Student Award in Indigenous, Rural and Northern Planning Application Form

Application Form
Deadline: 12:00 PM February 26, 2026

The Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) is proud to host an award for students in the realm of “Indigenous, Rural, and Northern Planning”. APPI may award two (2) $1,500 award for the 2026 year, to be used to further the applicant’s education. APPI may explore with the recipient(s) the opportunity to broadly share with the APPI membership the winning submissions.

APPLICANT
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Contact Information

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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
  • Students must be entering or enrolled in a diploma, undergraduate, master’s or PhD degree program at a post-secondary institution in Alberta, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut. Students completing their final year in 2026 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.
  • Students do not have to be APPI Student members to apply for this award.
  • Students 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 specific realm of planning which is of paramount relevance in the APPI jurisdiction.
SUBMISSION OPTIONS:
Submit a written essay of 600 – 800 words on ONE of either topic Option A or Option B described below:
Submit a multimedia and visual submission, auditory and performance submission, or any creative submission you deem is the best option for you to communicate your knowledge or interest in Indigenous, rural or northern planning, based on your personal strengths.
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.
Option A: Share your submission pertaining to an existing or emerging planning topic relevant to Indigenous, rural, or northern communities.   
Option B: Share your submission pertaining to your interest and what drives your interest in Indigenous, rural or northern communities.   

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 Essays must be original and unpublished.

Evaluation:
Submissions 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%)
EDUCATION

Please download and fill out this Student Award in Indigenous, Rural & Northern Planning 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 IRNPSub for example: JSmithIRNPSub

  1. Completed application form.
  2. The most recent university transcript or student record (to confirm student status).
  3. A written submission, 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 7, 2026. The results will be posted on May 7, 2026 here: 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.