2026 Student Award in Indigenous, Rural and Northern Planning Application Form

Contact Information

Please enter your Contact Information in the provided fields. All fields are required. 

• Students who are entering or enrolled in a diploma,  degree, or an undergraduate, master’s or PhD degree program at a post-secondary institution in Alberta, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut, including but not limited to 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.

• 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.

• 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 Essays must be original and unpublished.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:
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%)

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. 

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 online application.
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