Division Programs
  1. Urban Design and Preservation Division
  2. Division Programs
  3. Division Scholars
  4. Division Scholar Descriptions

2022 Urban Design Scholar

Our goal is to promote interest and career development for emerging professionals in the fields of urban planning, design, and preservation by providing an opportunity to network with senior leadership professionals and contribute to Division outreach activities.

Application deadline: January 31, 2022

Program Basics

  • This year’s Urban Design & Preservation Division fellowship will span the 2022 calendar year (February – December 2022).
  • The focus this year will be on video production and assisting with to prepare introductory videos on urban design and historic preservation for planning students, generalist planners, and the public.
  • Fellow will be paid up to $2,500 (if expected hours are met).
  • Fellow will be highlighted in our Division Newsletter and on our APA web page.

Eligibility

  • Applicant must be a current student in a field related to Urban Design or Preservation (e.g., planning, historic preservation, architecture, etc.).
  • Applicant must be a member of the APA’s Urban Design and Preservation Division or be willing to become a member prior to beginning the fellowship.
  • Applicant must be able to commit an average of 4 to 5 hours a week (up to 125 hours for the calendar year, divided roughly equally between Spring ’22 and Fall ’22 semesters). Depending on Fellow availability, some hours could be allocated for the summer.

Tasks and Responsibilities

A) The primary responsibility will be to work with Division leaders to prepare introductory videos on urban design and historic preservation for planning students, generalist planners, and the public, including:

  • Identifying discussion topics, developing questions, and conducting interviews (in-person and virtual) with senior planning professionals and experts engaged in historic preservation and urban design efforts.
  • Developing a narrative for the video, preparing a script, and working with a professional videographer and editor to produce a short video.

B) Other responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting the Division’s Newsletter Editor with preparing the quarterly newsletter (e.g., editing, graphics, finding case studies, or possibly writing pieces for publication)
  • Assisting the Director of Communications in updating Division website and outreach to academic institutions[EM1]
  • Participating in the Division Leadership’s monthly one hour conference call (schedule permitting)

Desired Qualifications

  • Strong written and graphic communication skills
  • Willingness to work with interviewees, appear on camera, conduct interviews in a professional manner, and some general familiarity with video editing tools and techniques. (Assistance will be provided in identifying interview candidates and making the initial contact on behalf of the student.)
  • Experience in website design and management (or willingness to learn)
  • Ability to work independently after given basic guidance on tasks

Application Requirements

  • Resume
  • Personal Statement (max. 250 words) – Outline your academic focus, your interest in urban design/preservation, and your reasons for wanting to work with the UDP Division.
  • Explain your familiarity with video editing tools and techniques. This could include links to websites or videos to show your work.
  • Portfolio – Provide a sample of your work (e.g., term paper, newsletter article, publication, graphics, etc.).
  • Name and contact information for two references. (No letters needed for the initial application.) Ideally references should be able to speak to your interest in urban design and/or preservation and your fit with the tasks and desired qualifications outlined above.
  • Letter from your school (or other official documentation such as an email from your department chair or department academic advisor) confirming you will be enrolled in a planning-related program during the Spring and Fall 2022 terms. The letter or official confirmation should be submitted with your application (if possible); or must be received no later than February 15, 2022, and prior to being selected for the fellowship.

Application requirements should be sent in one email message to Brian Foote, UDP Division Chair, brianfoote0606@gmail.com by January 31, 2022.

For more information, check out the APA Urban Design and Preservation Division website. To check out some activities of past Fellows, check out our Fellowship Program page.

[EM1]Note I took out the webinars since I did not hear back from Jim and since the videos and Brandon’s tasks seem nicely focused and substantial.