Community Outreach
  1. Women & Planning Division
  2. Community Outreach

Girls Who Plan

Supporting the Next Generation of Women in Planning

Women bring essential, unique perspectives to how our communities are designed and built. "Girls Who Plan" actively advances equity in our profession and communities by uplifting and empowering the next generation of women in planning.

Inspiring K-12 Students

Developed in partnership with YEP! Youth Engagement Planning, "Girls Who Plan" introduces K-12 students of all backgrounds to the fundamentals of urban planning.

Core Objectives:

  • Early Education: Demystify urban planning and community design for young students.
  • Leadership & Equity: Expand female representation and leadership within the planning profession from the ground up.
  • Member Engagement: Provide Women & Planning Division members with meaningful volunteer and mentorship opportunities in their own communities.

AWARD-WINNING EXCELLENCE

2019 APA Division Achievement Award for Education Excellence for "Women & Planning: The Next Generation," the genesis of today's "Girls Who Plan" program.

2025 APA Division Achievement Award for Contribution to the Planning Profession for "Ava Tanner Across America," donating 100 copies of the kid's book Ava Tanner the City Planner to schools, libraries and community centers in 40 states.

Girls Who Plan Events & Opportunities

"Ava Tanner the City Planner" Across America

Ava traveled to nearly 40 states in October 2025!

APA Women & Planning Division celebrated 2025 National Community Planning Month by donating 100 copies of the children's book Ava Tanner the City Planner to schools, public libraries, municipal offices, recreation centers, Girl Scout councils, and community organizations in nearly 40 states! Thank you to our members who submitted requests for books and for helping us get Ava to every corner of America!

Ava Tanner The City Planner introduces elementary audiences to some of the basic concepts (and the fundamentally hopeful spirit) of City Planning—both as a possible future career and as a calling for all engaged citizens. The text is ideal for reading aloud in a classroom setting, and includes a glossary and open-ended follow-up activity.

Learn More

If you are interested in "Girls Who Plan" volunteering opportunities, please email women.apa@gmail.com.