Girls Who Plan
Supporting the Next Generation of Women in Planning
The Women & Planning Division was recognized in 2019 with an APA Division Achievement Award for Education Excellence for the development and implementation of "Women & Planning: The Next Generation," featuring the “Girls Who Plan” Program. This program is a collaboration between the Division and YEP! Youth Engagement Planning, a non-profit organization, to offer a program and member volunteer service opportunities that focus on an equity initiative to introduce urban planning to girls in grades K-12 to expand and strengthen the presence and leadership of women within our profession. Our Division has a firm belief that women bring a unique perspective to the planning profession and through the “Girls Who Plan” program, we are able to further the advancement of equity within our profession by reaching back and teaching our next generation of girls of all backgrounds about how to be a leader in planning!
"Ava Tanner the City Planner" Across America
Ava traveled to over 35 states in October 2025!
The Women & Planning Division was recognized with a 2025 Division Achievement Award for Contribution to the Planning Profession, for "Ava Tanner Across America."
To introduce girls and young women to the planning profession and celebrate National Community Planning Month 2025, the Women & Planning Division donated 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, through requests submitted by Division members.
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 finding out how you can become a volunteer and participate in this program, please send an email to us at women.apa@gmail.com.
