Support the 2026 City Planning Institute
APA New Jersey, in partnership with the Center for Community Planning, is proud to launch its annual fundraiser in support of the 2026 City Planning Institute—a one-of-a-kind paid summer program that introduces high school students to city planning while giving them the opportunity to work on real projects that improve the communities where they live.
Since 2017, the City Planning Institute has empowered more than 1,600 New Jersey students, giving them the opportunity to explore careers in planning and public service while discovering that they have the power to shape the future of their communities. This summer, more than 100 students will participate across five New Jersey communities, working alongside planners, local governments, and community organizations to tackle real-world challenges.
This summer, students will make an impact in five New Jersey communities:
- Newark: Conducting a large-scale property conditions survey in the Fairmount, Lower Broadway, and Clinton Hill neighborhoods to support future revitalization efforts.
- Bloomfield: Developing a pedestrian and bicycle connectivity plan to improve safety and better connect neighborhoods.
- Orange: Identifying transportation gaps and working with residents to create practical mobility solutions.
- Passaic: Developing a tourism strategy that highlights the city’s vibrant cultural events, destinations, and community assets to attract visitors and support local businesses.
- Paterson: Leading youth visioning sessions to help shape programming for the new Paterson Falls Youth Center.
New for 2026, every CPI project will connect to Plan4HealthNJ, APA New Jersey’s statewide initiative exploring the link between planning and public health. Working alongside planners, public health professionals, and local leaders, students will evaluate how their communities support health and quality of life, culminating in a youth-led Urban Youth Health Report Card with recommendations for local decision-makers.
The program is completely free for students, and every participant receives a stipend so financial barriers never stand in the way of opportunity.
Your donation helps provide:
- Paid student stipends
- Educational materials and technology
- Transportation and field experiences
- Community engagement activities
- Program operations that make CPI possible
Every gift—whether it’s $25, $100, or $500—helps equip the next generation of planners, civic leaders, and changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and experience to make a lasting difference.
Together, we can empower students, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of leaders across New Jersey.