Youth in Planning - You Can Change Your City Here

Youth in Planning is a network of organizations and professionals, pooling resources to work with youth on real urban and community planning projects taking shape in their communities.

Today youth make up nearly 25 percent of the global population - that's roughly 1.8 Billion people. For most, having a voice in a major decision that changes their city is not an option. But what if youth became key players in the planning of our cities? What if we not only listened to them, but helped them see their ideas take shape? This is what Youth in Planning does. Youth get a voice in the process, and they work with the people who make that process work.

Because youth live in our cities today. They will tomorrow too. And our cities don't work without them.

What makes YIP work:

• Students are given real planning projects to work on that are taking place within their communities
• Students learn from professional planners who work with students - professionals literally become part of the student teams
• The transfer of knowledge is hands on, and highly applicable to real work settings
• Students are encouraged to develop their ideas and concepts
• Student learn real job skills, and produce quality work that can be used for college applications, portfolios, and resumes
• Students learn how to apply leadership skills by becoming active in their communities

YIP is sponsored by the American Planning Association, New York Metro Chapter. The program is supported by a growing network of volunteer graduate students at each local planning school, and planners and professionals who become part of the student teams in the classroom. Graduate student receive internship credit, and professionals can receive Continuing Education credits. Organizations who need to fulfill grant requirements can partner with YIP to collaborate on programs. Partner organizations receive access to volunteer coordinators, outreach assistance to build enrollment for classes, and possibly matching or supportive grant funding.