Future Planning Scholars Program
The Future Planning Scholars (FPS) Program at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning aims to inspire and equip underrepresented students from the United States (U.S.) to pursue advanced studies and careers in urban and regional planning.
FPS Program participants learn what obtaining a PhD in urban planning entails, specifically about the Urban and Regional Planning (U.R.P.) Ph.D. program at U-M’s Taubman College.
You will meet individual U.R.P. faculty aligned with your research interests, connect with current Ph.D. students to learn about their experience in the program and gain valuable tips about the Ph.D. application process, alongside feedback on your draft application materials. The program is free to participants.
Who Should Participate?
We are particularly interested in applicants who want to explore attending Taubman College’s U.R.P. Ph.D. Program and who want to begin a Ph.D. program Fall of 2026.
Applicants must meet the following four criteria to apply:
- Hold a Master’s degree or completing a Master’s degree by June of 2026 (in any field)
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or undocumented student with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA)*
- Identify strongly with one or more of the following:
- Experienced financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances (e.g. Pell Grant)
- Participated in programs open to students from disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., SROP, MICCHRS, or McNair)
- First-generation U.S. citizen
- First generation graduate from a 4-year college;
- From an educational or geographic background that is underrepresented in the field of urban and regional planning in the U.S. or at the University of Michigan.
- Hold membership in a federally recognized Tribe.
- Led and/or substantially engaged in activities that broaden the participation of individuals with diverse backgrounds in the academic, professional, or civic realm. By broadening participation, we mean efforts in the U.S. to specifically reduce educational disparities based on race, ethnicity, first-generation status, familial income, or gender.
* NOTE: International applicants should consider applying to the virtual Pre-Doctoral Workshop for Underrepresented Students of Color and LGBTQIA+ Students, or the International Planning Students Workshop, both held by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.
What’s the time commitment?
The FPS Program is a virtual experience that runs from September to November each fall. The program includes three meetings, including a kickoff group meeting, panel sessions with current students and faculty, and a CV/resume and personal statement workshop, as well as two one-on-one meetings with a faculty member and a current U.R.P. Ph.D. student mentor who matches your research interests. See the schedule here.
When is the Program?
The FPS Program is an extended, virtual experience that runs from September to November each fall.
What does it cost?
The virtual program is completely free to participants.
How to Apply
Please fill out this application form and submit your CV by September 8, 2025 to indicate your interest in the program. Decisions will be communicated by September 12. Questions can be directed to the URP Director of Doctoral Studies, Lesli Hoey at lhoey@umich.edu and the FPS Program Coordinator, Sophia Hoffacker at hffckr@umich.edu.
