Group of engineering students in hard hats surveying a site

PlaceWorks Scholarship Program

PlaceWorks is offering $5,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in California who are pursuing a degree in Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Planning, or Landscape Architecture.

PlaceWorks Logo

Applications Currently Closed

The program is currently closed. Information for the 2026 program is tentative and subject to change. Please click ‘Remind Me’ to be notified when the PlaceWorks Scholarship Program application is available.

 

PlaceWorks Scholarship Program

The mission of PlaceWorks is to envision and create great places—and the PlaceWorks Scholarship Program aims to help the next generation of planners, urban designers, landscape architects, and environmental specialists.

Eligibility

Applicants to the PlaceWorks Scholarship Program must:

  • Be a member of one or more historically underrepresented groups, including but not limited to:
    • American Indian or Alaska Native
    • Arab/Middle Eastern
    • Asian
    • Black or African American
    • Hispanic or Latino
    • Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
    • Veterans
    • Disabled individuals
    • First-generation college students
  • Be residents of California
  • Be current college undergraduates or graduate level students pursuing a degree in one of the following fields (or related fields):
    • Planning
    • Urban Design and/or Architecture
    • Environmental Planning
    • Landscape Architecture
  • Plan to enroll in part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or graduate school in California for the entire upcoming academic year.

PlaceWorks employees and their children are not eligible.

Awards

If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $5,000 award. Up to two (2) awards will be granted.

Awards are not renewable, but students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.

Awards are for undergraduate and graduate study.

Recipients may also be eligible to receive internship opportunities with PlaceWorks.

Notification

All applicants will be notified in late May.

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of PlaceWorks. Payment is made in August.

Selection of Recipients

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:

  • Academic performance
  • Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities
  • Work experience
  • A statement of educational and career goals and objectives
  • Unusual personal or family circumstances
  • An online recommendation

Financial need will be considered. Recipients must demonstrate need.

Selection of finalists is made by Scholarship America. PlaceWorks will select recipients. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

Requirements

As part of your application, you must upload the following:

  • A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display:
    • Student name
    • School name
    • Grades
    • Credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken.

NOTE: If you are providing SAT or ACT test scores, and those scores are not listed on your high school transcript, you will need to upload a copy of your test score report(s) separately. If you are uploading a college transcript, those scores are not required.

One online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf no later than April 9, 2026 by 3:00 pm Central Time.

Your application is not complete unless all required materials are submitted electronically.

Scholarship America
Browse More Scholarships
Scholarship America offers a safe and trusted resource to help you find scholarships and answer important questions along the way.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By clicking “Accept”, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy