"Learning by Doing" Program Overview:

The Indiana County Office of Planning & Development is pleased to present the award-winning Student Planner Program or SP2.  The program is an exciting experiential learning opportunity for local college students studying planning and related disciplines.  Each semester, cohorts of 4-8 student planners are challenged to become part of individual planning teams, led by county planning staff, focused on advancing specific planning initiatives in local communities across the County.  As team members, students develop project specific workplans designed to assist full-time planners with background data collection, public outreach, plan development, and the funding strategies.

Since its inception in 2009, more than 85 undergraduate and graduate students have participated in the highly-regarded and highly-competitive program, making up 28 cohorts of student planners.

Most of the student planners come from Indiana University of Pennsylvania's (IUP) recently accredited Regional Planning Program, one of only 15 accredited undergraduate planning programs in the nation.  Other students come from multiple academic departments and programs at IUP including the Department of Journalism and Public Relations, Department of Communications Media, and the Department of Political Science.  Each semester the county’s full-time planners wade through numerous application packets and interviews seeking just the right fit.

Part of what is drawing students into the Program is its impressive post-graduation placement numbers.  A survey of recent graduates in 2014 revealed that 8 out of 10 of our student planners are either working in the field or move on to top-flight graduate programs within one year of graduation.  What is driving this success is a combination of ongoing professional development activities built into the program, such as resume/interview workshops, networking opportunities, and professional communication training.  And the opportunity to develop highly-marketable work portfolios built around real project experience.

This combination is translating into jobs and additional education opportunities for students in an increasingly competitive employment landscape. A review of placement data reveals that previous student planners are working across the country and even internationally, fulfilling responsibilities such as: Lead Planners, Operation Managers, GIS Specialists, Transportation Specialists, and other high-level positions.

Student Planner Options:

The following are all examples of internship options offered through SP2.

• Federal Work Study Positions
• Internship Credit  Positions
• Paid Internship Positions
• Unpaid Volunteer Positions

Qualifications:

• Full-time / Part-time Undergraduate or Graduate Student
• Excellent communication skills
• Public speaking skills
• Desire to work with college students and community residents
• Volunteer experience and a demonstrated commitment to service
• Leadership experience

To Apply:

1. Download and complete the SP2 Application.
2. Complete Cover Letter and Resume.
3. Secure Reference Letter from one of your instructors.
4. Send 1 - 3 via email to:

Josh Krug, AICP

Deputy Director, Planning Section

jkrug@ceo.co.indiana.pa.us

Application Deadlines:

The Student Planner Program has a rolling application deadline; however, individuals interested should apply by the following deadlines.

1. Spring Semester, November 6
2. Summer Semester, April 10
3. Fall Semester, August 1

Schedule:

8 - 20 hours per week for Interns/Volunteers

10 - 20 hours per week for Work Study

Flexible weekly schedule based on class schedule.

In the News...

County's student planner program earns award