August 26, 2025
The DVRPC Planning Fellowship is an opportunity for a talented individual to explore the field of city and regional planning, without prior training or experience, by spending a year working with various departments across the organization. Applications are due by October 15, 2025.
The DVRPC Planning Fellowship is an opportunity to explore the field of city and regional planning, without prior training or experience, by spending a year working with various departments across the organization. The selected fellow will participate in the daily activities of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), complete specialized projects, and experience firsthand how transportation investments are made in the Greater Philadelphia region.
The Fellowship is a paid, year-long, full-time, professional development program that begins January 2026 through December 2026. The selected Fellow will develop a broad range of skills and receive mentorship and guidance from DVRPC staff and leadership to aid in their career development. Past Fellows have gone on to successfully further their education and careers in planning or related fields–including two current DVRPC staff members.
Darwin Mlachila, our current Planning Fellow, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Chemical Engineering. We asked them about their experiences with the Fellowship and advice for future applicants.
What made you decide to apply to the Planning Fellowship?
Through my lived experiences, travels, friends, and family, I have witnessed municipal disinvestment across the Americas and Africa. From this, I came to recognize that the decisions made at the municipal level, along with the recommendations of planners and the political will to see them executed, can have rebounding effects for generations. I had known this to be true for years, but had not yet taken the leap of faith to make it part of my career. Eventually, I realized that volunteering was not enough. I wanted to live this work. So I made the terrifying decision to leave my well-paying consulting job to pursue a career in planning, and I haven’t looked back.
What has been a favorite project that you have worked on so far?
My favorite project has been the Multimodal Access to Tourist Attractions map. This web map shows tourist attractions and evaluates their accessibility by different transportation modes. I updated the map with new business data and conducted walkshed analyses for over 300 zip codes. I’m proud that my work is now live on DVRPC’s website for the public to use.
What are some of the things you have learned through the Fellowship?
The Fellowship has taught me many technical skills, planning techniques, and best practices. I have learned to perform existing conditions analyses, geospatial analyses, and accessibility analyses. More importantly, the Fellowship has shown me that I can adapt to different environments and thrive in the public sector.
Why should someone apply to the Fellowship?
The Fellowship is a launch point for anyone interested in planning, whether you are starting out, changing careers, or simply passionate about cities. You will work on projects that range from a single municipality to studies spanning all nine counties DVRPC serves, with the support of a nationally recognized MPO. If you want to help shape the future of the Greater Philadelphia region, this is the place to begin.
Do you have any advice for the next Planning Fellow?
Make the most of it. DVRPC is full of industry experts, mentors, and sponsors who can support your career and personal growth. The network and skillset you develop here will last well beyond the Fellowship. As a Fellow, you hold a unique platform, so use it to speak up, take initiative, and steer your career in the direction you want.
Applications for the Fellowship are now being accepted and are due October 15. Review the full program description for more details on the Fellowship and how to apply.