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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 Planning Fellowship is a paid, year-long, full-time, professional development program that begins in January 2027 and ends in December 2027. 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 three current DVRPC staff members. 

Jen Guo, our current Planning Fellow, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in biophysics and computational biology and a minor in urban studies. We asked her about her experiences with the Fellowship and advice for future applicants.

Why did you decide to apply to the Planning Fellowship?

In college, I was seeing the community impacts of roadway crashes as both a volunteer mechanic at a non-profit bike shop and an EMT. These experiences, along with a history class on the displacement caused by highway expansion, made me interested in ways we could rework transportation systems to make cities more just and livable.

I looked for opportunities to learn how governments prioritize and make planning decisions that determine what type of place we live in. As an intern at the City’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, I worked on projects building safer pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. Afterward, I applied to this Fellowship as someone new to the field interested in serving my community through planning. In particular, I was looking to explore how regional planning and technical assistance from DVRPC can help local governments advance projects and deliver on promises to the public.

What has been a favorite project that you have worked on so far?

I really enjoyed working on DVRPC’s regional zoning atlas project, which aims to inform zoning reform addressing housing supply and affordability in the Greater Philadelphia region. Zoning is a central tool municipalities use to regulate what can be built where—including the type, size, appearance, and density of housing—but there currently isn’t a regional-level analysis.

What are some of the things you have learned through the Fellowship?

I’ve learned so much about the role of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) like DVRPC in bringing together planning partners, prioritizing funding for transportation projects, and building a shared vision for the region. In addition, I’ve enjoyed learning about our work in areas beyond transportation such as in energy, the environment, housing, and economic development (DVPRC is also the region’s Economic Development District).

Why should someone apply to the Fellowship?

If you’re passionate about serving the public through your work and are interested in how the region plans for the future, I’d encourage you to apply. The position is designed for those who are new to the field or making a career transition, so prior planning experiences aren’t required. The program has been running for seven years with strong organizational support—providing you with personalized learning and mentorship opportunities. Throughout the year, you’ll have agency to shape your experience and choose what work you engage in through the rotation system.

Do you have any advice for the next Planning Fellow?

Be curious and get to know people. There is such a breadth of knowledge at DVRPC, and the Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to meet so many people working to make the region a better place both now and in the future. Take initiative, explore, and set aside time to reflect on where you want your career to go and who you want your work to serve.

Applications for the Fellowship are now being accepted and must be received by 5 pm on September 28, 2026. Visit our current opportunities for the full program description and information on how to apply.