North Texas Congress Scholarship Program
This program is a new initiative to be approved by the Congress for the New Urbanism North Texas Chapter Board in 2025. This program aims to support individuals eager to attend the annual National Congress of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). The inaugural scholarship award is anticipated to be presented in 2026, specifically for participation in CNU 34.
This Scholarship Is Made Possible by Our Generous Donors —Thank You
Program Objective and Goals
The Congress for the New Urbanism North Texas Chapter (CNU NTX) is proud to offer a scholarship opportunity for one recipient to attend the annual CNU National Congress.
This program is designed to increase participation from individuals who are passionate about urbanism but may face financial barriers to attending the event
Expand CNU NTX member participation at National Congress
Reduce financial barriers to Congress attendance
Elevate emerging leaders in North Texas who are passionate about New Urbanism
Strengthen connections between local and national CNU initiatives
Increase the CNU NTX Chapter’s presence and recognition at the national level
Build leadership capacity within CNU NTX membership
Inspire ongoing involvement and community-building in North Texas post-Congress
Create meaningful volunteer opportunities that enhance the Congress experience
Award Structure
Recipient is reimbursed for Registration fee and travel/lodging expenses (receipts required). Reimbursements must be submitted with receipts and a brief reflection or proof of attendance. A maximum reimbursement amount will be published in the scholarship award announcement.
The award amount may change from year to year depending on funds raised and anticipated cost of travel and other expenses.
The scholarship committee will make an award amount recommendation to the board each year for their approval.
The recipient will receive a reduced registration fee as part of their volunteer hours at the CNU National Congress.
Award Selection Process
Eligibility Requirements
1. Someone who is an emerging professional in New Urbanism
2. Must reside in one of the North Texas Counties that make up CNU North Texas’ region (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Henderson, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, or Wise)
3. Strong Interest in New Urbanism
4. Preference for dues-paying members, but not required
5. Preference for CNU North Texas Volunteer/Committee member
6. Willing to be a Congress Volunteer for a reduced registration fee
7. Agree to share a brief reflection or recap (written, visual, or video) to help promote the experience and scholarship in future years
8. Willing and able to sign a photo and name release
9. Required to sign a liability waiver
10. Can not be a board member
Application
The basics of the application should include the following:
– Personal Information
– Background
– Confirmation of Eligibility
– Confirmation that they understand the requirements of the recipient
– Confirmation of willingness to sign the required documents
– Several Short Essay Questions
– Attestation that the information provided is true and accurate
Selection
The selection process will be based on a weighted scoring process, once each applicant has been reviewed for eligibility.
Each committee member independently reviews and scores applications in each category.
A standardized scoring sheet will be provided to the committee members.
Additional FAQ Found Here
General Program Timeline
Deadline for applications Feb 20th, 2026
Award Announcement will be made at the March Members meeting – March 2026(date to be announced)
Definitions
Emerging Professional
An “emerging professional” in New Urbanism is an individual who is at the start of their career, either through recent graduation or ongoing academic/professional training, in a field that supports the movement’s core principles.
This includes, but isn’t limited to, disciplines like urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, real estate development, transportation planning, public policy, and community activism.
The term highlights that New Urbanism is a multi-disciplinary effort. It takes more than just designers to build a thriving, sustainable community—it requires a commitment from professionals across various fields.
Key Characteristics of an Emerging Professional
An emerging professional is defined by their recent entry into the field and their commitment to its ideals. This definition has two primary components:
Timeframe: The person has graduated within the preceding five (5) years or is currently a student or trainee in a relevant field. This metric is a practical way for professional organizations to identify and support those new to the profession.
Commitment: They must be actively engaged in advancing the principles of New Urbanism, which include designing and promoting walkable, mixed-use, sustainable, and equitable communities. This isn’t just a matter of their job title, but of their work’s substance.
Relevant Disciplines
The definition is intentionally broad to encompass the diverse range of skills needed to create New Urbanist communities. It goes beyond the traditional design fields of architecture and urban planning to include:
Landscape Architecture: Focusing on the design of public spaces, parks, and streetscapes that are essential to creating a high-quality urban environment.
Engineering: This includes civil and transportation engineers who design infrastructure (like streets and utilities) to support a walkable, interconnected community rather than a car-centric one.
Real Estate Development: Developers who are willing to take on projects that align with New Urbanist principles, such as infill development and mixed-use projects.
Public Policy & Urbanist Advocacy: This is where the political and community work happens. People in these roles advocate for zoning reform, transit funding, and other policies that enable New Urbanism to be implemented in the real world.