Testimonials 

“One of our most significant tasks—and crucial ambitions—is ensuring students consistently develop their critical and conceptual thinking, creative problem solving, and collaborative skills in safe yet challenging spaces. In my experience, UrbanPlan proved uniquely suited for that task. Our students gained not only a greater understanding of the diverse public and private forces that shape their built environment, but a deeper appreciation of their place within that environment, and ultimately their power to shape it.” – Joshua Clough, Girard College teacher

“UrbanPlan was a project I will never forget. It was something new for me. It really challenged me and I haven’t really been challenged on an assignment in a long time. It really made me have to prioritize time management and try to work under pressure. I also had to learn how to not be in control of everything, something I’m not used to.” – Aaliyah, student

“I can honestly say that I learned a lot during this simulation. I learned how to work under pressure, work as a team, and I also learned about neighborhoods and the inner workings of developers. It was a good time to practice my time management skills as well because that’s what you’re going to need in the real world. This program should definitely be repeated next year because I think everybody should get the chance to be apart of something like this.” – Faith, student

ULI Philadelphia is extremely thankful to Girard’s Head of High School AJ Ernst, teacher Joshua Clough, our amazing UrbanPlan volunteers, and our UrbanPlan Committee for making it happen. We look forward to continuing this program annually with future students!