Young Professional Fellowships
Supported by:
The fellowship provides selected young professionals (up to 4) with the opportunity to explore the operation of NRPA and its governing bodies at the NRPA Annual Conference through the support of Sourcewell. Participants will meet with mentors, be recognized at the awards ceremony and attend various conference sessions and meetings. A primary focus of the program is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts.
Who should apply: NRPA members 35 years old or younger (at time of the conference) with 2 to 10 years of experience in parks and recreation who want to want to attend the NRPA Annual Conference and grow their professional network.
2026 Winners: Maria Contreras, Waukegan Park District (IL)
Claryce Free, CPRP, AFO, Temple (TX) Parks & Recreation
Danielle Kugler, St. Marys (PA) Parks & Recreation
Kaitlyn Schech, Kent County (DE) Parks & Recreation
Diversity Scholarships
The NRPA Diversity Scholarship (up to 2) supports individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the parks and recreation community as well as those that demonstrate outstanding contributions serving diverse communities. Participants will meet with mentors, be recognized at the awards ceremony and attend various conference sessions and meetings. A primary focus of the program is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts.
Who should apply: Current members of NRPA from an underrepresented group in the park and recreation community and/or demonstrate outstanding contributions serving diverse communities specifically related to park and recreation programs and services.
2026 Winners: Lisa Lewis, Richland County (SC) Recreation Commission and Amarre Negussie, Des Moines (IA) Parks & Recreation
Student Scholarships
The Student Scholarship recognizes an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student for community service or contributions to the parks and recreation field. The scholarship provides selected students (up to 2) with the opportunity to explore the operation of the field at the NRPA Annual Conference. Participants will meet with mentors, be recognized at the awards ceremony and attend various conference sessions and meetings. A primary focus of the program is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop contacts.
Who should apply: Student members of NRPA who are currently studying for a degree in parks and recreation. If you are excelling at your studies, desire to learn more about the field, and want to attend the NRPA Annual Conference and learn from other professionals in the field, you should apply.
2026 Winners: Camrahn Jamison, University of North Carolina Greensboro and Abigail Jones, Appalachian State University
For additional information contact awards@nrpa.org.