The scholarships and fellowships provide recipients with the opportunity to attend and explore the operation of the field at the NRPA Annual Conference. A primary focus is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts with leadership and members from around the nation. Recipients receive complimentary NRPA Annual Conference registration and a travel stipend.
The application period for the 2024 NRPA Scholarships and Fellowships is January 5 - March 29.
Want to learn how to create an engaging application? Check out this video: Taking the Mystery Out of the NRPA Awards Process
Young Professional Fellowships
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. 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 under 35 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.
Apply for a Young Professional Fellowship
2023 Winners: Haley Colucci, CPRP, Oak Brook Park District (Illinois)
Diana Correa, CPRP, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation (North Carolina)
Thamara Velasco, City of Douglasville Parks & Recreation (Georgia)
Taylor Witter, CPRP, CPO, Lisle Park District (Illinois)
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.
Apply for a Diversity Scholarship
2023 Winner: Jamiah Flagg, City of Douglasville Parks & Recreation (Georgia)
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.
Apply for a Student Scholarship
2023 Winners: Jason Lewis Cowley, Utah Tech University, and Lindsey Batson, University of Missouri
