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 nomination period for the 2024 NRPA Scholarships and Fellowships was January 5 - March 29. 2024 Winners (listed below) will be recognized at the Best of the Best Ceremony at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Get A Reminder about the 2025 Nomination Period
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.
2024 Winners: Christopher Harrison, CPRP, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation (Florida)
Miranda Maloy, CPRP, Lewisville Parks and Recreation (Texas)
Cassandra Paddock, CPRP, Schertz Parks, Recreation and Community Services (Texas)
Rachel Smith, CPRP, James City County Parks and Recreation (Virginia)
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.
2024 Winner: Gaby Bridges, CPRP, Layton City Parks and Recreation (Utah) and Nancy Xiong, Three Rivers Parks District (Minnesota)
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.
2024 Winners: Ezekiel Adesawe, Clemson University, and Athena Sexton, Appalachian State University
