CFPR Professional Development Scholarships

Professional Development Scholarships!

CFPR professional development scholarships are available to assist professionals in expanding their industry knowledge, achieving career goals and making an impact in parks and recreation. Award amounts can range as little as $200 up to $2,000.

Students seeking academic financial support may apply for CFPR Student Scholarships.

Applications will be open again in 2023!

DATES to KNOW!

Application opens:
April 15, 2022

Application deadline:
EXTENDED until June 9, 2022

Award notifications sent:
July 2022

Scholarship Award Recognition:
CPRS CONNECTIONS 2023
April 3-6, 2023
San Diego, CA

Who is eligible?

The professional development scholarship is available for all current CPRS members in need of financial support toward endeavors that facilitate career growth and advancing the profession.

Evaluation Criteria

Professional development scholarship applications are evaluated based on FOUR overall criteria:

Relevant experience in the profession
Leadership and impact in the profession
Leadership reflected through a professional letter of recommendation
Demonstrated use of scholarship funds towards upcoming opportunity for education, training and/or advancements in the park and recreation profession

General Guidelines

Applicant must have an active CPRS membership at the time of award notification.
Only complete applications including a resume and one (1) professional letter of recommendation will be eligible for review.
Applicants will be required to provide an estimate of desired funds up to $2,000 towards education opportunities and/or trainings related to the park and recreation industry. This may include but is not limited to conferences, workshops, trainings, certifications or related travel expenses (transportation and lodging only).
Funds will not be awarded for food or other personal expenses.
Scholarships are intended to reduce financial hardships. Competitive applications will demonstrate some level of financial commitment from themselves or their agency.
Scholarship recipient(s) will be re-eligible for future professional development scholarships three (3) years after awarded.

Review and Award

Applications are reviewed in June by the CFPR Scholarship Committee. The Committee is comprised of professionals and educators from Northern and Southern California, a representative from the CPRS Board of Directors, and the Executive Director of California Park & Recreation Society.

Recipients will be notified by email in July.
Recipients will be required to submit proof of registration and expense related recipients for reimbursement.
Each recipient will be asked to provide a recap following their professional development experience with a CFPR Scholarship Committee member.
Recipients will be recognized throughout the year and at the CPRS Conference in April 2023.

Congratulations to our 2021 Scholarship Recipients!

	Allissia De Salles, Rio Linda Elverta Recreation & Park District • NRPA Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification ($200)
Antoinette Siu, Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital • CPRS Conference ($500)
	Tiffany Vitorino, City of Gustine • CPRS Conference ($500)
Katlyn Simber-Clickener, Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District • NAPF Park Foundation School ($1,500)
	Lydie Gutfeld, City of San Bernardino • NRPA Director's School ($1,500)