CFPR Professional Development Scholarships

DATES to KNOW!

Application opens: 

May 30, 2025 

Application deadline:

June 30, 2025

Award notifications sent:

July 2025

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:

1. Relevant experience in the profession
2. Leadership and impact in the profession
3. Professional reference
4. Demonstrated use of scholarship funds towards upcoming opportunity for education, training and/or advancements in the park and recreation profession

General Guidelines

The California Foundation for Parks and Recreation Scholarship Committee is offering new professional development scholarships 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.

• 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

Past Scholarship Recipients

Questions?

For general Scholarship Program questions, please contact our CFPR Scholarship Chair: Justin Schmillen

For website, submission form questions or technical assistance, please contact CPRS HQ: Stephanie Stephens, 916-665-2777