CFPR Professional Development Scholarships

Professional Development Scholarships!

The California Foundation for Parks and Recreation Scholarship Committee is offering 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.

Applications are now closed!

Deadline to apply: June 30, 2024!

Apply Now!

DATES to KNOW!

Application opens:

May 6, 2024

Application deadline:

June 30, 2024

Award notifications sent:

July 2024

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
Professional reference
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 March 18 - 21, 2025 at the Sacramento Convention Center

Past Scholarship Recipients

2023 Scholarship Recipients

	Lauren McNeily, City of Woodland • NRPA Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification ($550)
Jennifer Gault, City of San Ramon • CPRS Conference ($2,000)

2022 Scholarship Recipients

	Heather Carter, City of El Cajon • NRPA Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification ($305)
Eric Buechler, City of Woodland • CPRS Conference ($465)
	Perry Nalle, Town of Corte Madera • CPRS Conference ($465)
Sheridan Bohlken, City of Arroyo Grande • NRPA Director's School ($2,000)
	Tracy Stayton • NRPA Director's School ($2,000)