The Arizona Parks & Recreation Fellowship (APRF) and the Arizona Parks & Recreation Association (APRA), with the support of Dave Bang Associates, annually awards scholarships to deserving parks and recreation professionals working in parks, recreation, natural resources, tourism or related field throughout Arizona. This scholarship was developed to enhance the professional development of individuals in the field who wish to attend non-NRPA education programs. This scholarship is to offset expenses for attendance at a professional development meeting, workshop, training, school or conference not reimbursed by an employer, organization or other source.
Scholarship winners will be awarded up to $750 (out of state) or $500 (in state) and recognized through APRF/APRA print and e-media as well as the Annual Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Conference and Trade Show.
Scholarships are evaluated on the following criteria:
• Completed applicant information form
• Purpose statement
• Professional resume (2 pages maximum)
• Letter of professional support from current supervisor
• Preference given for members that have served a minimum of 12 hours towards APRF/APRA programs/events within the last 12 months
General Guidelines:
• Must be a professional in parks and recreation or related field
• Demonstrate evidence of work in the parks and recreation profession
• Attendance of a non-NRPA professional development meeting, training, school or conference
Application Procedures:
• All requested information must be submitted with the application
• If you have any questions regarding the application, email the APRF Scholarship Committee at scholarships@aprf.org
Applications submitted will be reviewed monthly by the APRF Scholarship Committee. Allow at least one (1) month for notification of your application's status. The APRF Scholarship Committee encourages applicants to submit their application at least three (3) months in advance of their payment due date for the applicable conference, certification, training program, etc.
There is limited scholarship funding available and priority will be given to those applicants that have not already received recent funding. Once the funding threshold has been met, no additional scholarships will be awarded for the year.