Applications Open July 1, 2026
Scholarship Applications Close July 31, 2026
The AAPRA commits to promote, nourish, and embody an inclusive and equitable environment, strengthen our commitment to promote justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, combat systemic and structural racism, and promote a culture of equality for all, through our knowledge advancement, research, education, and scholarly efforts.
Submit Your Scholarship Application
The American Parks & Recreation Foundation (Foundation), philanthropic partner of the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration (Academy), is sponsoring two (2) scholarships to cover the tuition for two (2) first-year students to attend each of the four National Recreation & Park Association’s schools, for a total of 8 scholarships granted in 2026.
Application Process: To apply for a scholarship, complete this online application no later than July 31, 2026.
In the online application, you’ll be required to submit the following materials:
Tips for a strong application
The Foundation board considers an applicant’s experience, goals, passion, diversity and financial need as important criteria in the application evaluation and scholarship selection process. Please be sure to address important criteria within the essay.
After completion of the school recipients will have the responsibility to send an email of appreciation to donors.
Questions? E-mail: foundation@aapra.org
Learn more about all the schools at https://learning.nrpa.org/
Michelle Stout, Apex Park and Recreation District, CO - 2025 Supervisors’ Management School Claryce Free, City of Temple, TX - 2025 Supervisors’ Management School Katie MacCammon, City of Fairfax, VA. - 2026 Revenue Development and Management School Juan Carlos Acevedo, Wheeling Park District, IL - 2026 Revenue Development and Management School Gabby Vera, Lake Havasu City, AZ - 2026 “Pottsie” Leadership Development Scholarship (Directors School) Kelsey Paul, West Manchester Township, PA - 2026 “Pottsie” Leadership Development Scholarship (Directors School)
Stephanie Chalar, New Braunfels, TX - Revenue Development and Management School Kaylon Jackson, University Park, TX - Revenue Development and Management School Eric Lopez, Fort Worth, TX - Pottsie – Directors School Tony Raya, Dallas, TX - Pottsie – Directors School
Tabitha Martinez, City of Hopewell, VA - Pottsie – Directors School Patricia Pickens, City of Anniston Parks and Recreation Department, AL - Pottsie – Directors School Pottsie – Directors School Erin Harris, City of Beavercreek, OH - Revenue Development & Management School Geri Gonzolez, City of Angleton, TX - Revenue Development & Management School Kelsi Stephenson, Wheeling Park District, IL, Supervisors Management School
Jessica Martinez, CPM, CPRP, City of Burleson, TX - Directors School Shajra Thrasher, City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation, GA - Directors School Mallory Griffith-Wells, Coalinga Huron Recreation and Park District, CA - Supervisors Management School Greg Hughes, Town of Windsor, CO - Supervisors Management School
Jazmyn Gindratt, Lewisville Parks & Recreation, TX - Supervisors Management School Tim O'Melia, El Cajon Parks & Recreation, CA - Supervisors Management School Tede Price, Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation, MO - Directors School Cortney Weinstock, Baltimore County Parks & Recreation, MD - Directors School
"As a new Deputy Director with only 9 months experience in my position, having the opportunity to attend NRPA Directors School was incredibly impactful. Networking with professionals from across the country and having the opportunity to learn from our industry's leading practitioners and consultants was inspiring. I walked into this experience with anxious excitement, not knowing what to expect and left with a toolbox full of resources and 90+ new connections, friends and an energized perspective that made for a truly invaluable experience. I am beyond grateful to have been awarded the American Parks & Recreation Foundation John C. Potts Leadership Development Scholarship." Cortney Weinstock, 2022 Pottsie Scholarship Winner Deputy Director, Baltimore County Parks & Recreation, MD
Tede Price, 2022 Pottsie Scholarship Recipient "I was honored to be a recent recipient of the Pottsie Scholarship for 2022 NRPA Directors School. I am grateful to the American Parks & Recreation Foundation (APRF) for the John C. Potts Leadership Development Scholarship selection. The Directors School was one of the best schools I’ve attended. I was able to network with like minded professionals. The sessions were valuable and addressed many of the challenges my department currently faces. It was great to be able to discuss relevant topics and make connections with Parks professionals whom I will continue to reach out to in the future. Thank you again APRF for this opportunity, allowing me to continue growing in this profession."
Amanda Creque, Cleveland Metroparks, OH Kelsey Heiden, New Braunfels Parks & Recreation, TX Josh Hendricks, Bloomingdale Park District, IL Eileen Ramirez, Crestwood Parks & Recreation, MO
2020 Pottsie Scholarship Recipient Jeanne Sprague, Lincoln City Parks & Recreation, Lincoln City, OR "NRPA Directors School was amazing. I met many new colleagues, and learned many new strategies to assist my parks and recreation department and in general throughout Oregon and the U.S.''