Foundation Scholarships

 

 

AMERICAN PARKS & RECREATION FOUNDATION
2025-2026 Scholarships

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 the National Recreation & Park Association’s 2025 Supervisors Management School, 2025 Rev6nue Development & Management School and 2026 Director’s School (total of six scholarships)

The scholarship for Director's School is the “Pottsie” Leadership Development Scholarship, which honors the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration’s former Executive Director, John C. Potts.

Nominations for all three schools close August 1, 2025.

  • Supervisor Management School, November 2-6, 2025
    • November 8-12, 2026
  • Director's School, 2026 dates to be determined
  • Revenue Development & Management School, March 8-13, 2026
    • March 7-12, 2027

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.

To apply for a scholarship, complete this online application no later than August 1, 2025.

After completion of the school recipients will have the responsibility to send an email of appreciation to donors.

Required materials to be submitted through the on-line application:

  • Nomination letter from a graduate of the respective school, Academy member or anyone else who can speak to why you should be selected to receive the scholarship.
  • Letter from your parks and recreation agency director or immediate supervisor supporting your application.
  • Resume (not to exceed two pages)
  • Essay describing how attending the School will help you achieve your professional development goal of becoming an effective supervisor, manager and leader (not to exceed 500 words)

Questions? E-mail: foundation@aapra.org

Learn more about all the schools at https://learning.nrpa.org/

Tips for a strong application

  1. Review the school site to tailor your essay to the specific school.
  2. Understand and address the statement on important criteria in the evaluation process.
  3. Specifically address your goals of becoming an effective supervisor, manager and leader in the essay.
  4. Ensure your letters of support are personal and highlight your strengths.
  5. Include everything required in the application (double-check before you hit submit).
  6. Essay should reflect original work of the applicant. Please avoid utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in place of your original thoughts and/or creativity.

Scholarship Recipients