Welcome to the California Foundation for Parks & Recreation Professional Development Scholarship Application

California Foundation for Parks & Recreation professional development scholarships are available 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.

Professional development scholarship applications are evaluated based on FOUR overall criteria:

• Relevant experience in the profession
• Leadership and impact in the profession
• Leadership reflected through a professional letter of recommendation
• 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.