Scholarship Opportunities

Student Scholarships

Each year the MRPA Scholarship Committee is pleased to offer scholarships to students pursuing degrees in the Parks and Recreation field. Through various committee activities, including the MRPA Scholarship Golf Outing, scholarship socials, raffles at the MRPA Conference and Trade Show, and generous donations, MRPA is able to offer the following five awards to deserving students at universities throughout the state.

2015 - 2016 MRPA Student Scholarship Application  |  Application Requirements

Important Information:

  • Applications must be postmarked by March 13, 2015.
  • Awards are for the period of August 2015 to May 2016.
  • Applicant must be a current MRPA member.
  • Applicant must be enrolled in a Michigan university or college, OR, a Michigan resident taking online courses through an accredited university/college.
  • Applicants must be available for a panel interview on Friday, March 27.
  • See application requirements for complete information, stipulations, and required documents.

Optional: 
In addition to the scholarship interviews, additional funds of up to $500 can be earned by completing the Dr. Rebecca McCann Student Leadership Essay. In 400 words or less, please respond in essay form to the following questions:

  • As a student, define what aspects of leadership you feel are the most beneficial in the Parks and Recreation profession? 
  • As a leader, what can you bring to the profession of Parks and Recreation?

Bring the essay with you to the scholarship interview.

Rob Nagle Award - The Rob Nagle Scholarship Award was initiated in 1995 by the Shane Group to commemorate the life of Robert J. Nagle Jr. who passed away that year at the age of 37 from cancer. Rob had been Vice-President and West Michigan Sales Manager for Jennings of Michigan since 1985. The intent of the award is to encourage college students to invest the same enthusiasm, integrity and positive attitude in their careers as Rob displayed in providing quality recreational opportunities to others.

Excellence Scholarship - Initiated in 2002 by keynote speaker, Ian Hill. This award is given to a student who exemplifies and displays excellence in the field of Parks and Recreation.

Becky McCann Scholarship - Initiated in 2000 by professors and students of Central Michigan University in honor of Becky McCann. Becky McCann was a professor at CMU and showed tremendous leadership in the profession of Parks and Recreation. The recipient of the Becky McCann Scholarship is the person who can best answer the essay question: As a student, what aspects of leadership do you feel are most beneficial in the Parks and Recreation profession? As a leader, what can you bring to the profession of Parks and Recreation?

Herb Jennings Award - Initiated in 2008 by the Shane Group. The intent of this award is to benefit a student of a current or past MRPA parent or grandparent that has realized their path into the recreation industry through lifelong participation and volunteering. Initially designed to be an MRPA family legacy award, this award will be given to the student who embodies the greatest spirit of volunteering and involvement.

Professional Development Scholarships

Scholarships for educational workshops and professional development events are provided twice annually by the MRPA Foundation. Learn more!