RecLess Podcast 2026 NRPA Annual Conference Young Professional Scholarship 

The RecLess Podcast was founded on a simple idea: the importance of meaningful conversations and relationships.

Through our own personal experiences and discussions with hundreds of parks and recreation professionals from all over, we have seen firsthand the impact that conferences, mentors, professional networks, and shared experiences can have on an individual's growth and success.

To support the next generation of leaders in parks and recreation, the RecLess Podcast, sponsored in part by Ben Shaffer Recreation is proud to offer the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference Young Professional Scholarship. This scholarship is intended to assist an emerging professional with attending the 2026 National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA, September 29 – October 1, 2026.

We believe professional development opportunities should be accessible to those who are passionate about serving their communities and growing within the profession. Through this scholarship, we hope to invest in individuals who will not only benefit from the conference experience but will also share what they learn with others and help strengthen the future of parks and recreation.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD:

The successful applicant(s) will receive:

  • $675 (NRPA Member Rate) or $845 (NRPA Non-Member Rate) to cover the Young Professional Early Bird Registration NRPA Annual Conference attendee fee.

  • Recognition through RecLess Podcast communication channels.

  • Scholarship presentation at the RecLess Podcast NRPA Social held on Tuesday, September 29.

  • Opportunities to connect with parks and recreation professionals through the RecLess network.

The scholarship award may be paid directly to NRPA by RecLess or reimbursed to the recipient(s).

Please note that additional conference expenses including travel and lodging selections will exceed the scholarship amount. Any expenses beyond the awarded amount are the responsibility of the recipient and/or their employer.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must:

  • Be currently employed full-time or part-time in the parks and recreation profession.

  • Qualify as a Young Professional as defined by NRPA.

  • Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and service.

  • Submit all required application materials by the stated deadline.

Previous recipients may apply; however, preference may be given to first-time applicants.

APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE:

Applicants must:

  1. Complete this application in its entirety 

  2. All applications must be submitted and received by July 13, 2026. No application will be considered if received after this date.

  3. Scholarship applicants will be judged on their resume, scholarship essay, and intangible factors such as, but not limited to; leadership, community involvement, work history, and volunteerism.

  4. Recipient(s) will be selected based on a review of applications and supporting documents. Notice of awards will be on or around July 22, 2026.

  5. Applicants will be disqualified if an application does not meet criteria or submission instructions.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:

  1. Complete all required sections of this online application.

  2. Resume including employment history, professional involvement, and volunteer experiences to be uploaded to this Google Application Form.

  3. "Your Story" Scholarship Essay of no more than 1,500 words including the following information and sections (to be uploaded to this Google Application Form):

  • Essay Section I:  Explain how attending the 2026 NRPA Conference will help you achieve your professional goals and strengthen your ability to serve your community.  

  • Essay Section II: Describe your passion for the parks and recreation profession. Please include examples illustrating your initiative, ambition, and commitment to your career.

  • Essay Section III: If selected for this scholarship, how will you share the knowledge and experiences gained from the conference with your colleagues, organization, and the broader parks and recreation community?

  • Essay Section IV: The parks and recreation profession relies on emerging leaders to drive future success. What qualities do you believe are essential for the next generation of professionals, and how are you working to develop those qualities in your own career?

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT(S):

Applications will be evaluated based on:   

  1. Completeness of application materials.

  2. Professional experience and involvement.

  3. Commitment to parks and recreation.

  4. Quality and thoughtfulness of essay responses.

  5. Potential impact of the conference experience on the applicant's professional development.  

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPENT(S) EXPECTATIONS:

Recipients will be asked to:  

  • Register for the NRPA Annual Conference by the early bird registration date of August 7, 2026.

  • Attend the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference and RecLess Podcast Social.  '

  • Provide a brief testimonial or reflection regarding their conference experience.

  • Participate in reasonable promotional or recognition activities associated with the scholarship.

  • Share key takeaways from the conference with colleagues, peers, or professional networks.  

WHY APPLY FOR THIS EXPERIENCE WITH RECLESS?

Every episode of RecLess reinforces a simple truth: none of us got where we are alone.

The profession grows when experienced leaders invest in emerging professionals, when ideas are shared freely, and when opportunities are created for others. This scholarship is intended to continue that tradition and help the next generation of parks and recreation professionals build meaningful careers, strong networks, and lasting impact.

Good luck, and we look forward to learning your story.

For more information or if you have any questions, contact the RecLess Podcast at reclesspod@gmail.com.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR BEN SHAFFER RECREATION

With 100+ years of service to the residents of New Jersey and now serving the New England area, Ben Shaffer Recreation has become a trusted partner to specifiers, community leaders and maintenance personnel that put a high value on quality, design, and service. In partnership with manufacturers that share our high standards, we are committed to bringing your concept to reality. Let us take your dreams, design your concept, and deliver your project complete and correct for many years of joy and pride at your facility.