National Awards & Scholarship Committee

The National Awards and Scholarship Committee facilitates the recognition of individuals and organizations whose activities have advanced the public’s appreciation and enjoyment of parks and recreation.  The committee reviews and selects the Spotlight Awards, Innovation Awards, Diversity Scholarships, Student Scholarships, and Young Professional Fellowships. Opportunity is online with one in person meeting taking place at the annual conference (could be attended virtually).  Awards will be presented to the winners at the Best of the Best Reception at the NPRA Annual Conference.  For more awards information, visit nrpa.org/awards

Primary responsibilities include:

• Participate in committee meetings (via Zoom) throughout the year when needed.
• Review and score all awards submissions in April.
• Meet via Zoom to choose winners in mid-May.

Qualifications:

• NRPA Member in good standing.
• Ability to manage deadlines as well as critically analyze applications and set hierarchies.
• Knowledge of a broad range of park and recreation professionals, services, and programs.
• Interest in promoting NRPA awards and excellence in parks and recreation.

Commitment:

• Approximately 40 hours scoring applications within a 6-week period in April-May
• Approximately 4 additional hours total for Committee Meetings (via Zoom)
• Term is one year (thru the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia) -- can be renewed
• No travel is required, but one in-person meeting is held at the NPRA Annual Conference.  In-person attendance at this meeting is preferred, but not required. 

Benefits:

• Committee members are exposed to a variety of creative and unique programs.
• Grow professional network with other committee members.
• Service on the Awards Committee each year can be submitted for 2 Professional Service Experience (PSE) points which is equivalent to 0.2 CEUs.

All applicants are notified of their application status by August 31.