Alaska Recreation and Park Association
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ARPA Scholarships


Alaska Recreation & Parks Association Scholarship Program

Northwest Playground Equipment has been a family-owned company for nearly 27 years and we specialize in being a resource for all of your park and playground needs. Beginning in 2021, NW Playground Equipment establish an annual scholarship award donation in the sum of $500 a year to go towards a new industry professional who has never been to the association's annual conference.  The award was created to honor the founder of NW Playground Equipment, Bob McGarvey and his long standing support and love for the Alaska Recreation & Parks Association. Since his retirement the business remains a family operated company. Learn more about NW Playground Equipment by going to their website. 

NW Playground Equipment Website- Click Here

Additional funding for our Scholarship Program comes from donations from members and stakeholders, as well as revenue gleaned from our silent auction held at our Awards and Banquet Dinner at the Conference each year. 

How can scholarships be applied to your professional development?

ARPA currently offers 6 scholarships per year (December 1 - November 30) of up to $500 each in the following categories:

3 individual scholarships to assist with attendance at the ARPA Annual state conference. Allowable expenses include travel, registration fees and/or hotel.

3 individual scholarships to assist with professional development (any certification/education relating to the Parks & Recreation field with preference given to NRPA programs).

Scholarship requests are open only to current ARPA members in good standing. Scholarships may be awarded to an individual in each category once every two years.  

Through partnerships with the NRPA, ARPA provides scholarships to help pay for continuing education opportunities like:

  • NRPA’s Maintenance or Director’s School
  • NRPA’s Annual Conference
  • ARPA’s Annual State Conference
  • Playground Maintenance Certification
  • Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
  • Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
  • Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor
  • Certified Pool Operator
  • Recreation and Park Professional Certification
 
Please Note: Individuals selected for a state conference scholarship are asked to volunteer a minimum of 2-3 hours with the conference (teach a session, assist with conference planning, or be available during the conference to assist in some way) & share their conference experience in the ARPA newsletter. 

Scholarship questions? email us!

APPLY NOW - CLICK HERE! 

The application submission deadline is three months prior to ARPA conference or training opportunity to allow time to review applications. 





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