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Scholarships

Jesse A. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship - Apply by December 15, 2026

Designed to assist professionals currently employed in leisure services (preferably public recreation), this scholarship is awarded to assist in graduate level education, either on a part-time or full-time basis.

AWARD: $3500

Jesse A. Reynolds was a parks and recreation director for the City of Richmond. He was instrumental in establishing professional parks and recreation "registration", which was the predecessor to Virginia's CPRP program. Upon his passing, Jesse's family, including son Ron Reynolds, a former director in Campbell County and a former VRPS Foundation Board member, established this scholarship in his name. 

Eligibility for Reynolds Scholarship at the time of application:

  • Graduate student, Virginia resident,  attending a Virginia School or an out-of-state school on-line.
  • Acceptable degrees include MPA, MBA, Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Forestry, Tourism, Special Event, Therapeutic, or others as approved by the VRPS Foundation Board.
  • Applicants must be working in the field of Parks and Recreation in Virginia or on educational leave while enrolled in an approved graduate curriculum at an accredited institution.
  • Must be a US Citizen

Application will require:

  • Education background
  • Years of service in the Leisure Service field (employment, internships, volunteer service)\
  • Professional goals
  • Professional involvement (committee work, offices held, special projects)
  • Relation of educational program to current employment
  • Recommendations from three people, one of which must be an executive from applicant's current agency

Award recipient will be required to provide enrollment verification for the current or upcoming semester.

Educational Endowment Scholarships

The Educational Endowment Scholarship Program, offered by the Foundation of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society, provides flexible funding to member organizations for staff professional development and technical training. Selected agencies receive a maximum allocation of $2,000, which can be used for one or multiple individuals across various training sessions. Eligible opportunities include VRPS educational events, agency membership renewals, CPSI or NRPA programs, Oglebay National Training Center programs, and Aquatic Facility Operator programs. Four awards are available annually, with one designated for each agency population tier: under 25,000; 25,000 to 50,000; 50,000 to 200,000; and over 200,000. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating a strong commitment to the profession through involvement with VRPS or the Foundation.

Professional Scholarships

Your Foundation donation helps support scholarships for Virginia parks and recreation professionals and students. The Foundation of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society is very proud of the Scholarship Program that has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships and assisted dozens of students and professionals with their education.

The Foundation of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society Scholarship Committee reviews all applications. Applicants are reviewed in light of the quality of the responses provided in the application and the following criteria:

  • Service to VRPS: involvement in service areas, resource groups, committee positions held, and volunteer experiences. Student applicants may describe their involvement with parks and recreation agencies including employment and volunteer experience.

  • Demonstrated financial need.

Scholarship preference will be given to those individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the profession through involvement in VRPS and the Foundation of VRPS.

Jesse A. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship - Apply by December 15, 2026

Designed to assist professionals currently employed in leisure services (preferably public recreation), this scholarship is awarded to assist in graduate level education, either on a part-time or full-time basis.

AWARD: $3500

Jesse A. Reynolds was a parks and recreation director for the City of Richmond. He was instrumental in establishing professional parks and recreation "registration", which was the predecessor to Virginia's CPRP program. Upon his passing, Jesse's family, including son Ron Reynolds, a former director in Campbell County and a former VRPS Foundation Board member, established this scholarship in his name. 

Eligibility for Reynolds Scholarship at the time of application:

  • Graduate student, Virginia resident,  attending a Virginia School or an out-of-state school on-line.
  • Acceptable degrees include MPA, MBA, Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Forestry, Tourism, Special Event, Therapeutic, or others as approved by the VRPS Foundation Board.
  • Applicants must be working in the field of Parks and Recreation in Virginia or on educational leave while enrolled in an approved graduate curriculum at an accredited institution.
  • Must be a US Citizen

Application will require:

  • Education background
  • Years of service in the Leisure Service field (employment, internships, volunteer service)\
  • Professional goals
  • Professional involvement (committee work, offices held, special projects)
  • Relation of educational program to current employment
  • Recommendations from three people, one of which must be an executive from applicant's current agency

Award recipient will be required to provide enrollment verification for the current or upcoming semester.

James K. Cole Memorial Scholarship - application opening summer of 2027

James K. Cole, a Parks and Recreation professional from the City of Virginia Beach, was dedicated to the profession. This scholarship is designed to assist junior, senior and graduate students majoring in the Leisure Service or Parks and Recreation field, who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.