BC Recreation and Parks (BCRPA) Scholarship

Suspended for 2010.

About the BCRPA and the Scholarship

The British Columbia Recreation & Parks Association (BCRPA) is a not for profit organization dedicated to building and sustaining active healthy lifestyles and communities in BC. Established in 1958, the Association is a central resource agency for members and stakeholders of the parks, recreation, physical activity and culture industry, providing leadership, training and support to help meet national, provincial and local priorities. Through a diverse network of partners and extensive programs and services (see http://www.bcrpa.bc.ca), BCRPA actively advocates accessibility and inclusiveness to recreation and physical activity and strives to bridge the gap between the recreation and sport system. The BCRPA recognizes that the recreation, parks and culture sector is an essential partner for building healthy individuals and communities, as well as fostering economic and environmental sustainability.

As of 2009, BCRPA will be offering scholarships worth $1,000 each. There will be six of these scholarships, available to students across the province. BCRPA believes students who exhibit strong leadership abilities and a desire to enhance our sector should be strongly supported. This new level of financial assistance will allow students greater freedom to pursue academic and employment excellence.

Nominations for this scholarship are offered to institutions that are affiliate members of BCRPA (UVic currently is and affiliate member). Affiliate-level membership benefits support post secondary institutions in a number of ways, including offering students and staff greater access to networking opportunities within parks, recreation, physical activity and culture sector.

Letter of Intent: due Nov 28/08

Please submit the following information on a one-page document to the Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education office (McKinnon 120) before Friday, November 28, 2008.

Letter of Intent for BCRPA Scholarship:

• Name
  
• Student number
  
• Cumulative GPA
  
• Paragraph describing your leadership to the parks, recreation and culture sector
  
• Name & contact information of mentor, instructor or program leader who is willing and able to be a reference
  
• Name of faculty member who is willing to assist you with this application

Note: this scholarship is only open to undergraduate students in the BA Recreation & Health Education and BSc Kinesiology programs.

Nomination Process

UVic is eligible to nominate one (1) student per year. The student must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate academic program related to parks, recreation and culture (Recreation and Health Education OR Kinesiology).

Submission deadlines (2008-09):

• December to January – review applications
• January 31st – submit nomination to BCRPA
• February 28th – BCRPA selection complete
• March 5th – Announce scholarship recipients
• April/May – Award student scholarships at BCRPA annual Symposium

Selection Process:

Nominations received from post-secondary educational institutions will be evaluated and ranked by the BCRPA based upon the selection criteria. The BCRPA will inform the nominating Institution of the selection outcomes & it is then the responsibility of UVic to inform the student. Decisions are at the discretion of the BCRPA & not all scholarships may be awarded every year.

Nomination Criteria:

The objective of the BCRPA student scholarship program is to ensure future quality leadership through the provision of financial support to emerging leaders enrolled in recreation, parks and culture related studies throughout BC to advance their studies.

Student submissions will be evaluated against the following four broad criteria:

1. Exhibit academic excellence in the student’s chosen course of study
2. Display innovation in completed academic work pertaining to the parks, recreation and culture sector in BC
3. Demonstrate commitment and leadership (academic or in the community) to the parks, recreation and culture sector in BC
4. Accomplishments, awards and honours from within the voluntary or other sectors.
   
   

Submission Requirements:

UVic is to submit to BCRPA in support of the nomination:

1. Resume (maximum 250 words) and cover letter outlining the student’s academic and work experiences including part/current participation in various parks, recreation and culture programs, activities and issues
2. Written summary (maximum 350 words) of a completed piece of academic work (Paper, project, design, etc) pertaining to the parks, recreation and culture sector in BC
3. Submission (maximum 350 words) documenting an instance where the student has demonstrated commitment, leadership (academic or in the community) and teamwork to the parks, recreation and culture sector in BC
4. One (1) letter of reference from a mentor, instructor or program leader outlining a positive past/present experience pertaining to the parks, recreation and culture sector in BC.
   
   

Number of Scholarships:
Six (6) scholarships will be awarded per year

Value of Scholarships:
The value of the scholarships will be $1000 each