SIPRA Student Scholarship
On October 3, 2003, the Southern Illinois Park and Recreation Association (SIPRA) established and funded an educational grant/scholarship program designed to assist individuals who wish to further their educational endeavors. In October of 2008 SIPRA established the “Otto Rice Memorial” scholarship honoring a fellow park and recreation professional that died unexpectedly leaving a legacy of professional commitment to the Community Public Park and Recreation Profession. In the last several years, SIPRA has lost two more intricate members of their community. George Whitehead and Mark Badasch have been added to the memorial scholarship program.
Annually hereafter, once the money has been earmarked and set aside, and whenever enough qualified applications have been received, scholarships of a minimum $500 each shall be awarded to high school seniors, undergraduate students, graduate students, or trade school students who are enrolling or enrolled in post-secondary education.
Payment of the awards will be made in late spring of 2024.
Annually hereafter, once the money has been earmarked and set aside, and whenever enough qualified applications have been received, scholarships of a minimum $500 each shall be awarded to high school seniors, undergraduate students, graduate students, or trade school students who are enrolling or enrolled in post-secondary education.
Payment of the awards will be made in late spring of 2024.
Eligibility
Student scholarship applicant must:
- Have been employed by a park and recreation agency or park district in the 618-area code in the last year.
- Must either be a high school senior enrolling in a postsecondary educational program (college, university, trade school), or a current undergraduate or graduate student.
- Have a minimum overall 2.5 out of a 4.0 grade point average for all courses of study.
Award Criteria
Applicants will be judged on academic achievement, related professional experiences, leadership, and demonstration of professional involvement.
Application Process
- Complete the application form using word processing or this online form.
- Sign and date the application.
- Applications must be postmarked/submitted by April 19th, 2024. Mailing address is below.
Student Scholarship Application
Southern Illinois Park and Recreation Association
C/O Patrick Christensen
308 E. 5th St.
O’Fallon, IL 62269
To receive a PDF copy or if you have any questions, please email: Patrick Christensen, SIPRA Scholarship Chair, at pchristensen@ofallon.org
Scholarship Application
CLICK HERE to view the SIPRA Student Scholarship Application.