Herlocker-Ward Scholarship Fund Application

Gene Herlocker - Gary A. Ward Professional Development Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Application
The Oregon Recreation and Park Association (ORPA) offers its members competitively-awarded grants to attend classes, seminars, courses, conferences, and other educational events that further members' professional development.

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

Members may apply for educational grants of up to $500 from this fund for any professional development training, registration fees, and/or travel expenses.

Priority may be given to requests that support member attendance at the following:
- ORPA Annual Conference
- ORPA workshops and webinars
- NRPA Congress
- NRPA National Legislative Forum
- NRPA Directors' School
- Other national trainings/conferences
- Professional certificate training
This scholarship cannot be used for the following programs:
- ORPA Leadership Academy
ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be current members in good standing of ORPA. Applicants cannot have received any amount of the Herlocker-Ward Scholarship within the last two years.

The scholarship funds are specific to the individual to whom they are granted and are not transferable.

APPLICATION PROCESS

ORPA accepts applications for scholarships twice a year, once in January/February and again June/July. Applications seeking funding for the ORPA Annual Conference will only be accepted in June/July.

Next application window due date: June 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM (PT)

Following the application due date, representatives on the ORPA Board of Directors will review all applications received and evaluate based on demonstrated need and relevance of training to applicant's professional development needs. The board may reach out to applicants for more information if necessary.

Applicants will receive a decision no later than four-weeks following the application due date.

Questions can be directed to:

Amanda Parsons

ORPA Executive Director

503.534.5673

aparsons@orpa.org
Applicant Information

Information of the recipient of the award
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Job Title
Agency/Organization
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Describe your past and/or current involvement with ORPA, including years of membership, how you have served ORPA, and what you have achieved as part of your service with ORPA.
Professional Development Information

Tell us about the program you want to attend
Name of training
Example: ORPA Annual Conference
Date of Training
Example: November 6-8, 2023
Describe the training that you plan to attend and what you will learn in the course.
We welcome agendas, outline of content, or a link to the program website if available.
Why do you want or need to attend this training?
What do you hope to learn, or be able to do, as a result of your attendance in this training?
How is attending this training relevant to your professional development and your career goals?
How will attendance at this training enhance your agency/employer and the parks and recreation field?
Funding Request

Specify the amount requested and how this money will be used.
Amount Requesting (up to $500)
Enter exact number, not a range.
How will these funds be used?
Describe whether this covers registration fees, travel, etc.
Will your employer cover any or all of the cost of your registration and travel?
If you answered 'Yes' above, list the amount your employer will cover:
If you will be covering any or all of the cost of your registration and travel without reimbursement from another source, please list your out-of-pocket costs.
Example: the cost of lodging to ORPA Conference not covered by your employer.
List any other information you would like the review team to consider about your application.
Do you have approval from your supervisor to apply for this scholarship and, if awarded, to participate in the associated program or activity?
Are you submitting this application on behalf of yourself?
Please provide your Name, Email Address, and relationship to the applicant.
Should be Empty:

Gene Herlocker - Gary A. Ward Professional Development Scholarship Fund

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

ELIGIBILITY

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicant Information

Professional Development Information

Funding Request