Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 "Pottsie" Leadership Development Scholarship, which honors the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration's former Executive Director, John C. Potts.

This scholarship is intended to support young professionals who have demonstrated leadership and management potential within their organizations.

The scholarship is intended to support new directors (3 years or less as a director) or superintendents or assistant/deputy directors and mid-level managers who desire to be agency directors. Applicants should have demonstrated leadership and management potential within their organizations toward their goal of being an effective director, but do not have the financial resources to apply to the Directors School.

Scholarship funds cover tuition, lodging, and up to $500 in travel expenses for two (2) first-year students at the NRPA Directors School at the Hyatt lodge in Oak Brook, Illinois. The two-year Directors School program is designed to prepare new and potential directors for the challenges of leading and managing effectively. 

NRPA Directors School

The NRPA Directors School is an exclusive two-year professional development opportunity that prepares new and potential park and recreation directors to be effective leaders. Students who complete the program will leave with the knowledge and confidence to face emerging challenges, improve operations and maximize positive impact on their communities.

Beginning in 2018, Directors School features an updated curriculum and a new location, at the beautiful Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, Illinois. These changes ensure that students receive the best possible education and experience.

About NRPA Directors School

About AAPRA

How to Apply

To apply for the John C. Potts scholarship, applicants must email the following as one PDF file in the order listed no later than March 25, 2020 to [email protected]:

1. Application form
2. Letter of nomination from a Directors School graduate or an AAPRA member
3. Letter from your organization's director (or your supervisor if you are the director) that states the organizations does not have the financial resources to send you to the 2020 Directors School but if you receive this scholarship your organizations will financially support you to attend year 2 of this school
4. Resume (not to exceed three pages)
5. Essay describing how attending the NRPA Directors School will help you achieve your professional development goals (12 point Arial font, not to exceed 500 words)

Download the flyer below for more details and a copy of the application.

Download