The Mickey Corso Professional Leadership Grant

About the Grant

Presented annually at the WRPA Awards Banquet, during the WRPA Conference in May, this grant is awarded to professionals, Emerging Professionals, and students looking to continue their education in the field of recreation and parks. The grant can be used to pursue post-graduate trainings such as NRPA schools, graduate courses, or other courses and opportunities relating to recreation and park leadership.

Applications are now closed. Notifications for awardees will go out in late April 2025.

Mickey Corso (January 3, 1942–November 9, 1990) was WRPA President from 1989–1990.  As a tribute to Mickey and the professional leadership he provided in the field of parks and recreation, his family, friends, and co-workers have established the Mickey Corso Leadership grant.  Learn more about Mickey and his amazing contribution to WRPA!

If you would like to contribute to the Mickey Corso Professional Leadership grant and make a difference for recreation and park professionals and students you can donate online today.

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2024 Award Recipients

• Angie Rance, City of Shoreline
• Katie Kosanke, City of Spokane

2023 Award Recipients

• Elizabeth Lange, City of Oak Harbor

• Rachiah Whipple, City of Maple Valley

2022 Award Recipients

• Jessica Compton, Shore Metropolitan Park District
• Rachel Gilbert, Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services
• Sylvana Niehuser, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation

2021 Award Recipients

• Jeff Betz, Mountlake Terrace Recreation & Parks
• Austin Horner, Redmond Parks & Recreation

2020 Award Recipients

• Bophary "Bo" Du, City of Burien Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
• Chad Harvell, City of Tumwater Parks & Recreation
• Kelly McGinley Ashe, City of Cheney Parks & Recreation Department

View All Past Recipients

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