Future Leaders Scholarship Program

SPRA is committed to supporting the next generation of recreation and parks leaders and are focused on growing diversity, perspective, and contributions in the industry. 

Our SPRA Future Leaders Scholarship will support a diverse group of talented Saskatchewan youth to thrive academically and professionally. We believe everyone has a right to education, and we are committed to providing those experiencing barriers to education the opportunity to apply for scholarship funding to advance their education/training in the fields of recreation and parks. 

Concept & Intent

1.    To provide post-secondary funding for youth (ages 18 – 30) experiencing barriers to educational attainment.
2.    To support the training of youth as professionals that will advance parks and recreation priorities in Saskatchewan 
3.    To ensure the recreation industry remains a relevant and attractive employment option 
4.    Highlight the successes of a diverse group of future parks and recreation leaders. 

Scholarship Amount

Up to $3,000 per approved application.

Deadline

The application period closes March 31, 2023, at 5 p.m.

Submissions

Can be emailed to Kristin Bialobzyski – Inclusion and Access Consultant at scholarship@spra.sk.ca, with a subject line of 2023 SPRA Future Leaders Scholarship Application. 

Submission Requirements

1. Submit a complete Application Form
2. Submit interview questions
3. Submit proof of enrollment
4. Recent photograph(s) (encouraged, but not required)

Note: By submitting this application form, applicants agree to provide SPRA approval to use content of successful submissions, in whole or in part, on SPRA communication platforms. 

Eligibility

Submissions will only be considered if the following criteria are met. The applicant must be:

• A resident of Saskatchewan. 
• Between the ages of 18 and 30 as of March 31, 2023.
• Enrolled in full-time or part-time post-secondary studies through a recognized or registered Canadian educational institution in 2023, with a program focus on any of the following: recreation, community development, active living, tourism, horticulture, or recreation facility management.
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Have a current Social Insurance Number (SIN).

SPRA will prioritize the application of youth who experience barriers to education or employment. These include, but are not limited to, those who self-identify as:

• Black 
• Indigenous
• Person of colour
• LGBTQ2S+
• Women
• Person living with a disability (visible or invisible) 
• Living in a low-income household
• Living with family care responsibilities
• Living with low levels of literacy and/or numeracy 
• Residing in a rural or remote geographical location

• A protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

Selection of Recipients

Following the deadline, a committee will review and consider all submitted applications. Approved applicants will be notified of their success by April 30, 2023.

Note: The successful applicants will be requested and required to provide their Social Insurance Number for taxation purposes. 

Questions

If you have any questions or concerns, contact:

Kristin Bialobzyski
Inclusion and Access Consultant
scholarship@spra.sk.ca
1-800-563-2555.