• Nominating post-secondary institutions must be Affiliate Members of BCRPA.
• Institutions will nominate their top student in the program, based on the criteria. (Nominations packages must be submitted by the school's department representative - 1 nomination per department)
• Student nominees must be graduating from a recreation or parks degree or diploma program at a BC university or college, and be convocating in 2026.
• Nominees who have been chosen to receive the award must be current BCRPA Student Members at the time the award is granted at BCRPA's Awards Ceremony.

All BC post-secondary educational institution with a current BCRPA Affiliate membership are eligible to nominate one (1) student per graduating year the recreation or parks related academic program they offer, and the student must be currently enrolled in the final year of the program. Students who have completed their studies in Fall of 2025 and convocating in 2026, are also eligible for nomination.

Nominating institutions will promote the award opportunity to eligible students, conduct an internal selection process based upon the selection criteria, and submit no more than one (1) nomination per program.

Nomination packages must be submitted to BCRPA by the department representative. View "Submission Requirements" below for details.

Student nominations will be evaluated on the following broad criteria. The nominated student:

1. Exhibits excellence in a recreation or parks program of study as demonstrated in academics, practicum performance and evaluation feedback, class participation, team work, and other criteria deemed important to the program;
2. Demonstrates commitment and leadership (academic and in the community) to the recreation and parks field;
3. Is actively engaged in recreation (as volunteer and participant- include any past or current aquatics experience: ie: swim team, coaching, lifeguarding, etc.,) and shows promise of future impact on the sector;
4. Is in the final year of the program;
5. Is chosen by the program leadership as the graduating student who is most representative of the scholarship nomination criteria.

Completed nominations packages must include:

1. Nominee’s resume (maximum 1-2 page), demonstrating capabilities as well as work experience and any current/past involvement in recreation (including aquatics), and or parks;
2. Cover letter by the student that cites how the nominee successfully meets each of the four nomination criteria;
3. A well-crafted written work of up to 500 words (two pages) summarizing:
   1. How the knowledge, skills, and abilities learned in the program contribute to the student’s understanding of and leadership within the recreation and parks field; and
   2. How the student models these qualities. The essay should highlight critical thinking and understanding of the field, and convey what excites the student about the field.
4. One (1) letter of reference from an instructor or program leader supporting the nomination, which references their and the institution’s observations on how the student meets the nomination criteria. 
5. Photos of the nominee, including a current digital headshot photo, as well as 3 to 5 additional photos that showcase how recreation and parks have been a part of their life, at any age.

• In the event that the Nominee receives a student scholarship, these photos will be used in recognition material, including the BCRPA Award Ceremony presentation, website, social media, and other digital print material.

Please email all documents to Kelly Kieu by email, with the subject line: 2026 Nomination for BCRPA Student Scholarship.

• January through February 26th, 2026 - Call for nominations
• 11:59 pm, Februrary 26th, 2026 - Submission deadline
• By March 29th, 2026 - Selection of successful recipients
• April 28 - May 1, 2026 - BCRPA Symposium: Healthier, Together in Vancouver
• April 30, 2026 - Awards presentation during Symposium. Scholarship Recipients announced and posted on BCRPA's website

Nominations received will be evaluated and ranked by a BCRPA committee based on the selection criteria. BCRPA will inform the nominating institution and the successful student awardee of the selection outcomes. Decisions are at the discretion of BCRPA.

Up to three (3) DB Perks and Associates Graduating Student Scholarships Awards are available for 2026.