2011 Peg Connolly Scholarship for Students

Heather Sedletzeck CTRS, DT sent me an email about the 2011 Peg Connolly Scholarship program for students.

I'd like to suggest that any student in a Therapeutic Recreation/ Rec. Therapy degree program should apply for this scholarship.

I'm pleased to say that I had won this scholarship in 2004! Basically, the winner gets to go to the annual American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) conference for FREE. Well, they get to assist with the training sessions for Recreational Therapists such as: observing the training sessions and making sure people get counted for attending these sessions.

But the BIG/ HUGE benefits for a student is getting to meet Rec. Therapists from nearly every state in American and others from Canada and many other places. Who knows -- you may meet a future employer. Plus, the training sessions are valuable.

I love attending the ATRA conference. The first one I attened was in 2004 in Kansas City when I had won the Peg Connolly Scholarship. Since then I've attended two mid-year ATRA conferences in D.C. and the annual in Minneapolis a while back.

Here is the main information you need to know to apply for this scholarship:

Deadline March 25, 2011

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association is excited to provide
the opportunity for students within the field of therapeutic recreation
to receive the Peg Connolly Scholarship. Named in honor of
Dr. Peg Connolly, the first President
of The American Therapeutic Recreation Association,
this program provides a tremendous experience for students.

Here are the Program Basics:

What? Eight stipends are available to attend ATRA’s Annual Conference, including conference registration, lodging accommodations and meal stipend ($100). Students are responsible for their transportation to/from the conference. This scholarship is a “working scholarship”. Students assist in various aspects of implementing the conference such as room hosting, registration and monitoring social events.

Who? This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who will be enrolled in a therapeutic recreation program during the conference year.

Where? The 2011 Annual Conference will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

When? You must be able to attend a mandatory training on September 17, 2011 as well as the ATRA Annual Conference from September 18 - 21, 2011.

Why? This program has tremendous personal and professional benefits and rewards. Not only do students gain professional knowledge from sessions, students have the opportunity to network with professionals from around the country. ATRA believes the future of our field depends on the continuing growth of students. Today, many former scholarship recipients prove this belief by serving vital roles within our profession.

How? Follow the steps indicated on the scholarship application by the established deadline. ATRA wishes to reward students who demonstrate exceptional competence in the field of therapeutic recreation on the basis of their academic achievement, personal and professional philosophy, leadership skills and other occupational achievements. All application materials must be submitted electronically. Transcripts may be mailed. Due to the competitiveness of this scholarship, students will only be eligible to receive this award one time during their academic pursuits