Leadership Development |
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The mParks Foundation is dedicated to advancing the careers of mParks members and strengthening the parks and recreation profession. Through leadership development initiatives, the Foundation provides meaningful opportunities for education, professional growth, and career advancement.
Whether you are an emerging student or a seasoned professional, the Foundation encourages individuals to pursue scholarships and funding opportunities to support their continued learning and leadership journey.
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Opportunities for Growth
The mParks Foundation supports leadership development through a variety of educational and professional opportunities, including:
Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Conference Scholarships
Providing financial support for college students to attend the mParks Conference & Trade Show, where they can gain industry insight, build connections, and explore career pathways in parks and recreation.
Professional Development Funding
Supporting professionals currently working in the field with access to courses, training, and continuing education opportunities that enhance skills, expand knowledge, and foster leadership growth.
By investing in both students and professionals, the mParks Foundation is helping to cultivate a strong, innovative, and inclusive parks and recreation workforce.
We encourage mParks members at all stages of their careers to explore available funding opportunities and apply for scholarships as needed to support their professional goals.
Providing financial support for college students to attend the mParks Conference & Trade Show, where they can gain industry insight, build connections, and explore career pathways in parks and recreation.
Professional Development Funding
Supporting professionals currently working in the field with access to courses, training, and continuing education opportunities that enhance skills, expand knowledge, and foster leadership growth.
By investing in both students and professionals, the mParks Foundation is helping to cultivate a strong, innovative, and inclusive parks and recreation workforce.
We encourage mParks members at all stages of their careers to explore available funding opportunities and apply for scholarships as needed to support their professional goals.
Ernest W. Burkeen, Jr. Next Generation Scholarship
The Ernest W. Burkeen, Jr. Next Generation Scholarship honors a leader who believed deeply in the promise of young professionals and the power of Parks and Recreation to shape thriving communities
This scholarship invests in Michigan students pursuing Parks and Recreation or related degree programs. Ernest’s career spanned decades of service and leadership - from Michigan to Florida to Maryland - where he mentored countless professionals and championed excellence in the field. Many credit his belief in their potential as the foundation of their success.
This scholarship invests in Michigan students pursuing Parks and Recreation or related degree programs. Ernest’s career spanned decades of service and leadership - from Michigan to Florida to Maryland - where he mentored countless professionals and championed excellence in the field. Many credit his belief in their potential as the foundation of their success.
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Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded for use beginning Fall 2026.
This scholarship supports students who demonstrate:
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Ernest W. Burkeen Jr
1948-2018 |
If you are ready to carry forward a legacy built on passion, progress, and doing what is right, we encourage you to apply.
Scholarship Stipend Payment: The full amount of $2,500 will be paid directly to the college or university by the week of August 3, 2026.
Questions: Contact Ron Olson, mParks Foundation Ernest Burkeen Scholarship Task Force Chair
- Application Deadline: Monday, May 25, 2026
- Applicants will be notified by the week of July 13, 2026
Scholarship Stipend Payment: The full amount of $2,500 will be paid directly to the college or university by the week of August 3, 2026.
Questions: Contact Ron Olson, mParks Foundation Ernest Burkeen Scholarship Task Force Chair
