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Peg Connolly Scholarship


The American Therapeutic Recreation Association is excited to provide the opportunity for ATRA Student members to receive the Peg Connolly Scholarship. Named in honor of Dr. Peg Connolly, the first ATRA president and former Executive Director of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, this program provides 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.

Basic Information


This scholarship is available to undergraduate, graduate and PhD members of ATRA who are enrolled in a recreational therapy program during the conference year. You must be able to attend a mandatory training the day before the Annual Conference, pre-conference sessions as well as the ATRA Annual Conference in its entirety. Scholarships include conference registration, accommodations, and a meal stipend ($100). Students are responsible for transportation to/from the conference and are expected to arrange travel to remain at the Conference in its entirety. Should there be a lack of qualified applicants in any of the categories, scholarship priority will be given to undergraduate students. This scholarship is a “working scholarship”. Students assist in various aspects of implementing the conference such as room hosting, registration and monitoring social events. 



Important Dates


Applications are due May 15 by 11:59 PM. The application is a blended format combining online application and submitting additional documents electronically. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all components of the application are received in full by deadline.

 


Application Specifics


The following attachments can be sent to scholarships@atra-online.com


  1. One copy of your official electronic transcripts, to be attached in the application form.
  2. Two letters of recommendation speaking directly to your Peg Connolly Scholarship application, to be attached in the application form
  3. One from a Professor.
  4. One from a Supervisor (volunteer or paid experience in recreational therapy). 

 


Online application is below. Of note, personal & identifying information will be redacted from applications prior to committee review. 


  1. “Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being. Based upon ATRA’s definition of recreational therapy, describe and comment on areas you support, as well as the areas you would change and why. 
  2. Describe your philosophy that supports your belief and rationale for recreational therapy as a therapeutic discipline overall as well as within your intended setting/population. 
  3. Discuss how your work or volunteer experience has contributed to your professional goals in the field of recreational therapy.
  4. Describe a time when you were a leader and it did/did not go as planned. How did that experience help you grow as a leader and contribute to your professional development?
  5. Discuss how you feel this scholarship & conference attendance can help you develop personally and professionally.


EMAIL QUESTIONS TO SCHOLARSHIPS@ATRA-ONLINE.COM

 

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