Department of Recreation Administration
Explore Scholarships
The Department of Recreation Administration has a variety of scholarship opportunities for students who achieve success in the major academically and in service to the community and university. Each type of opportunity is explained below.
California Foundation for Parks and Recreation (CPRS)
The California Foundation for Parks and Recreation Scholarship Committee annually awards scholarships to junior, senior and graduate level students majoring in recreation, parks and leisure studies throughout California.
Application opens August 26, 2024
Deadline to apply is November 21, 2024
More information and application here.
California Parks and Recreation Society District VII Scholarships
District VII of the California Parks and Recreation Society awards two scholarships each spring. These are just for CSUF students in the Department of Recreation Administration. The "Outstanding Student Scholarship" requires a minimum of 3.5 GPA plus a record of community and/or university service. The "Community Service Scholarship" requires a minimum GPA of 2.5, plus a significant record of community and university service.
Cynthia Goddard Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship honors the memory of Cynthia Goddard, an exceptional student and service minded individual who died from cancer two years after her graduation from CSUF. Applications are accepted throughout the year until April, through the CSUF Scholarship Office. This scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 plus a record of outstanding community service.
Gwen Pendleton Hansen Bulldog Scholarship in Therapeutic Recreation
We are proud of all our students who have been recipients of these awards!
Martha Judge Scholarship Award
The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) will be offering financial scholarships to students and current professionals who might not otherwise be able to attend the Annual ATRA Conference. Applications are due May 1 by 11:59 PM. Scholarships up to $500 will be awarded to help cover the costs associated with attending the ATRA Annual Conference. Recipients are responsible for transportation to/from the conference and are expected to arrange travel to remain at the Conference in its entirety. This scholarship is a “working scholarship” where recipients will assist in various aspects of implementing the conference such as room hosting, registration and monitoring social events.
- Scholarship recipients MUST be current ATRA members.
- Scholarships will be awarded based on availability of funds from donations and will vary each year.
More information and application here.
Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship
Since 1995, SHAPE America has awarded scholarships to outstanding undergraduate and graduate student members majoring in the field of health, physical education, recreation or dance. The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, developed by the past presidents of SHAPE America to honor deserving students, is awarded to three undergraduate students and two graduate students in January of each year. All scholarships are presented at the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo held in the spring.
Undergraduate awards are $1,250 each and graduate awards are $1,750 each. Recipients also receive a complimentary three-year SHAPE America membership. Application deadline is October 15th. More information and application here.
Previous Scholarship Winners
Gwen Pendleton Hansen Bulldog Scholarship 2018-2019
Lucia Montiano
Gwen Pendleton Hansen Bulldog Scholarship 2021-2022
Vanessa Perry
Gwen Pendleton Hansen Bulldog Scholarship 2019-2020
Roxanne Espino
Gwen Pendleton Hansen Bulldog Scholarship 2022-2023
Patricia Bedolla
Gwen Pendleton Hansen Bulldog Scholarship 2020-2021
Aidan Badua