WILS Chi Chapter Scholarship Process

PURPOSE OF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Women in Leisure Services (WILS) Chi Chapter Scholarship Program was established in 2022 to support professional development opportunities for members of the Chi Chapter. This program provides support and recognition to women for their personal and professional enrichment.

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING

The main sources of funding for scholarships will be surplus funds from WILS Chi Chapter scholarship raffle fundraisers offered at chapter events along with solicitation of other donations. The total amount of funding for scholarships will be determined annually by the WILS Chi Chapter Board during the budgeting process based on available funds raised in the prior year. Funding levels for individual scholarships, up to a maximum of $500 per scholarship award, may vary depending on the cost of the desired professional development opportunity, the number of individuals applying and availability of scholarship funding.

ELIGIBILITY

The application process is open to members of the WILS Chi Chapter who are seeking professional development through a local, regional or national professional development school, workshop, conference or certification preparatory course related to their job responsibilities in the overall field of parks and recreation. Fees for certification exams, memberships, lodging and transportation are not eligible.

APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA

• The applicant must be an active member in good standing of WILS Chi Chapter.
• Current Chi Chapter Board Members are not eligible for scholarships.
• All applications must be submitted using the method listed at www.chiwils.com.
• Applicants will receive an e‐mail confirmation upon receipt of all materials.
• Applications will be scored based on the merits of each applicant including how they differentiate themself from other applicants.
• All appropriate documents must be submitted including a completed application form, current resume and two letters of recommendation – one from the applicant’s supervisor and one from a fellow member of the WILS Chi Chapter.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applications are scored and reviewed by a Scholarship Committee led by the Chi Chapter Past President and at least two other members of Chi Chapter.
• Communication to each applicant, both awarded and denied, is made by the WILS Chi Chapter Past President on behalf of the WILS Chi Chapter Board.
• Scholarships can be awarded for up to $500 per person.
• Applicants can receive no more than one scholarship per calendar year and no more than two scholarships overall.
• Scholarship recipient names and general information are publicized via the Chi Chapter website and at Chi Chapter events. Scholarship amounts are not shared publicly.

APPLICATION TIMEFRAMES

POST SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS

The following information must be submitted within thirty days of the educational opportunity. Once all materials have been received and verified, reimbursement will be paid via check.

• Proof of attendance which can include a photo of the attendee at the conference itself or a copy of the recipient’s conference/workshop identification badge.
• A receipt showing payment for the educational opportunity.
• A Scholarship Report of 150-250 words summarizing the educational experience and explaining how the recipient expects to benefit from the opportunity.
• Following receipt and approval of this documentation, a check will be issued to the scholarship recipient for the approved funding amount.
• It is also requested that scholarship recipients volunteer to help with at least one WILS Chi Chapter event in the calendar year following their scholarship award.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

2025
Conference Scholarships (January 2025)
Alexis Ruhl - Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
Trisha Seng - Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association
Janae Winston - Fox Valley Special Recreation Association

LeadHERship Scholarships (April 2025)
Rebecca Goldberg - Skokie Park District
Katherine Robinson - Skokie Park District
Maggie Woznick - Wildwood Park District

2024
Haley Carr - Skokie Park District
Sydney Csoka - Northwest Special Recreation Association
Ashley Martinez - Glencoe Park District

2023
Ashley Martinez - Glencoe Park District
Shannon Stevens - Glencoe Park District
Marybeth Stone - Northbrook Park District