Future Scholars Program

The purpose of the Future Scholars Program is to provide master’s degree students who are interested (in the next few years) in pursuing a doctorate in an area related to recreation and leisure studies the opportunity to meet some of the outstanding researchers and scholars in the field. Selected applicants will attend The Academy of Leisure Sciences Annual Conference on Research and Teaching as guests of the TALS. The Future Scholars will receive $100 to cover registration and other expenses. Future Scholars are expected to register for The Academy of Leisure Sciences Annual Conference on Research and Teaching at the student rate.         

The 2021 conference will be virtual, February 4-19 (https://web.cvent.com/event/d8bb9f75-6222-424c-a86b-0e92cd78fbd0/summary). During the conference, Future Scholars will be paired with a mentor and have an opportunity to interact with scholars in the field. In addition, Future Scholars will attend meetings hosted by The Academy of Leisure Sciences and are encouraged to attend sessions. This will be an excellent opportunity for Future Scholars to ask questions about the field and inquire about doctoral program opportunities.

This application packet includes:

  • Eligibility criteria
  • Selection criteria
  • Application instructions
  • An application form
  • A note for faculty sponsors

Please download 2021 TALS Future Scholar application package HERE. 

Applications should be submitted to Dr. Sonja Wilhelm Stanis (SonjaWS@missouri.edu) as an email attachment in .PDF format) by midnight January 11, 2021.

Best wishes and thank you for your interest in the Future Scholars program!

 

Quotes from Past Award Winners

"Attending the NRPA conference gave me a real sense of the dynamism and energy of the people in our field, which was inspirational. I loved the opportunity to learn about different choices of PhD programs all in one place. Thank you for your confidence in my potential." -- Former Future Scholar

"I didn’t know what to expect but it turned out to be one of the most significant turning points in my professional career. I met so many leaders in our field. The experience was a turning point professionally." -- Dana Kivel, Former Chair of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration at California State University, Sacramento and Board

Invest to the Future Scholars Program

Please invest here.