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NART Future Scholars Application

Empowering the Next Generation of RT Scholars: The NART Future Scholars Program

Application Deadline: 11:59 pm (EDT), May 22, 2026

NART Future Scholars Award

INSTRUCTIONS: Click on the box and type in the requested information. All items must be completed.

Cover Letter

Attach a cover letter describing:

  • Major areas of interest in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy or related field;

  • Future academic and career plans;

  • Reasons you intend to pursue a doctoral degree;

  • Areas of research you might pursue within a doctoral program; and 

  • How you will benefit from participating in the Future Scholars Program.

Resume

Current resume/curriculum vita including your educational and occupational experiences.

Concurrent Award Applications

Do you plan to apply for an ATRA-award or other scholarship awards to help fund your trip to the ATRA Conference?

Scholarly Focus & Clinical Interests

CURRENT AND PAST COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY ENROLLMENT*

CURRENT ACADEMIC STATUS (check one)
I am currently enrolled in a master’s degree program
I completed a master’s degree

Please provide a transcript documenting your most recently completed degree program. If you are currently enrolled in a master’s degree program, please provide both your undergraduate transcript and a transcript that shows your progress to date in your current program.

CREDENTIALING INFORMATION/ELIGIBILITY FOR CREDENTIAL

-OR-

ATRA MEMBERSHIP

Letter of Support

One letter of support from an individual who can speak to your academic strengths and potential for doctoral studies and as a therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy faculty member. 


If the person writing the letter of support prefers to submit it directly, they can do so on the website under this application.

Applicant Declaration & Acknowledgment

I hereby apply to the NART Future Scholars Program. I am interested in pursuing a doctorate in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy or a related field of study within the next two years. If selected as a Future Scholar, I will attend THIS YEAR’S ATRA Annual Conference and participate in a series of activities and programs designed to help me learn more about the field and opportunities for doctoral studies.  I understand that funds related to this award MUST be spent on expenses related to attendance of the ATRA Annual Conference.  

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NART Future Scholars Application
LETTER OF SUPPORT

The National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART) deeply values the insight provided by mentors and supervisors. Your letter of support is a cornerstone of the selection process, helping the committee identify individuals with the academic rigor and professional drive to succeed in doctoral studies and future faculty roles.

Thank you for writing a letter of support for the Future Scholars Program sponsored by the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART) and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). Selection criteria include: academic ability (based on transcript and letter of support); indications of scholarly potential in the field (based on publications, presentations, research experience, applicant’s cover letter, and/or letter of support); strength of intention to pursue doctoral studies in a therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy or a related subject (based on applicant’s cover letter and  letter of support); and general level of professionalism (based on format and depth of application materials, presentation of written materials, and professional involvement).


Your letter of support is extremely important in helping us select from among the many qualified applications we receive. We are particularly interested in your perception of the applicant’s academic abilities relative to other therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy professionals or students with whom you have worked; their scholarly interests and potential for doctoral studies; and the strength of their intention to pursue doctoral studies in therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy or a closely related field and pursue a faculty position in therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy.


The applicant’s materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm (EDT) on May 22nd to be considered in this year’s review process. If you are comfortable giving your letter directly to the applicant, please do so prior to that date so it can be included in their application packet. The applicant must submit all other materials in one document.


If you prefer to submit your letter directly, please save it in either .docx or .pdf format and upload it here.

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