URPA firmly believes that their student members represent the future of the profession. URPA has given scholarship awards to deserving students majoring in a park, recreation, tourism, or leisure studies curriculum since the 1970's. Presently the association distributes $10,000 annually to five major university programs. Awards are given to both undergraduate and graduate students based upon academic achievement, active participation within the association, and financial need. Recipients of these scholarship awards are formally recognized at URPA's annual statewide conference. The scholarship funds are placed in an account at the university in the student's name to be used solely for their education.