Applications for two 2026 National Conference on the Value of Play award opportunities are now open! All potential conference attendees can apply for a scholarship, and the service award allows for nominations of others or self-nomination.
- 2026 Conference Sponsor Scholarship – A limited number of scholarships that support attendee conference registration are available. These scholarships are funded annually as sponsorship funds allow. See “Conference Scholarships” on the US Play Coalition website.
- Stephanie P. Garst Distinguished Service Award – The annual Stephanie P. Garst Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual who exemplifies continued and significant contributions to the play movement over years of service and who continue to champion the power and importance of play in our society. Award comes with a complimentary conference registration, lodging support, and travel honorarium. The Garst Award nomination form can be accessed here.
Both applications are due by 11:59 PT on January 31, 2026.
The applications for the 2026 Fran P. Mainella Scholarship and Joe L. Frost Award for Distinguished Research, facilitated by Clemson University’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, will open soon. Stay tuned! Applications for the Conference Sponsor Scholarship, facilitated by Indiana University, will also be shared with our colleagues at Clemson for their consideration.