NAI South Central

    Awards and Scholarships

    Questions? Contact Jeanne Spencer naisouthcentral@gmail.com

    Freeman Tilden Scholarships: National Conference 2026

    The South Central Region of the National Association for Interpretation is excited to announce the opening of the Freeman Tilden Scholarship. This scholarship provides funding for registration and travel to attend the 2026 NAI National Conference in Oakland.

    The scholarship is open to students, professionals, and volunteers who have made meaningful contributions to interpretation in the region and would benefit from attending the conference.

    Eligibility requirements:

    • Applicants must have an active NAI membership and live in or attend school in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, or Texas
    • Applicants may receive only one regional scholarship per year
    • Up to two recipients will be selected annually

    Applications open May 15 and must be submitted by 11:59 PM on June 30.

    APPLY HERE FOR FREEMAN TILDEN SCHOLARSHIP

    Connie Elpers-Leger Student Scholarship for Regional Conference

    [ More info to be announced]

    The South Central region of the National Association for Interpretation is pleased to announce a scholarship opportunity for members of NAI who are college students—undergraduate and graduate—studying in the field of interpretation or related area of interest, such as biology, parks and recreation, wildlife management, outdoor education, history, museum studies, etc. 

    Purpose
    The goal of the Connie Elpers-Leger Scholarship is to support NAI student members who demonstrate academic and professional success. They have the potential to make an outstanding contribution to the field of Interpretation. Up to 3 scholarships will be awarded.

    • One scholarship for an undergraduate student 
    • One scholarship for a graduate student 
    • One scholarship for either an undergraduate or a graduate student

    Each winner must be able to attend the annual South Central Regional Conference and have an active NAI membership.

    The award amount will include conference registration and a travel stipend based on need.

    Deadline
    Applications must be submitted by Google Form or email to the scholarship chair.

    application currently closed

    Financial Aid Stipend to attend NAI South Central Workshop


    Thanks to the generous support of members of the South Central Region, financial assistance will be available to help offset registration fees for the 2027 Regional Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma!

    Deadline to Apply: TO BE ANNOUNCED

    Financial Aid Stipends will be open to all current NAI South Central members (not just students and volunteers, but also professionals, seasonal employees, and vendors) demonstrating need and service to the field of interpretation. These stipends will cover the 2027 South Central Region Conference. Members are eligible to apply once every twelve months. Thank you donors and members of the South Central Region for supporting this cause!

    Application available soon

    Professional Development Scholarships

    South Central Region is pleased to announce a scholarship program for professionals within the Region. These scholarships will be offered to professionals in the region on a quarterly basis to attend a training or pursue a certification. The recipient of each scholarship will be reimbursed after completion of the course or certification. One scholarship will be awarded each quarter.

    Yes, virtual trainings and certifications count!

    Deadlines are annually-

    • March 31st
    • June 30th
    • September 30th
    • December 31st
    apply here for professional development scholarship