National Association for Interpretation
National Scholarship Programs Proposal
Motion: To approve the modifications and additions to the National Scholarship Programs in concept
with final details to be approved at the March National Board of Directors Meeting
It is proposed that the Association expand its national scholarship programs to beyond the
undergraduate and graduate scholarship. Below are the proposed concepts seeking approval with the
details to be reviewed and approved at the March 2015 National Board Meeting in Ohio. Special thanks
to Margo Carlock and the National Office staff, Pepe Chavez and the members of the Scholarship
working group for their ideas and input.
Background
For over 25 years the Association has successfully offered the National Student Scholarship program as
part of their membership services offerings. This scholarship program has proven to be one of the most
successful membership benefits offered by the Association. Nearly 150 undergraduate and graduate
students from Universities across the United States and Canada have been awarded an estimated
$225,000 to attend the National Conference. The long term benefits of the scholarship while not easy
to measure is demonstrated by the fact that many of those who have received the award have gone on
to leadership positions within NAI as well as agencies across the continent. The academic research
supported conducted by the graduate students awarded the scholarship has contributed greatly to the
foundational knowledge of the field of interpretation.
Funding for this program has been through the proceeds of the Scholarship Auction at the National
Conference. Since the inception of NAI (and prior with AIN and WIA) auction proceeds have been
devoted entirely to the national student scholarship program. For many years it was scholarship
program run by an appointed committee of the Board of Directors. Around 2007 the College and
University Academics Section was authorized to manage the annual selection process and have
successfully done so ever since.
At the February meeting of the NAI National Board of Directors meeting in Puerto Rico, it was decided in
principle that the scholarship offerings of the Association should be broadened to include some
programs for new professionals and needing financial assistance to attend. A working group was
formed to brainstorm ideas and to discuss some of the funding strategies and operational details. At
this February board meeting it was decided that the 100 % of proceeds from the 2014 Denver auction
would be devoted to the National Student Scholarship program, but that at the 2015 Virginia Beach
auction the proceeds would go to fund the student scholarship as well as professional scholarships. The
proceeds from the 25 for 25 campaign would be folded into the new scholarship programs as well.
Continues on Page 2
Proposals for Revisions to the National Scholarship Program
That the NAI National Undergraduate and Graduate Student Scholarship program remain a flagship
program for the Association with the selection process being managed by the College and University
Academics Section. It’s a successful program, provides a great service and opportunity for the
members, showcases some amazing student leaders and the CUA section has managed it well within its
core mission. Why rock the boat if it is working? Some revised modification to awardee expectations is
anticipated and will be presented at the March 2016 National Board Meeting. Funding for the
Scholarship will still be the annual auction, but other dedicated sources will be developed in
collaboration with the Development Committee.
NEW That NAI establish an Emerging Interpretive Leadership Program that will be targeted for
professionals that are have less than 3 years of professional work experience. This program be a
competitive application process that will focus on providing leadership training and mentoring on a year
round basis. Included in the program will be offerings of webinars, outreach to regional workshops,
discounts on training and conference attendance, etc. It is recommended that the application and
selection process be a responsibility of the Leadership Development Advisory Committee in close
collaboration and partnership with the National Office staff. The VP-Programs is recommended to be
the board liason to this new program. Funding for the Emerging Interpretive Leadership Program will
come from annual auction, but other dedicated sources will be developed in collaboration with the
Development Committee.
NEW That NAI establish an Interpretive Professional Scholarship Fund that will provide financial
assistance to professionals of all ranks and experience to attend or participate in trainings, certifications,
webinars and conference sponsored by the National Association for Interpretation. This program will
be managed by the National Office Staff in collaboration with the VP-Administration, the Treasurer and
the Advisory Council representatives to the National Board of Directors. Funding for the Scholarship
Fund will come from annual auction, but other dedicated sources will be developed in collaboration with
the Development Committee
Funding Mechanism
Funding for all these Scholarship programs will come from the national conference auction, dedicated
major gift campaigns, sponsorships and named gifts. Close collaboration with the NAI Development
Committee will be a critical element to long term success of all these programs. It is recommended that
to ensure financial support for all three programs for Fiscal Year 2016 that the proceeds from the 2015
auction be split along these lines. 75% of the proceeds go to underwrite the National Student
Scholarships and 25% of the proceeds go to underwrite the Emerging Interpretive Leadership Program
and the Interpretive Professional Scholarship Fund. Furthermore the proceeds from the $25 for 25
conducted in 2014/2015 would be blended with the 25% to provide solid base of funding for the first
year of operation for these two new programs. This formula split can be revisited and modified in the
future with the approval of the Board of Directors
Recommendation of program details will be coming to the National Board of Directors meeting in
March for approval. Launching of both new initiatives will be in 2016. The input from the
Development Committee, National Leadership Advisory Committee, national office staff and the
Advisory Council will be critical and essential.