By Chris Muller

The NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo is the one place where more than 2,500 students and colleagues from collegiate recreation gather with the express purpose of advancing the profession.

It is also the only time members from all NIRSA regions get to come face-to-face.

The 2015 NIRSA Annual Conference—which will be held at the Gaylord Texan, March 30 – April 2— will be an incredible opportunity for collegiate recreation professionals, but travel costs—no matter how great the return on investment—can pose a significant challenge for people trying to attend. The NIRSA Foundation knows this—and so it’s excited to announce the return of a partnership with NIRSA Foundation corporate partner andassociate member, Star Trac!

Now in its second year, the NIRSA Foundation Travel Assistance Stipend gives one professional member from each of NIRSA’s six regions the opportunity to attend the 2015 Annual Conference without having to shoulder the full cost of travel and lodging.

The Annual Conference provides members with valuable learning and networking opportunities.

It’s only logical that Star Trac has made a substantial commitment to supporting the work of collegiate recreation professionals since, alongside NIRSA, it holds the development of healthy people as a core value. John Brey, Star Trac’s Education Marketing Manager, says Star Trac knows “it’s important to invest in the future of fitness. Health and wellness habits are formed and solidified at the college and university level.”

When it comes to these travel assistance stipends, Star Trac is going above and beyond their partnership obligations with NIRSA.

“We didn’t want the dollars it takes to get to the Annual Conference, and the associated hotel costs, to become the reason why someone couldn’t get there,” John explains. “Star Trac felt that the education and networking opportunities that exist at the Annual Conference are extremely valuable to the development of the professional. We felt a desire to aid those people who couldn’t otherwise afford to make it.”

Star Trac is one of NIRSA’s diamond-level corporate partners.

Travel stipends will be awarded on a need basis with preference going to members who have not been able to attend the Annual Conference in the last two years. The stipend is specifically designed to cover the travel expenses—up to $1,000—associated with attending NIRSA 2015; it can be applied to airfare, mileage, and hotel costs.

Stipend information—including eligibility and submission guidelines, as well as the application form—can be found on the NIRSA website. So can information about other professional scholarships, and student scholarships.

The application deadline is Sunday, November 16. Applicants will be notified of whether they ‘ve been awarded a travel assistance stipend no later than early January, which is well in advance of the February 18 early bird registration deadline.

Submit an application today!