Lincoln University students completing a range of degree programmes have received Department of Conservation(DOC) Parks and Recreations Scholarships this year.
Department of Tourism, Sport and Society, co-head Associate Professor Stephen Espiner said the $5000 scholarships supported the development of knowledge and skills needed by graduates seeking careers in the parks and recreation sector, and will make a direct contribution to addressing the sector’s workforce capacity challenges.
Associate Professor Espiner said the scholarships had been offered since 2018. Generously funded by DOC, they build on Lincoln’s history and standing in parks, recreation and tourism teaching and research.
The 2020 recipients are Bachelor of Sport & Recreation Management student Justin Russell, Bachelor of Science (Conservation Ecology) students Milli Stewart and Ruby Ogden, Bachelor of Environmental Management student Alice Docking, and Therese Williams, who is undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)
Each student is also completing an additional major in Parks and Outdoor Recreation, a multidisciplinary programme bringing together areas of social and environmental science.
It equips graduates for public and private sector roles in parks and reserves management, nature-based tourism, visitor services and recreation policy or planning, Associate Professor Espiner said.
The scholarships are given based on several criteria, including an aspiration to work in conservation, parks or outdoor recreation, as well as academic merit and evidence of active participation in conservation, outdoor recreation or related fields.
