Scholarships & Professional Development

Supporting the professional growth of our members is a top priority for the Sierra Pacific Region. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and successful regional fundraising, we are pleased to offer the following financial support opportunities for 2026.

Note on Membership: You do not need to be an NAI member to apply for these funds. However, if selected, you must become an active NAI member before receiving your scholarship or grant reimbursement. Please see NAI’s website for details on NAI’s membership categories and on the various certification courses.

1. NAI National Conference in Oakland, CA – Creating Community Rooted in Interpretation

Date: November 10–13, 2026 

Application Deadline: October 1, 2026

How to Apply: Complete and submit the NAI Sierra Pacific Scholarship Application for National & Community Workshops. 

We are offering several scholarships for students and emerging professionals to attend the National Conference. This is a premier opportunity to expand your network and learn from nationally recognized leaders in the field.

This program is made possible by a generous donation from our sponsor, iZone, regional fundraising, and a special contribution from long-time interpreter Phil Sexton, who shares: “I have had an amazing career for over 35 years… working in the interpretive profession. There have been many things connected with NAI and its membership that have been instrumental in giving me the capability of doing this.”

If you are inspired by Phil’s generosity and would like to contribute to the future of our profession, we welcome your donations. Your support directly helps Sierra Pacific members access vital professional development opportunities. Please contact our Treasurer, Martha Arlette Cerda, at mcerda@ebparks.org to donate.

2. 2026 Sierra Pacific Virtual Workshop – Cultivating Interpretive Knowledge

Date: May 1, 2026 

Application Deadline: April 28, 2026

How to Apply: Complete and submit the NAI Sierra Pacific Scholarship Application for National & Community Workshops. 

Scholarships for this virtual event range from $10 to $30, depending on your NAI Membership level. To help inspire others, scholarship recipients are required to submit a short article or a brief video about their workshop experience within one month of the event. This content will be featured in our region’s newsletter and on our social media channels.

3. NAI Professional Certification Grants

Timeline: Rolling Applications (year-round)

Details: Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis depending on fund availability.

How to Apply: Contact Treasurer Martha Arlette Cerda at mcerda@ebparks.org for the Certification Grant Application form.

To support the growth and development of our members as interpreters and change-makers, the Sierra Pacific Region is pleased to offer professional grants of up to $350 for members pursuing certification through any of NAI’s certification courses (CIG, CIH, CIT, CIM, CHI, CIP). Please visit NAI’s site for information on the various certification courses.