PAR offers scholarships each year to direct care staff to upgrade their professional skills in the area of Developmental Disabilities. The money can be used to attend ODMRDD registration/certification courses, college courses or for professional growth seminars.

These scholarships are made available in memory of Mary Mihelcic-Jones, a longstanding PAR member, in memory of Anitra B. Sacks, a compassionate and loyal person working in the field of MRDD, and in memory of Jeff Bowman, a loyal advocate of persons with disabilities.

• Applicant must be a current PAR member in good standing.

• The application must be fully completed.

• A letter of endorsement must accompany the application from your supervisor.

• The final determination of recipients will be based on the recommendations of the PAR Scholarship Committee.

• Eligible courses must reflect your effort to upgrade your professional skills in the area of Developmental Disabilities.

• A maximum of $200 will be awarded to each recipient.

• Reimbursement will occur only after proof of fee payment and proof of successful course completion is submitted.

• Recipients will be announced at the Annual Dinner at the PAR Convention in October.

• All recipients must request reimbursement prior to June 30, 2008.

• The deadline for applications must be received in the PAR office by September 1, 2007. Absolutely no application received after the deadline will be considered for an award.