WRPA Mentorship Program

Engaging Professional Development Opportunities for Students

Graphic of two hands reaching for one another

The WPRA Parks & Recreation Emerging Professionals (PREP) Committee is dedicated to providing engaging professional development opportunities for students and young professionals who are looking to further gain insight into the exciting field of parks and recreation. One way we achieve this is through our mentoring program. This program pairs distinguished professionals (our mentors) with a student or young professionals (our mentees) who can benefit from having a networking relationship with a current professional in the industry. If you’re interested in participating in this unique mentoring program for our 2022 campaign please fill out the simple form below no later than March 25th, 2022. We highly encourage individuals participating in this program to attend the WRPA's annual conference. This year we will be celebrating together in person for our 75th annual event from April 13–15, 2022 in Bellevue, WA.

This program is intended to be a year-long commitment. We encourage meeting once a month for approximately 1 hr. The benefits of participating in this program for both parties are plentiful. Several include; the mentee has an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skillset by gaining valuable advice from a professional with first-hand experiences. The mentor is provided an opportunity to give back to the profession as well as further develop their personal leadership skills.

Be sure to check back next year and contact [email protected] if you have questions.

Commitment & Details

This program is intended to be a year-long commitment. We encourage matched mentors and mentees to meet once a month for approximately one hour. The benefits of participating in this program for both parties are plentiful. Several include; the mentee has an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skillset by gaining valuable advice from a professional with first-hand experiences. The mentor is provided an opportunity to give back to the profession as well as further develop their personal leadership skills.

The Benefits of Mentorship

Encouraging and engaging the next generation of professionals

Sharing history and knowledge to help keep new parks and rec teams informed

Learning the latest trends and issues facing the industry

Building new friendships