Mentorship Program

In 2014, the Academy underwent an effort to ensure it remains a vibrant, growing and relevant organization to the overall profession. At this time, a specific Mentoring Committee of the Academy was developed as one method to reach out to young professionals. 
The Mentoring Committee implements the Mentorship Program on an annual basis. The intent of the program is to pair seasoned professionals (Mentors) with young professionals, students and new directors (Mentees) to share experiences and to provide development opportunities. 

Since inception, the Academy and the Leadership Development Network have partnered with the Young Professionals Network to implement the Mentorship Program. The program has continued to grow each year with close to 100 pairing annually.

Mentor Resources

The AAPRA commits to promote, nourish, and embody an inclusive and equitable environment, strengthen our commitment to promote justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, combat systemic and structural racism, and promote a culture of equality for all, through our knowledge advancement, research, education, and scholarly efforts. 

Mentorship Webinar: It starts with “me”, but it’s all about YOU!  

Have you ever wanted to strengthen your professional development in our parks and recreation profession, but weren’t sure how to proceed? Consider joining the Mentorship Program sponsored by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) and National Recreation and Park Association’s Young Professionals Network (YPN). The Mentorship Program pairs young professionals, students, and new directors with Mentors who can provide a sounding board, advise, and feedback to help Mentees achieve their goals. The purpose of the program is to provide each Mentee with development opportunities through a relationship with an experienced professional. Still not sure?  Attend this recorded webinar to hear the experiences of emerging leaders, as well as professionals who served as mentors this past year. You’ll be glad you took the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and explore professional development, coaching, and support. Registration for the Mentorship Program is open now through Friday March 8, 2024.

What are the benefits of joining a Mentorship Program?

  • Unique and personal access with a prominent parks and recreation Mentor.
  • Explore work through interactions with Mentors in the parks and recreation career of their choice.
  • Gain an experienced practitioner’s perspective on career situations.
  • Identify and plan short-term and long-term development career plan with the assistance of a successful Mentor.
  • Heighten awareness of the career opportunities in the parks and recreation field.

Program Eligibility

  • Mentees:
    • Should be members of NRPA and/or their state association.
    • Must be willing to commit time to the Mentorship Program.
    • Must be employed (or actively seeking employment) or be a student in the parks and recreation field.
    • Should participate in their local or state parks and recreation association.
    • Must complete and submit the online Mentee Application.
  •  Mentors:
    • Should be members of AAPRA and/or NRPA.
    • Must be willing to commit time to the Mentorship Program.
    • Must have significant experience in the parks and recreation field.
    • Should participate in their local or state parks and recreation association.
    • Must complete and submit the online Mentor Application.

Timeline

  • The Mentorship Program begins each year in the spring and concludes with the fall NRPA Conference.
  • Participants should be prepared to commit at least one hour per month to the program.

For more information contact:
Sheila Canzian, Committee Chair
San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department (Ret)
Sheila@canzian.net