Programs

The Externship Program enables outstanding young professionals 35 years of age and younger in the parks and recreation field to interact with and learn from members of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, and other individuals who attend the NRPA Congress and its associated meetings. Up to four Externs are selected each year, of which two are Ernest T. Atwell diversity externships. Selected externs each receive 1) reimbursement for the NRPA Congress registration; 2) up to $750 in reimbursement for conference expenses and travel; and 3) a ticket for the Academy’s Annual Banquet. More....

The Legends Program consists of videotaped interviews of distinguished administrators and educators who have made outstanding contributions to the field of Parks and Recreation. The interviews record their personal background, professional insights, advice and philosophical beliefs. Each Legends interview is approximately 30-45 minutes in length. Beginning in 2014, the program was revised slightly to condense the interviews to 15 minutes. More....

In 2014, the Academy established a Mentoring Committee as one method to reach out to young professionals. 2014-2015 President Bill Scalzo has set the goal of the Mentoring Committee to have 50% participation by Academy members. Due to the success of NRPA's Admin/YPN Mentor program, discussion took place about being able to leverage the resources of this program with the Academy to further develop this, which has the potential to increase the access of the program to more professionals in the Parks and Recreation profession. More....

The Academy launched the Journal of Park and Recreation Administration (JPRA) in 1983 to further its goal of enhancing the practice of park administration by producing scholarly papers and conducting research. The Journal of Park and Recreation Administration has long provided a forum for management and organizational analysis of the delivery of park, recreation, and leisure services. More....