Peer Learning Opportunity for Workforce Development

NRPA has an exciting new opportunity in the workforce development space! Park and recreation professionals in rural locations (populations fewer than 50,000) are invited to apply to the Workforce Development Community of Practice (CoP). This dynamic 12-month-long community of practice is a fantastic opportunity for technical support and peer learning toward workforce development. Park and recreation agencies provide unparalleled value when it comes to programming and workforce development due to their connection with their communities. While there are opportunities around workforce development programming, they are not evenly distributed across agencies. Currently, fewer rural park and recreation departments offer workforce development programs as compared to urban and suburban agencies. NRPA is working to support this area of need through this Workforce Development Community of Practice opportunity, with the goal of each participating agency providing workforce experiences for 100 rural youth.

Park and recreation agencies will connect and learn from peers, problem-solve challenges and receive assistance from cohort peers and industry experts. The CoP will guide a small cohort through community engagement and workforce development expansion journeys, while centering equity within strategies and approaches to ensure programming benefits a diverse network of rural youths. This opportunity is primarily targeting rural park and recreation agencies — agencies in locations where the population is fewer than 50,000 — that provide workforce development programming through their out-of-school (OST) services to youth (ages 14-21). Agencies will explore best practices, lessons learned and shared challenges around centering equity, shifting power structures and authentic relationship building, and marketing and promotion strategies for OST workforce programs. The first cohort will run from August 2024 – July 2025, and the second cohort will launch in early 2025, with details to be announced.

This workforce product was funded by a $2 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (grant #23A60YP00002-01-00). This funding provides 100% of the support for this NRPA Workforce Pathways for Youth Initiative. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

 

How to Apply

Click here to apply for Cohort 1 of the Workforce Development Community of Practice.
Click here for more information about the program or visit our FAQ page here.

Benefits at a Glance

# of Participants

10 park and recreation agencies

Dates

August 2024 – July 2025

 

Cost

Free for Park Agencies

Level

Beginning or Intermediate

Who Should Apply

Rural park and recreation agencies in the early stages of planning or implementing Workforce Development programming through OST programming

Benefit

Peer cohort learning, guided training through community engagement and workforce development expansion journeys

Value

Selected agencies will receive up to a $20,000 stipend for their participation. NRPA will offer 24 hours of technical assistance through group workshops and individual support, access to tools, resources and a strong peer network. 

What To Expect

  • 1 to 1 ½ hour long sessions hosted monthly for 12 months
  • 1:1 Technical Assistance session
  • Additional asynchronous trainings, professional development, peer-to-peer support and networking opportunities
  • $20,000 stipend to be used towards the agency's workforce development programming
  • Opportunities for national visibility through NRPA and partner publications

Key Topics Covered 

  • Programming planning
  • Securing funding
  • Recruitment of youth for programs
  • Inclusion of community voice
  • Available workforce pathways for youth
  • Partnership building
  • Data collection/Program evaluation

And more! Please note that agencies will have an opportunity to contribute potential topic ideas as part of their applications.

Opportunities to Join

NRPA will be hosting two cohorts; spaces will be limited in each cohort, and we welcome you to apply.

  • Cohort 1: Applications open on May 10, 2024 and closes July 17, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
    • Program runs from August 2024 through July 2025
  • Cohort 2: Applications launches in early 2025, with details to be announced.

Questions?

Register here for our live Informational Office Hours on May 16 at 2 p.m. EDT to ask questions directly to NRPA staff regarding this program or application process. Click here to register.

For more information or questions, please contact Barbara Kapustin.

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