How to Apply

Information for Applicants

Who Should Attend

Whether you work in recreation, parks, operations, or planning, you play an important role in the success of our industry. Leadership Academy is perfect for those who are committed to parks and recreation and seek to grow professionally.

Who Makes a Great Candidate

Served five or more years in parks and recreation
Seeks to advance in the profession
Member of ORPA and interested in participating in the association
Can commit to at least eight months of participation in the program

Tuition

The cost to participate in the Leadership Academy is a flat rate fee for the 8-month program. This includes the educational courses, mentorship, and support through the capstone project. There is no application fee.

$1,200 / per participant
Tuition is due July 10, 2026.

Follow the link below for application questions. For a complete submission, please attach the following items to your application:

A current resume
Letter of recommendation
Download the Supervisor Approval Letter and have your direct supervisor sign

Apply Today!

Participants of the ORPA Leadership Academy Must Agree to the Following:

Community Agreements

In order to create a safe and supportive environment for all park and recreation professionals, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee has developed the following Community Agreements. Those participating in any ORPA event or meeting must adhere to these agreements. • RESPECT - Listen for understanding and be respectful of each other and the views of others. • ACCOUNTABILITY - Accept responsibility for your words and actions. Be aware of and responsible for the power and privilege you may hold. • ONGOING LEARNING - Engage with materials and new information with curiosity and an open mind. Recognize that everyone is at different points in their learning and give room for others to learn without judgement. • SPEAK YOUR TRUTH - Say what you know to be true for you and your experience and not someone else's experience. • CONFIDENTIALITY - Personal information shared in workshops or meetings should not be shared outside the session. Lessons go. Stories stay. • SAFER SPACE - Recognize vulnerabilities of others in meetings, workshops, or other gatherings. Allow yourself and others to make mistakes and learn from them. • WAIT (Why am I talking?) - Be conscious of why you are (or are not) sharing. Be willing to share airtime with others in the group. • EXPECT AND ACCEPT NON-CLOSURE - Not every question or dilemma can be resolved in one session or meeting.

Commitment of Participation

By submitting an application, you agree to the following statements: • I can commit to an eight-month program and the work therein as I have no plans to leave my current agency or the parks and recreation industry. • I have the support of my manager and team to spend time in the Leadership Academy.

Code of Conduct

The Leadership Academy is a prestigious program designed to foster professional growth, leadership skills, and industry excellence. To ensure a meaningful experience for all participants and uphold the integrity of the program, the following Code of Conduct applies to all students: 1. Commitment to the Program • Attendance Requirement: Participants are required to attend at least 80% of the scheduled sessions. Absences must be pre-approved by program facilitators except in cases of emergency. • Completion of Assignments: All assigned work, including pre-session readings, projects, and reflections, must be completed on time to maintain active participation in the program. 2. Supervisor Support • Continued Approval: Enrollment and participation in the Leadership Academy are contingent upon the ongoing support of the participant’s direct supervisor. Student change in job position, manager, or agency may require a new supervisor approval letter to be submitted to ORPA. Any withdrawal of supervisor support may result in removal from the program. 3. Program Fees and Refunds • Refund Policy: Participants removed from the cohort due to non-compliance with this Code of Conduct, loss of supervisor support, or voluntary withdrawal are not guaranteed a refund of program fees. Refunds may be issued subject to review of the task force. Refunds will not be considered if requested less than 30-days of the Kick-Off. 4. Professional and Personal Conduct • Respectful Communication: Participants are expected to engage in respectful and constructive discussions, both in and out of program activities. • Representation of Employer: Participants must refrain from disparaging their current or past employers, supervisors, or colleagues during program discussions. Sharing challenges should be framed constructively and professionally, focusing on solutions and personal growth. This guidance does not supersede any additional professional guidelines issued by a participant’s agency. • Confidentiality: Sensitive information shared by cohort members during the program must remain confidential to foster a safe and supportive environment.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in removal from the Leadership Academy. Decisions regarding removal will be made at the discretion of the Leadership Academy Task Force in consultation with relevant stakeholders. This Leadership Academy Code of Conduct does not supersede or negate the ORPA Code of Conduct, Community Agreements, or other policies. By applying for and/or participating in the Leadership Academy, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the Leadership Academy Code of Conduct. • I am capable of meeting the demands of this program and do not foresee a barrier within my control.