Leadership Academy Application

The APRA Leadership Academy is designed for experienced parks & recreation professionals who are ready to expand their leadership impact and prepare for the next stage of their career. This is not an entry-level or foundational supervisory training program.

Ideal candidate:

  • Established parks and recreation professional with demonstrated leadership experience (5+ years experience)
  • Currently serving in a supervisory or management role
  • Ready to strengthen skills in strategic leadership and organizational decision-making
  • Interested in preparing for future executive leadership roles within parks and recreation
  • Willing to learn from peers, challenge current approaches, and contribute to the cohort
  • Committed to applying what they’ve learned to strengthen both their organization and the parks & recreation profession

Minimum Requirements:

  • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the parks and recreation field
  • Currently serving in a supervisory or management role
  • Commitment to attending all academy sessions and actively participating
  • Letter of support from organization leadership
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Applicant Information

Minimum Requirements

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5+

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To the best of your knowledge, are you able to attend all of the required sessions in Chandler, AZ? 

  • January 13, 2027
  • February 3, 2027
  • March 10, 2027
  • April 7, 2027
  • May 10, 2027 (Mock interviews to be held this week and scheduled in advance)

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Application Questions
Responses in this section are limited to 1500 characters. It is recommended to copy your responses into a word document to preserve any answers in the event your submission times out while responding.

Briefly describe your current role and leadership responsibilities. What experiences have prepared you for the next stage of your career?

What are your professional goals over the next 5-10 years?

Why are you interested in participating in the APRA Leadership Academy, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?

How do you anticipate applying what you learn through the APRA Leadership Academy within your organization and the parks and recreation profession?

All applicants must be able to submit a letter of support from their department Assistant Director and/or the department Director. 

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I acknowledge that the Leadership Academy fee is $1,199 for APRA members and $1,499 for non-members.

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I understand that completing this application does not guarantee acceptance into the APRA Leadership Academy. If accepted, I plan to complete registration when notified. 

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