KRPA Young Professionals

The Young Professionals Committee is committed to helping new professionals in the Parks and Recreation Field with continuing education and networking opportunities though special events, university visits and the annual student summit. Our goal is also to help current students at Kansas Universities obtain quality internships and jobs by providing valuable education focusing on the steps needed to obtain their first job in the Parks and Recreation industry through university visits and the Student Summit at the KRPA Conference.

KRPA Conference and Student Summit

The Student Summit will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the KRPA Conference. During the summit, current students in Recreation and Parks are invited to participate sessions that help prepare them for careers in the field. The 2024 Student Summit saw close to 40 students from local universities, who had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions.  Those sessions included icebreakers, roundtable discussions with professionals in the field, discussions on how to gain experience and where to look for job opportunities. 

Social and Events

Throughout the year multiple socials and networking events with the YP committee, other recreation professionals, and students across the state are offered. These events are great opportunities outside of the KRPA conference to not only network with recreation professionals, but also discuss topics that pertain to the field. We invite anyone in the field of Parks and Recreation to join us as well as any students who are interested in and or studying the field of recreation. If you have an idea for discussion, activity, or place to visit for a social please contact our chair and let us know!

University Visits

Part of the commitment of Young Professionals is to be the official liaison between KRPA and the future leaders of our field.  The Young Professionals committee visits universities in Kansas as guest speakers.  Topics include tips on creating resumes, finding internships, how to gain experience in the field, applying for jobs, and describe and invite students to attend the KRPA Conference Student Summit.

To learn more about YP Socials, Events, CEUs, University Visits, and the Student Summit, please contact committee Chair, Jason Wilkinson, jpwilkinson@gardnerkansas.gov.