As part of our commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals, the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) offers free membership to students and faculty in parks, recreation, sports management, conservation, and related fields. (Faculty and students not currently employed full-time by a park, recreation, or conservation agency are eligible.)
For students, membership means more than just joining a professional organization - it’s a gateway to a network of over 3,000 professionals throughout Illinois and career-building opportunities including:
- Free or discounted registration to select events, including the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Annual Conference [1]
- Networking and volunteer opportunities with professionals (future employers!)
- Eligibility for scholarships through the Illinois Park & Recreation Foundation [2]
Please share this opportunity with your students. They can explore benefits and join here [3], and faculty may join by emailing vince@ilipra.org [4]. To make it even easier to spread the word, we’ve created printable posters [5] you can display in your offices and classrooms.
If you have any questions, please let me know!
Heather Weishaar
Communications & Membership Director
Illinois Park & Recreation Association
708-588-2280
