MRPA Mentorship Program

The MRPA Mentorship Program is hosted by the Member Resource Network to help park and recreation students and professionals grow professionally in the field through meaningful connections. MRPA thanks the mentorship program committee members: John Elholm with the City of Crystal, Jason Hicks with the City of New Brighton, Jonathan Hicks with Minnesota State University, Mankato, and John W. Stutzman with the City of Columbia Heights, as well as the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation for their partnership.

2026 MRPA Mentorship Program

The MRPA Mentorship Program took applications for both mentors and mentees interested in being a part of a mentorship program. This program helps park and recreation professionals and students grow professionally in the field through meaningful connections.  

Mentorship Connection: Mid-January

Meet on Your Own: February, March and April

Celebration Luncheon: May 8 in Fridley

MRPA Mentorship Program History

The MRPA Mentorship Program began in 2021 with 20 mentor / mentee pairings.  For the past six years, it has been going strong.  Applications were reviewed and there were 20 mentor / mentee pairs in 2026, 23 pairs in 2025, and 21 pairs in 2024.  There were 26 mentor / mentee pairs in 2023 and 24 pairs for the program in 2022. 

The MRPA Mentorship Program was formed to help park and recreation students and professionals grow professionally in the field through meaningful connections. The program enables students and career professionals to be paired with an experienced or distinguished professional for an experience that will last a lifetime.