Park and recreation departments are top providers of first-time employment opportunities
Nearly all U.S. adults agree it is important for youth and young adults to have access to employment opportunities, according to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) poll. Park and recreation departments are leading providers of first-time employment opportunities for youth and young adults that help individuals:
- Build confidence
- Gain valuable work experience
- Explore career possibilities
People across many generations — especially older generations — say that employment opportunities for youth and young adults are essential. Eighty-five percent of baby boomers, 86 percent of Gen Xers, 79 percent of millennials and 85 percent of parents say these opportunities are extremely or very important.
“Youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds greatly benefit from the career opportunities afforded by local park and recreation departments,” said Angelou Ezeilo, founder and CEO of Greening Youth Foundation and NRPA board member. “Not only do those individuals benefit, but also departments that engage youth and young adults, especially those from under-represented groups, benefit by cultivating a stronger and more diverse generation of park and recreation leaders.”
A recent survey by NRPA — the report for which will be released in mid-March — finds that one in three park and recreation agencies currently offer a workforce development or career exploration program, and that the top goal of these programs is to develop future park and recreation leaders.
To view the interactive charts with the survey results, click here.
To view the full-size infographic, click here.
To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.
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About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.