Readin’, Writin’ and Recreation

August 1, 2014, Department, by Marissa Bracamonte

As we get closer to the 2014 Congress, we take a closer look at how our members value educational opportunities and what it takes to pull off so many great sessions and classes each year.With NRPA’s 2014 Congress rapidly approaching, we wanted to take a closer look at the realm of education in our field, and how Congress contributes to the knowledge base of up-and-coming park and recreation professionals. Below, find information on what’s affecting the future of professional training, postsecondary education, and what it takes to prepare for the huge influx of individuals looking to expand their skills at NRPA Congress.

10,633.75: Number of hours NRPA members spent in classrooms at the Houston Convention Center for NRPA’s 2013 Congress to earn a total of 850.7 CEU credits.

469: Number of speakers presenting at the 2014 Congress.

493: Number of education session proposals received during the 2014 call for proposals. 

209: Number of education sessions selected to be included in Charlotte for NRPA’s 2014 Congress.

7,007: Number of chairs that will be needed in the Charlotte Convention Center to accommodate this year’s Congress attendees.

203: Number of U.S. colleges that offer parks, recreation and leisure studies as a major.

80: Number of college-level academic programs that are currently accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions.

34: Number of U.S. states represented at NRPA’s 2013 Directors School.

41: Percentage increase in the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in parks, recreation, leisure and fitness studies between the 2005–2006 and 2010–2011 school years.

11: Average number of hours of weekly study for students working on a degree in parks, recreation and leisure studies.

345,400: Number of trained professionals in the recreation field.

38,993: Number of bachelor’s degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions in the field of parks, recreation and leisure studies during the 2011–2012 school year.

Data collected from The Washington Post, the College Board, the National Center for Education Statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tom Crosley, NRPA’s Education Manager for Conferences and Schools, and Danielle Price, NRPA’s Accreditation Manager.