Skip to content
ProConnect - Illinois Park and Recreation Association
  IPRA Mentorship

ProConnect

The IPRA ProConnect Mentorship Program is an award-winning program designed to create an innovative partnership between three people based on commitment, common goals, and mutual trust.

Applications Update: Applications are no longer being accepted for ProConnect 2026.
Mentorship Program

Why participate in ProConnect?

Mentoring is a give-and-receive process with the goal of providing a rich and rewarding group experience for early-career, mid-career, and advanced or retired professionals. Participants from all specialties within parks and recreation, conservation, and forest preserve industries are encouraged to apply. If you are thinking about career advancement, supporting others in their growth, strengthening your network, or getting more from your current role, this is a strong opportunity to build a support network that helps you achieve those goals.

ProConnect mentorship illustration
“ The best part of the ProConnect program for me was networking and making meaningful connections that I normally would not have the opportunity to make. ”
“ I wish I had participated in ProConnect when I started my park district career. The guidance would have served as a roadmap to help me achieve my aspirations. ”
“ The networking with not just my triad but other groups was fantastic. We toured each other's facilities and learned from one another. ”

Mentor vs. Mentee

Mentee

As a Mentee, you are paired with experienced professionals who guide and support your growth. Through intentional conversations, goal-setting, and shared experiences, you gain practical strategies and personalized advice to thrive.

Mentor

As a Mentor, you make a lasting impact by sharing your expertise and lessons learned. You help mentees build skills, navigate challenges, and develop a strong foundation for long-term success.

How do I apply?

Applicants should be prepared to provide a 150-word biography and spend 10-15 minutes answering questions about work history and pairing preferences. Use the official ProConnect page for current mentor and mentee application status.

View ProConnect Page Member Login

Program Schedule

The program consists of five official meet-up events, each with a different purpose for building triad relationships and networking with other groups. Events are typically 2-2.5 hours and fall between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. CST.

  • Event 1 (Mentor / Mentee Training): Wednesday, February 18, 2026
  • Event 2: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
  • Event 3: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
  • Event 4: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
  • Event 5 (Commencement): Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Contact

For questions, contact '26 ProConnect Chair Mark Dolphin at mdolphin@palatineparks.org or IPRA Education Director Duane Smith at duane@ilipra.org.

Award-Winning Program

In 2015, IPRA's ProConnect Mentorship Program was awarded the ASAE Power of A Silver Award. This award recognizes the extraordinary contributions associations make through industry advancement, diversity and inclusion, advocacy, and community support.

Scroll To Top