2024 NRPA Directors School 

Please note that as of September 15, 2023, Year 1 is officially sold out! Any Year 1 applicants after 9/15 will be waitlisted. Scholarship applications for both years will be open through October 31, 2023.

Thank you for your interest in Directors School! The NRPA Directors School is an exclusive two-year professional development opportunity that prepares new and potential park and recreation directors to be effective leaders. Students who complete the program will leave with the knowledge and confidence to navigate emerging challenges, improve operations, and maximize positive impact on their communities. 

Directors School 2024 will run from Sunday, March 3 through Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Renaissance Denver Central Park Hotel, located at 3801 Quebec Street, Denver CO 800207.

Who should attend?
Current park and recreation directors, assistant/deputy directors, or other mid-level managers working towards a park and recreation director position. The content covered in the program is designed specifically to address the needs of professionals who either became a director within the past two years or anticipate becoming a director within the next two years.  

How to Apply
Applications for Directors School are rolling and first-come, first serve. Students will be notified of their acceptance status via email approximately 1-2 weeks after submitting their application. Scholarship award decisions will be made in late fall 2023.

Directors School 2024 Total Cost (including deposit): $3,200

• Rolling applications open: August 2023. Students to pay a non-refundable deposit upon acceptance to confirm intention to attend. 
• Deadline to complete application and be eligible for a scholarship: October 31, 2023 
• Attendees notified of scholarship awards: November 17, 2023
• Deadline for attendees to accept scholarships: December 8, 2023
• Payment confirmation period begins (attendee submits payment and/or confirms intent to pay): January 2024
• Payment receipt deadline: January 31, 2024. If final payment is not received by January 31, 2024, your place in Directors School may be forfeit. 
• School dates: March 3-7, 2024

Applications will be accepted until the school is full, but applicants after October 31 will not be considered for a scholarship. 

APPLY TODAY!