iLearn

iLearn is a student-centered development program in which teams of undergraduate students work together to complete a project on a topic related to parks, recreation, and conservation.

Team Entry Form

About the Program

Compete. Learn. Grow.

Teams will share their presentation as part of a virtual competition with other educational institutions, and all projects will be judged by leading industry practitioners in Illinois.

The winning team will have the opportunity to present their project at the annual IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago, Illinois.

View iLearn Prompt

2023 iLearn Presentation — University of Illinois

How It Works

Program Timeline

Register Your Team

Form a team of undergraduate students and complete the Team Entry Form before the deadline. Teams have the full fall semester to work on their challenge.

Work the Challenge

From September through November, research and develop a comprehensive project proposal tackling a real parks and recreation challenge in Illinois.

Present & Win

Present virtually to industry judges in December. The winning team earns the chance to present at the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference.

2023 iLearn Challenge & FAQs

The 2023 iLearn competition challenges undergraduate student teams to develop a sustainability project proposal for Oak Brook Park District's Sustainability Committee. Objectives are as follows:

Project Objectives

Develop sustainable initiatives to incorporate into 3 existing Oak Brook Park District events.
Introduce 2–4 NEW community outreach programs, projects, and/or initiatives to the Oak Brook community.
Plan pollinator gardens at 3 Oak Brook Park District locations.

Timeline

Teams will have three months (September – November) to complete their projects before meeting with judges to discuss the proposal. The winning team will be announced in December. The winning team receives the opportunity to attend and present at the 2024 Soaring to New Heights Conference, January 25–27, 2024.

Registration Deadline: Team Entry Form must be completed by Friday, September 8, 2023.
Complete the Team Entry Form →

Benefits of iLearn Participation

1 Cooperative working experience with a focus on teamwork, research, and public speaking.

2 Mentorship from current parks and recreation industry professionals.

3 Exposure to potential internships, job opportunities, and networking with current practitioners.

4 Opportunity for scholarship to attend and present at the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference.

Contact

For questions about iLearn, please contact:

iLearn Chair Deanna Angelini-Johnann — djohann@gurneeparkdistrict.com
Conor Cahill — ccahill@rmparks.org
Kayla Lindgren — kayla.lindgren@pdop.org
Juan Carlos Acevedo — jacevedo@wheelingparkdistrict.com