In 2014, the Academy underwent a focus on “youngification”, partially in an effort to ensure the Academy was a vibrant, growing and relevant organization to the overall profession. At the conclusion of the NRPA Charlotte Congress, a specific Mentoring Committee of the Academy was developed as one method to reach out to young professionals.
Over the last five years the Academy and the Leadership Development Network have partnered with the Young Professional Network to implement a Mentorship program. The intent of the program was to pair professionals with a member of the Young Professionals Network (Mentee) to share experiences and to provide development opportunities to the young Professionals. This program began a few years ago. It has continued to grow with last year more than 40 Mentors/Mentee pairs participating in the program.