Local Schools to Benefit from Field Trip Grant Program

The program administered by the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, sends schools to Indiana State Parks.

INDIANAPOLIS – Students at 44 Indiana K-12 schools will experience the outdoors this academic year thanks in part to a grant program that supports field trips to Indiana State Park properties.

The Discover the Outdoors Field Trip Grant Program is available for all K-12 schools. It is administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF), the supporting nonprofit of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Grants of up to $250 per school fund transportation costs, program fees, and classroom supplies related to preparation or follow-up for the field trips.

Local schools that will benefit from the program this fall include:

• Batesville Intermediate School, Versailles State Park
• Ohio County Elementary School (Two Classes), Clifty Falls State Park
• Brookville Homeschool Corp, Brookville Lake (Mounds State Recreation Area)

An estimated 3,432 students will benefit from the program this school year.

Since the program’s inception in 2013, it has awarded 220 grants worth more than $56,500 in overall funding, providing the opportunity for approximately 20,400 students to visit state park properties at less cost to the school and students.

“Through these grants and the support of our partners, Hoosier students across the state will gain hands-on experiences in Indiana State Parks,” said Jody Kress, INRF executive director. “We hope to see this program continue to grow so we can educate more students about our natural and cultural legacy.”

To donate to the INRF, visit IndianaNRF.org. Indiana has 24 state parks, eight reservoirs, two state forest recreation areas, and two off-road state recreation areas eligible for field trip funding.