National Park Foundation Awards $4.7 Million for Youth Education Programs

The National Park Foundation (NPF) has awarded $4.7 million through its signature Open OutDoors for Kids program to support educational initiatives for students. The funding will facilitate field trips, classroom engagements, and virtual learning opportunities in and around more than 90 national parks during the 2026-27 school year.

This allocation marks the 15th season of the program, which has historically provided hands-on educational experiences for millions of students. The current funding round will support 83 grantees, aiming to foster a connection with nature and national parks from a young age.

NPF's Open OutDoors for Kids program is designed to build on children's curiosity by enabling national parks and their partners to create and expand educational offerings. By engaging students with these natural and historical sites, the foundation seeks to cultivate an appreciation for the outdoors and inspire future park stewards.

Funded projects include initiatives such as the Denali Education Center's virtual and in-classroom programming, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park's curriculum development, and Pacific Historic Parks' immersive bus tour at Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Other supported projects will focus on educational experiences at the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area.