Impactful Year of Outdoor Education Ahead

More than 5,000 students from across the state will have the chance to swap classroom walls for tree canopies, winding trails, and hands-on learning at an Indiana State Park during the 2025-26 school year thanks to the generous support of the Discover the Outdoors field trip grant program.

Offered in partnership with Indiana State Parks, Discover the Outdoors is available for all K-12 schools in Indiana. Grants of up to $500 are awarded to fund transportation costs, fees, and classroom supplies, helping to remove financial barriers that may limit outdoor education opportunities.

After sending what was then a program-record 4,800 students on field trips last year, continued support from our donors and partners has allowed the program to continue to grow. Recent gifts, such as a $10,000 donation from STAR Financial Bank, boosted the program to yet another record number of trips and students impacted.

2025-26 By the Numbers

5,623 students impacted

63 participating schools

$27,691 expected to be distributed

From exploring diverse habitat at Indiana Dunes State Park to learning about ancient fossils at Falls of the Ohio State Park, each trip will provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about Indiana’s natural resources, conservation, and cultural history.

The excitement and smiles are always abundant on Discover the Outdoors trips. While the full sense of the energy surrounding these trips may only be evident in person, our impact stories provide a glimpse into the importance and value in getting kids outdoors.

Recently, at Spring Mill State Park, high school students spent a day exploring the waterways and caves. Farther south, at Lincoln State Park, a large group of third graders had interactive experiences with Indiana’s rich history. To the north, a home school group spent a day exploring the prairie habitat of Prophetstown State Park. While the content of each trip may be unique, each one is made possible by our generous donors and partners.

We’re eager for the next school year to begin so that thousands of Hoosier students get the chance to explore Indiana’s natural areas and we can share even more of these stories with you. To help us inspire the next generation of conservationists and natural resources stewards, consider donating today.