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Area of Work

Youth Engagement & Education

Encouraging the new generation of park stewards

Our national parks are America’s largest classroom, providing our children with eye-opening and hands-on learning experiences. By supporting the National Park Foundation, you’re helping the next generation engage with the places that have connected us to nature and with our history.

A group of students and park ranger gather and raise a hand
Field Trips Open New Doors to Urban Parks
PT Lathrop has a big goal: serve 20,000 students in one year.
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From an early age, national parks play a huge role in our personal growth. They connect us to nature and our nation’s history in incredible ways. The National Park Foundation's (NPF) Youth Engagement & Education programs help us ensure the parks have just as big of an impact on the next generation. With curriculums and experiences that bring to life what they learn in the classroom, these programs give kids the chance to connect with the world in new ways. To understand our country’s history more deeply. And to make memories that will last a lifetime.

In the distance, a group of kids walk along a beach

By the Numbers

  • 2
    Million Kids
    Since 2011, more than 2 million kids have been connected to our national parks through the Open OutDoors for Kids program.
  • 84
    Park Sites
    In 2022, our Open OutDoors for Kids program supported 84 unique educational programs in in-person, hybrid, and virtual environments.

Programs

Premier Partner

  • Union Pacific Railroad

    As the largest private sponsor of Open OutDoors for Kids, Union Pacific Railroad is proud to encourage young adventurers to explore America’s national parks.

    Learn More
Additional program support provided by American Airlines, Chick-fil-A, Columbia Sportswear Company, General Motors, Humana, and Sierra.

Updates

Related Stories

A group of students gather to listen to a park ranger
Field Trips Open New Doors for Urban Parks
A team of seasonal education rangers at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is using NPF funding to scale their field trip program to 20,000 students in just one year.
All Youth Engagement & Education Stories