DNR field trip grants awarded to Southwestern IN schools

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Officials say students at 57 Indiana schools will experience the outdoors during the 2024-25 school year thanks in part to a grant program that supports field trips to Indiana State Parks and other state park-managed properties, and some of those are in Southwestern Indiana.

Indiana DNR (DNR) says the Discover the Outdoors Field Trip Grant Program is for all K-12 schools and is administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF), the supporting nonprofit of the DNR. The individual grant limit for this school year was doubled from the previous school year. Grants of up to $500 are now awarded to fund transportation costs, program fees and classroom supplies related to the field trips. These donations have also allowed the program to more than double the total dollars distributed. The program is expected to distribute $24,966 this year, the largest amount in its existence. An estimated 4,809 K-12 students will benefit.

“We appreciate the generosity of those who contribute to Indiana’s youth,” INRF director Jody Kress said. “We hope to see this program grow so we can educate more students across the state about our natural and cultural legacy.”

Officials say the receiving schools and where they will visit are:

• Vanderburgh County
  • Corpus Christi – Evansville – Harmonie
• Posey County
  • Marrs Elementary – Mount Vernon – Harmonie
  • St. Philip Catholic School – Mount Vernon – Harmonie
  • West Elementary – Mount Vernon – Harmonie
• Perry County
  • William Tell Elementary School – Tell City – Lincoln

Officials say to donate to the field trip program, people can visit this website .

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