National Park Foundation Invests $4.7 Million in Student Education

The initiative aims to lower barriers to entry, such as transportation costs, while fostering a long-term connection between youth and America’s public lands. By partnering with the National Park Service, the foundation creates curriculum-aligned experiences that range from glacial history lessons on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to immersive World War II history tours at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Mike Reynolds, the foundation’s chief program officer, noted that these programs often serve as a student’s first introduction to the country's most significant natural and historic sites. The 2026-27 cohort includes diverse projects, such as the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, which will integrate environmental stewardship with local civil rights history through a new outdoor learning space. These efforts build upon a 15-year legacy of philanthropic support from donors and corporate partners, ensuring that national parks remain accessible classrooms for the next generation.