 Dacia & Steve Jones Founders of Expeditions in Education
Our Mission and Passion
We know that outdoor experiences help students increase their understanding of natural and human communities which leads to a sense of place. Students can develop stronger environmental attitudes and have a deeper understanding of civic issues. We provide outdoor learning experiences that support educators so they can raise the next generation of responsible citizens who care about each other and the Earth. With STEAM in the PARK, we know that learning outside the classroom can help teachers create enthusiasm for learning, provide a real-world context and expose students to a range of STEM careers. Our goal is to integrate outdoor learning via the National Parks with Real World Problems utilizing tools such as the UN Global Goals. We are the premiere organization that allows for educators to gather in National Parks and solve UN Global Goals that National Parks face. Our Why Since 2019, Expeditions in Education has impacted over 3.8 million students globally, emphasizing our dedication to nurturing the problem-solving abilities of young individuals. Our commitment lies in providing daily opportunities for students to apply their skills, aiming to cultivate a generation of critical thinkers and effective problem-solvers. Our distinctive approach blends outdoor learning experiences with rigorous STEM content, utilizing the natural and historical significance of National Parks. This connection between classroom learning and real-world challenges helps students recognize the practical implications of their studies in the broader context. The flagship program, STEAM in the PARK, showcases our dedication not only to student learning but also to empowering educators. By creating professional learning communities within National Parks, we offer educators a space to connect, collaborate, and develop innovative educational content that bridges the gap between traditional classrooms and the outdoors. To date, we have hosted over 1000 educators in our summer camps in 21 national park sites. STEAM in the PARK creates enriching, inclusive experiences that foster a deep connection with nature and inspire lifelong learning. Through hands-on activities integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), participants engage in immersive learning that sparks curiosity and a love for discovery. Our programs ensure everyone feels valued and included, promoting diversity and accessibility. We emphasize storytelling, encouraging participants to document their experiences and create lasting memories. By focusing on the UN Global Goals and environmental stewardship, we empower educators and students to address global challenges. These adventures are designed to create unforgettable stories and inspire a lifetime of adventure. Each of our expeditions undergoes extensive research to align with the issues faced by National Parks and to present STEM challenges that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This strategic alignment guarantees that our content is not just educational but also contributes to a holistic understanding and problem-solving approach towards global challenges. We take pride in providing a vast array of free resources for educators and families, ensuring that our high-quality educational materials are accessible to all. This commitment reflects our belief in the universal right to education. Through our collaboration with the National Park Foundation, we have introduced the Crossing America Initiative and continued our own work with our inaugural National Parks Expedition Challenge. These structured programs aim to deepen engagement with nature, enhance comprehension of ecological and civic matters, demonstrating our dedication to innovative outdoor and experiential learning. Our initiatives not only enhance academic knowledge and STEM skills but also instill a sense of belonging, environmental consciousness, and civic duty among students. We strongly believe that by immersing students in outdoor experiences that connect them with natural and human communities, we contribute to nurturing a more empathetic and responsible generation. Our objective to combine outdoor learning with real-world issues, utilizing frameworks like the UN Global Goals, establishes us as a leading organization in this field. By enabling educators to come together in National Parks to tackle real challenges, we harness the power of education as a catalyst for global transformation. |
