FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Expeditions in Education Receives National Park Foundation Grant for Crossing America

Empowering 4th Graders Nationwide to Connect with National Parks through Virtual Exploration and In-Person School Visits

​Chicago, IL (September 5, 2024) — Expeditions in Education is proud to announce that it has been awarded a National Park Foundation grant for the fourth consecutive year to support its groundbreaking initiative, Crossing America. This project will bring the beauty and wonder of the United States’ National Parks directly into the lives of students nationwide through innovative virtual and in-person experiences.

Crossing America 4.0 will run throughout the 2024-2025 school year, engaging over 140,000+ students each month with LIVE virtual events that feature different National Parks. These events will allow students to explore the parks in-depth, learning from rangers and volunteers about the unique characteristics of each site. Additionally, the project includes annual visits to ten schools across the country, where we will bring park-inspired activities directly to the students, fostering a connection to nature and a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship.

The program is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all students, with a particular focus on 4th graders. Participants will have the opportunity to create digital scrapbooks documenting their experiences and insights, which they can share with peers, teachers, and family members. The initiative aims to instill a lifelong appreciation for the natural world in every student, regardless of their ability to visit a National Park in person.

"Receiving this grant from the National Park Foundation for the fourth year in a row is a significant milestone for us," said Dacia Jones, Chief Education Officer at Expeditions in Education. "With their continued support, we can ensure that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to explore the wonders of our National Parks and learn about the importance of conservation and stewardship. We believe that by connecting students with these natural treasures, we are helping to cultivate the next generation of park stewards and environmental leaders."

The National Park Foundation is committed to ensuring that all youth have access to National Parks and meaningful opportunities to develop a lifelong affinity for these incredible places. Through the Open OutDoors for Kids program, the foundation fosters the innate sense of wonder and curiosity that children have for the world around them, immersing students in National Parks through field trips, classroom engagements, and educational activities.
The grant will be used to expand the reach of Crossing America 4.0, allowing Expeditions in Education to increase the number of participating schools and enhance the virtual learning experiences. We encourage teachers, parents, and community members to join us in this exciting journey by visiting [insert your announcement link here] to learn more about how they can get involved or support the program.

Jessica, a 4th grader from Colorado, expressed her excitement about the program: “It is so nice to feel like we actually know the rangers from each park, and that some of them look like me. I look forward to watching the videos and LiveStreams each month. I am considering being a park ranger when I finish school.”

About Expeditions in Education
Expeditions in Education is dedicated to connecting students and educators with the great outdoors through innovative programs and partnerships. Our mission is to elevate and celebrate National Parks, ensuring that the next generation of explorers and stewards is equipped with the knowledge and passion to protect these treasures.

For more information on Crossing America 4.0 and how to get involved, please visit www.expeditionsineducation.org/4thgrade.