Connecting Children to Nature

Summary

This project provides over 55,000 Southern California students from underserved communities with full and partial scholarships to attend hands-on environmental education programs.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Studies have shown that children who are connected to nature are healthier, happier, and smarter. Unfortunately, access to nature for underserved communities is limited by financial and transportation issues. Through the funds raised by Inside the Outdoors Foundation, ITO helps communities over financial barriers by providing sponsorships to our programs. Over 40% of the students attending an ITO school program are from low income schools and need sponsorship to attend our program.

How will this project solve this problem?

ITO provides hands-on environmental education through field trips, in-class visits, week-long camps, and community events. All ITO curriculum is aligned with the California Content Standards and activities include health, water, ecology, and more.

Potential Long Term Impact

Funding will allow 55,000 students to attend an ITO program empowering them through educational experiences in the natural world to expand their knowledge, understanding and stewardship of the environment. Making them happier, healthier, and smarter.

Project Message

"I felt like I could actually help our world. I've become a new person by going to Outdoor Science School. I've become more aware of the environment, more responsible..."
- Melody, Sixth grade student, James Guinn elementary

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources

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