Department of Education: City Kids Wilderness Exploration Grant

Project Goals –
• To provide opportunities described below for 100 urban youth ages 12 to 18 –specifically students residing in under-served and diverse communities of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.– to explore, learn, and create positive memorable experiences in national parks through hiking, camping, rock climbing, trail work, ecology and geology lessons, water quality testing, sustainability, environmental education, urban agriculture, environmental conservation, etc.
• To connect youth with a better understanding and appreciation for green spaces in both urban and rural settings–including their own backyards; access to outdoor activities to help in overcoming health and mental health challenges, confidence and self-esteem, the role of teamwork, and outdoor exploration opportunities.
• To provide opportunities for students to learn about careers available with the National Park Service and other conservation-related fields/organizations. 

B.  Project Objectives –
• Hire an outreach and program intern (coordinator) through a 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Program cooperating partner to work closely with City Kids and National Park Service.
• The coordinator will plan weekend outdoor adventure trips for students to national parks in the National Capital Region and Northeast Region. This includes providing or arranging for educational programming and joining students as they engage in educational and recreational activities. 
• Students will engage in interactive visits to national park sites.
• City Kids staff will engage some youth in visits to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park so youth can learn about nature, history and recreational opportunities.
• Sessions will be scheduled to help kids learn about careers available with the National Park Service and other conservation-related fields/organizations, too.