Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program
Eligibility
New York K-12 public school teachers and school organizations serving students in urban and underserved communities may apply. Field trips must visit New York State Parks or DEC-managed lands. Priority is given to Title I schools and schools with students who have limited access to natural areas.
Program Goals
New York's Connect Kids to Parks program, run jointly by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and NYSDEC, removes financial barriers to outdoor field trips by funding transportation and entry costs for school visits to state parks and natural areas. The program connects New York urban youth to New York's world-class outdoor spaces and builds environmental literacy through hands-on nature experiences.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted through the NYS Parks website on a rolling basis. Complete the field trip registration form and confirm your school's eligibility before applying. Priority goes to Title I schools and urban schools with limited nature access.
Cycle Notes
Connect Kids to Parks accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Visit parks.ny.gov/connect-kids-to-parks for the current application and to confirm eligibility and available field trip dates.
Grant Award Amount
The program covers transportation costs and entry fees for eligible field trips to NYS Parks. There is no cash award — the benefit is the funded field trip experience for students.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — field science and environmental monitoring at New York state parks
- micro:bit Starter Kit — data logging for student nature investigations on park field trips
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — plant science and ecosystem education connecting field trips to classroom follow-up
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Connect Kids to Parks in New York?
New York K-12 public school teachers and organizations serving urban and underserved youth may apply. Priority goes to Title I schools with limited nature access.
How much funding is available through Connect Kids to Parks?
The program covers transportation and entry costs for eligible field trips. There is no cash award — the benefit is the funded outdoor learning experience.
Can Connect Kids to Parks funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Connect Kids to Parks funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do New York schools apply for Connect Kids to Parks?
Apply through parks.ny.gov/connect-kids-to-parks on a rolling basis. Complete the field trip registration form and confirm eligibility before submitting.
How can Forward Education help with Connect Kids to Parks?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for New York schools. Our STEM kits pair perfectly with outdoor field experiences. Contact us to learn more.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — New York standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
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