Reaching Youth

  • group of people walking in a line on a trail in a forest
  • Young girls hugging each other in the forest in front of other kids wearing green in a forest

    Reaching Youth

    Our transportation cost support program makes the parks more accessible.

    Transportation should never be a hindrance to educational opportunities. Through our online Education Program Request form, teachers and homeschoolers can apply for funding to cover transportation costs, making it easier than ever to bring students to our parks and engage them in hands-on learning.   

    Not only do these trips enrich students' lives, but they also play a vital role in helping increase the number of first-time park visitors. By providing funding for transportation, we can bring students who may not have had the opportunity to visit our parks before. This initiative expands access to nature and education while cultivating a new generation of park stewards.

    Our Park Education Initiative

    Our park trips offer more than just a field trip. Through interactive programs led by our trained park staff, students have the opportunity to dive into the wonders of our natural and cultural history and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. 

    • A smiling boy in a blue shirt holds a peace sign beside a stream. A park ranger and another child in shorts wade nearby. The scene is lively and joyful.
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    Youth Programs

    We invite educators to connect with us and request a program. Research our parks on this site and find one that offers the programs you are interested in, then select, "request a program." It’s as easy as that. When you fill out the forms, you can request to be considered for a grant to cover transportation costs. 

    • A ranger kneels on a wooden bridge, showing small objects in his hand to two curious children sitting and squatting nearby. A small group looks on intently.

    How You Can Support

    By making a donation, you can play a vital role in expanding access to outdoor recreation and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to experience the natural wonders and cultural history available at Tennessee State Parks. The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy is dedicated to supporting Tennessee State Parks fulfill this commitment by providing funding for various initiatives and projects aimed at improving accessibility within the parks.