Kids in Parks : Why We Do It

For more than 15 years, Kids in Parks has been showing disadvantaged students that an amazing ecosystem exists literally right outside their door. Most of the underserved students who begin our programs each year have had little or no exposure to even their immediate natural environment, leading them to feel disconnected from their communities and disillusioned about their futures.

We are teaching these youth how to become environmental leaders, exposing them to nature’s many benefits. As a result, students get a fresh perspective – gaining critical knowledge about the biological processes that sustain our planet; experiencing the fun and excitement of being in large open spaces filled with fresh air and sunshine; and learning about the wide range of environmental career choices that helps them feel empowered about their futures.

Below, former Kids in Parks' participants describe the positive impact of our programs in their own words: