Posted By The Huron Hub on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is now accepting scholarship applications from local schools for its Get Out and Learn program to support field trips.

The program gives teachers and students the opportunity to participate in engaging, nature-connected field trips to a local Metropark of their choosing.

The applications must be completed by Dec. 31, 2019.

“The Metroparks are devoted to helping students and kids learn with fun, interactive educational experiences,” said Amy McMillan, director at the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority. “In fact, daily contact with nature has been proven to positively impact a child’s social, psychological, academic, and physical health. Environmental education is a great way to encourage learning and growth among students. Our school programs are STEM-based with hands-on activities and cooperative learning. And we have opportunities for students of all ages and walks of life to participate.”

Selected schools will be able to choose a Metropark Interpretive Center to visit, along with free transportation and field trip programming.

To qualify, schools must be located in southeast Michigan and have at least 50% of students eligible to receive the federal free and reduced lunch program.

“Each educational interpretive program brings children into an outdoor, experiential learning environment where they learn while doing,” said Jennifer Jaworski, chief of interpretive services. “Science programs are designed to meet the new Michigan Science Standards, based on the Next Generation Science Standards, and can be tailored to a school’s curriculum needs. All programs are designed to help meet science or social studies grade performance and content expectations.”

The Metroparks’ Interpretive Department is one of the largest interpretive programs in the nation. The school programs are taught by experts and provide environmental, cultural and natural science literacy. All field trip programs support Michigan Science Standards curriculum in content, methodology, and technology use. Many of the programs also support Common Core curriculum and STEM.

Schools are encouraged to apply soon as scholarship funds are limited. Funds and field trips must be used by December 31, 2019. The program is supported by over $30,000 from foundations and private donors.

To fill out an online application and learn more about the Get Out and Learn program, please visit: Metroparks.com/Facilities-Education/GetOutandLearn