Youth in Parks - Environmental Education (YIP-EE)
Our state parks preserve some of North Carolina’s greatest examples of geology, ecology and cultural history. North Carolina Friends of State Parks, Inc. is focused on supporting public schools in the effort to utilize our state parks as an outdoor classroom. Research shows that when people explore and learn in the outdoors, they are healthier, happier, and are more likely to conserve the natural world in the future. Thank you for your interest in our Youth in Parks - Environmental Education (YIP-EE) grant opportunity! YIP-EE grants are awarded with the mission of focusing attention on getting students outside the classroom and into North Carolina State Parks. This grant opportunity is available to North Carolina Public Schools in order to aid in the cost for traveling to and from a North Carolina State Park. YIP-EE funding requires a partnership between a state park, classroom teachers, and North Carolina Friends of State Parks. This partnership is essential to a grant being awarded and a successful state park experience. Before applying for the YIP-EE grant, it is required that you contact the state park you wish to visit and speak with a park representative to make arrangements for your trip. Find contact information and educational programming opportunities about State Park field trips at NCParks.gov The Friends of State Parks YIP-EE grant program has given thousands of North Carolina Public School children the opportunity to discover, explore, and enjoy our naturally wonderful State Parks system. Funding for this grant is available through the generosity of our members and revenue collected from the NC state park license plates. Apply today to get your classroom outside! |
Common Questions & Things to Know Before Applying
When should I apply for a YIP-EE grant?
We accept YIP-EE grant applications year round from NC public schools. However, before applying it is required that a school representative contact the state park your school wishes to visit and speak with a park representative to make arrangements for your trip.
How much funding can I request?
We encourage you to request the full amount of funding needed for transportation costs in order for students and chaperones to arrive at the desired state park location. Typically, YIP-EE grant requests awarded have averaged between $300-$1000. Past awards have funded the cost of using school district owned buses, partial cost of hired charter buses, and hiring a bus driver.
Do you fund requests from any schools other than NC public schools?
The YIP-EE grant is designated for NC Public Schools and public charter schools. We do not fund homeschools or private school groups at this time.
When will I know if my school has been awarded the grant?
Applicants will receive notice within a month of a completed and submitted application.
If awarded funding, how do I receive the funds?
NCFSP will send a check via post mail or have the funds deposited directly into the school account. No checks will be made out to a school representative directly.
What do I need to do after my school has been awarded the YIP-EE grant?
First, give yourself a treat for a job well done. Second, confirm the date of your trip, arrival times, and any other travel related logistics with a park representative. Third, enjoy your school's experience at the state park. Lastly, NCFSP will ask for a brief grant report upon completion of your State Park visit. This report will include at least 5 student created pieces of work which can be pictures, art, videos, thank you cards, etc, as well as how many people attended the trip and a final cost of the trip. More information will be sent to you upon a grant approval decision.
YIP-EE in Action
Photos from a FSP sponsored field trip to Eno River State Park
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For more information or further questions, contact NC Friends of State Parks, YIP-EE Committee at YIP-EE@ncfsp.org
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