Cartwright Announces $14,000 in Grant Funds to Two National Parks

Scranton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the National Park Foundation has awarded two grants totaling $14,000 to two National Parks in the 17th Congressional district.  These grants, part of the Foundation’s Open Out Doors for Kids program, support the White House youth initiative Every Kid in a Park, a program that allows fourth graders nationwide to obtain a pass for one year of free entry for them and their families to more than 2,000 federally managed lands and waters across the country.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will receive a $9,000 grant to allow 600 fourth grade students from Delaware Valley, East Stroudsburg Area, and Port Jervis School Districts to visit the site.  Students will take guided hikes where they will be introduced to the site's native plants, animals, and geologic landforms.

The Steamtown National Historic Site has been awarded a $5,000 grant to allow 1,200 fourth graders from local Title I schools to participate in its "Railroads, Rivers & You!" STEM-focused program.  Students will learn about railroad technology on a ranger-led walk along the Lackawanna River on the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Trail, in addition to conducting a river health survey.

“Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley are home to some of the most remarkable examples of scenic beauty anywhere in the Commonwealth and across the country,” Rep. Cartwright said.  "Through the Open Out Doors for Kids program, we will have the opportunity to expose 1,800 fourth graders to these outstanding parks in their own backyards and inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.”

The National Park Foundation's Open Outdoors for Kids initiative introduces and exposes kids — all kids — to experiential, outdoor experiences that promote physical and emotional health, civic engagement and long-term appreciation for nature.  Using the spectacular and unparalleled resources of our nation's more than 400 national parks, the program's goal is to connect more children to their culture and heritage, enhance hands-on learning opportunities and deepen connections to the natural world.