SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Over 5,000 Hoosier students are expected to benefit from $30,154 in field trip grants from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for the 2026-27 school year. This year, 72 schools across the state have been selected.

The DNR's Discover the Outdoors Field Trip Grant Program is for all K-12 schools and is awarded through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, the supporting nonprofit of the DNR.

DNR officials say the grants, of up to $500, will fund transportation costs, program fees, and classroom supplies related to the field trip.

The program allows students to visit Indiana state parks at a reduced cost. While at the state parks, students will learn about Indiana's fish, forest, wildlife, natural habitats, and conservation.

“We appreciate the generosity of those who contribute to Indiana's youth,” INRF executive director Jody Kress said. “We hope to see this program grow so we can educate more students across the state about our natural and cultural legacy.”

You can donate to the field trip program online.

Schools awarded in our area include:

• Emmons Elementary in Mishawaka for Potato Creek
• Journey Academy in Michigan City for Indiana Dunes
• LaSalle Academy in South Bend for Indiana Dunes
• River Montessori High School in South Bend for Potato Creek
• Rochester Middle School in Rochester for Indiana Dunes
• Two grants for St. Thomas More Academy in South Bend for Potato Creek
• Wild Roots Collective in Westville for Indiana Dunes
• Woodlawn Christian School in Goshen for Pokagon