Voyageurs Classroom and Youth Ambassadors
Instilling Wonder and Environmental Stewardship in Future Generations
National Parks are outstanding outdoor classrooms that offer opportunities to make lasting connections to the natural environment. Research confirms that creating opportunities for youth to experience a place like Voyageurs in a meaningful way—an overnight camping trip, a summer internship, or an ongoing classroom connection—makes all the difference in becoming a lifelong steward.
Due to funding challenges, the National Park Service had to cut its environmental education program completely at Voyageurs National Park and asked the Conservancy to step in to maintain and expand youth programs. Voyageurs Conservancy responded to this critical need by launching the Voyageurs Classroom Initiative.
Voyageurs Classroom
The Voyageurs Classroom offers a full suite of K-12 and young adult programs that connect over 2,000 students annually to their national park through park-based experiences and hybrid / online offerings. Environmental education produces a myriad of social and developmental benefits for youth. The Voyageurs Classroom works to instill wonder and stewardship in a younger, more diverse audience and spark an interest in outdoor play, environmental science, stewardship, and the history and culture of the region.
Current Programs
School Transportation Aid
Voyageurs Conservancy is committed to giving the next generation of park stewards the opportunity to learn about nature, wildlife, conservation, and our public lands. With support from the Donald Weesner Charitable Trust and National Park Foundation, we are excited to offer travel grants for schools who may not otherwise be able to fund transportation to Voyageurs National Park. Specific funds are available for Fourth Graders to visit the park.
If you are a teacher seeking aid related to transportation costs, please fill out this application and return it to us via email at contact@voyageurs.org. Please contact us with any questions you may have at 612-333-5424 or contact@voyageurs.org
Funding for this project was provided in part by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as
recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent
fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and
enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources