Project overview: Connect 200+ fourth grade students from Yosemite’s gateway communities with the park’s natural wonders through a multi-faceted educational experience that includes an in-person, full-day excursion in Yosemite.

How your support helps: In the gateway communities of Yosemite — towns that sit just outside the park’s boundary — many local youth face socioeconomic disadvantages that result in a limited exposure to natural environments, including public lands and Yosemite. Low income and poor transportation systems are two factors contributing to unequal access to national parks among students living in gateway communities.  

This initiative aims to bridge these gaps through a comprehensive program that will welcome fourth graders to Yosemite. It will include a virtual pre-visit field trip, an in-person trip to the park, and a virtual post-visit reflection session.   

For many participants, this program represents their first exposure to a national park, serving as a pivotal opportunity to ignite a lifelong passion for environmental conservation. By integrating hands-on activities, cultural perspectives, and reflection sessions, the initiative aims to create inclusive environments where students feel valued, empowered, and deeply connected to Yosemite.  

Central to the program is students’ immersion in topics such as geology, ecology, and conservation, aimed at fostering a profound appreciation for nature and promoting environmental stewardship. Teachers and subject-matter experts will work to ensure the educational content is engaging, culturally sensitive, and aligned with curriculum standards.   

Additionally, this program addresses the needs of Yosemite gateway communities by not only providing transformative learning experiences but also offering an all-park-access fourth-grade pass. This pass allows students to bring their families back to the park free of cost, fostering continued engagement and creating opportunities for families to share in the educational and recreational benefits of Yosemite’s natural wonders. 

This year: In 2026, the Expanding Horizons program will leverage strategic partnerships to deliver multi-educational experiences, connections to nature, and park passes for 13 fourth-grade classes from Yosemite’s gateway communities. With your support, park staff will also administer free park passes for fourth graders and their families, develop resources for teachers and families, and address gaps in education and outdoor access.

Project partner: Yosemite National Park