National Park Service

Description

The purpose of this project is to reach new and diverse youth audiences, particularly in the nearby areas of Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC. GRSM will partner with the Great Smoky Mountains Association so they can act as the liaison between multiple groups running youth programs in the target areas. Youth in these programs will be involved with projects and activities both in the urban area and in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Programs working with middle and high school urban youth will meet with park rangers to prepare for trips to GRSM by practicing skills to help collect data for citizen science programs and then will travel to GRSM to help collect data. While in the park, they will learn about park careers, critical issues facing park resources and ways they can help protect provide stewardship for natural and cultural resources. A goal of the project is to expose urban youth to career options with the NPS and other agencies with similar missions. This will benefit the youth in underserved communities who will hopefully transfer these stewardship behaviors and knowledge back into their own community.

Who can apply

• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Others

Contact

Brian Straka 865-436-1217<br/>Brian_Straka@nps.gov<br/>
Brian_Straka@nps.gov