Trustage Foundation Supports Environmental Education in Dane County Parks
March 18, 2024
Land & Water Resources
Trustage Foundation Supports Environmental Education in Dane County Parks
Get Outside! community center youth programming is expanding thanks to a grant from the TruStage Foundation awarded to the Foundation for Dane County Parks
MADISON, WI - Monday, March 18, 2024 - The Foundation for Dane County Parks is incredibly grateful to the TruStage Foundation for its recent grant award of $63,250 to support Dane County Parks in expanding their Get Outside! program. This program aims to close education gaps in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to boost academic performance and future economic mobility.
Get Outside! provides year-round, STEM-based environmental education to community center youth groups. When Get Outside! started in 2020, Dane County Parks received requests for programming from every community center in the Madison-area. The demand has continued both from unserved community centers and from existing participants requesting increased programming. With The TruStage Foundation’s generous funding, Dane County Parks will expand Get Outside! to two new community centers in 2024.
Get Outside! introduces elementary and middle school youth to nature through activities like hiking, canoeing, sampling lake water, identifying wildlife and tracks, and citizen science. Participants learn about ecosystems, environmental processes, sustainability, climate change, and their role in conservation.
Get Outside! is one of the many programs the Foundation for Dane County Parks supports aligned with its mission of promoting peoples’ connection to nature through youth education, accessibility and inclusion, and community-led conservation in Dane County Parks.
“Access to our parks is not just about pathways and entrances; it's about opening doors to knowledge, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world around us,” said Aaron Mullins, Foundation for Dane County Park’s Executive Director. “We extend sincere gratitude to The TruStage Foundation for their generous support, which helps ensure that everyone, particularly youth, has the opportunity to explore, learn, and thrive in Dane County Parks. Together, we're fostering a brighter future for our community through education, exploration, and appreciation for nature.”
“TruStage is committed to a brighter financial future for all,” said TruStage director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Alexzandra Shade. “Through this partnership with local Madison neighborhood centers, they are demonstrating their commitment to expanding educational opportunities for our young people – a key area TruStage has identified as critical to economic mobility.”
The Foundation for Dane County Parks board and staff are proud to partner with The TruStage Foundation so everyone can access and enjoy our beautiful Dane County Parks.
Media Contacts:
Aaron Mullins
Executive Director, Foundation for Dane County Parks
(608) 224-3730
mullins@fdcparks.org
Lael Pascual
Engagement & Visitor Services Manager, Dane County Parks
(608) 220-7509
pascual.lael@countyofdane.com
Photo Resources:
- https://flic.kr/p/2p7AVbY
- https://flic.kr/p/2p5wFEh
- https://flic.kr/p/2pucLPU
- https://flic.kr/p/2n67pHo
- https://flic.kr/p/2p8Hfdz
- A video overview of the Get Outside! program is available here: https://lussierheritagecenter.com/Get-Outside
Photos on our Flickr can be used as long as they include any photo attributions that are listed in the photo description.
About TruStage Foundation
The TruStage Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) that serves as the philanthropic arm of TruStage. Efforts of the TruStage Foundation center on building equity in the communities where we live and serve. TruStage is a financially strong insurance, investment and technology provider, built on the philosophy of people helping people. We believe a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone, and our products and solutions help people confidently make financial decisions that work for them at every stage of life. With a culture rooted and focused on creating a more equitable society and financial system, we are deeply committed to giving back to our communities to improve the lives of those we serve. For more information, visit www.trustage.com.
About Dane County Parks
The Dane County Park System is made up of 17,000 acres of land that features the best of Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Our Parks do not require an entry fee and offer countless opportunities to get away from it all to unwind, spend time outdoors, and make memories with friends and family. Dane County Parks takes an active role to enhance and preserve the county’s finest natural resources. We strive to create welcoming spaces, events and educational opportunities for park visitors of all backgrounds and ability levels.
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