Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks announced July 16 the application for Kids2Parks, a park-equity program that brings students to California State Parks from low-income elementary schools that are designated as Title 1, will open July 28.
For field trips during the 2025–26 academic year, the application window extends through Friday, Aug. 22, 2024.
Kids2Parks provides transportation funding for second through fourth grade classes at Title 1 elementary schools in Santa Cruz County and select schools in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The full list of eligible schools is available here. Teachers apply online for free and will be notified by early September if their application was approved. Title 1 is a designation by the U.S. Department of Education that primarily indicates a high percentage of students from low-income families.
The program increases the number of students who can visit a state park or beach by reducing barriers to access. Kids2Parks funds field trip transportation costs, including bus rental, driver t,ime and fuel. More than 20,000 students have participated in field trips since the program’s inception a decade ago.
“A day at a state park or beach can truly transform a young student’s world,” said Lauren Kitayama, program coordinator for Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. “We hope these experiences spark a lifelong connection with nature, inspiring students to bring their families back for more.”
Participating parks include Castle Rock State Park, Castro Adobe State Historic Park, Half Moon Bay State Beach, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Seacliff State Beach, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Wilder Ranch State Park. Schools are paired with parks based on location.
“Kids2Parks directly enables students to deepen their understanding of the invaluable natural, cultural, and historic resources preserved within our parks,” said Rhiannon Sims, a State Parks interpreter for the Santa Cruz District. “Kids2Parks programs are foundational to our ongoing initiatives to ensure equitable and sustainable access to California State Parks throughout the Santa Cruz District.”
Kids2Parks is funded through grants and donations from generous individuals, businesses, and organizations. It costs an average of $15 to send a student on a Kids2Parks field trip. To make a donation: bit.ly/donatek2p. To sponsor a class, call 831-429-1840.
Application is available here: thatsmypark.org/k2p
About Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
Established in 1976, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) is a vital partner with California State Parks, creatively working to ensure our cherished local parks and beaches are thriving and available to all. Friends’ innovative and collaborative community partnership provides support and investment for education, equity and inclusion, conservation, facilities improvements, historic preservation and cultural events. Friends currently operates a robust online ParkStore offering nature- and history-themed merchandise for sale to benefit local parks and beaches. Friends also operates ParkStores at Natural Bridges, New Brighton, Santa Cruz Mission, Seacliff and Wilder Ranch. Learn more at ThatsMyPark.org or via Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
