INDIANA – STAR Financial Bank has contributed $10,000 to the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF) to benefit the Discover the Outdoors field trip grant program.
This initiative, a partnership between Indiana State Parks and the INRF, aims to make state park visits accessible to students in grades K-12 across Indiana. The Discover the Outdoors program provides grants to educators to help cover the costs of field trips to Indiana state parks.
Jody Kress, INRF Executive Director, expressed gratitude for STAR Financial Bank’s support, stating it “demonstrates their commitment to the communities they serve and gets kids into state parks, where they can explore our valuable natural resources.”
Since its inception in 2013, the program has awarded 287 grants, enabling over 25,200 students to experience Indiana’s natural wonders. These educational trips, curated in collaboration with park staff, focus on topics such as Indiana’s wildlife, forests, conservation, and outdoor recreation.
Trevor Smith, Commercial Banker at STAR Bank, emphasized the bank’s belief in investing in youth, saying, “The Discover the Outdoors program connects students to Indiana’s incredible natural resources and inspires curiosity, learning, and stewardship. We’re proud to support opportunities that expand access to outdoor education.”
The application window for the 2025-26 Discover the Outdoors field trip grants is currently open until today, April 30. Educators can apply for grants up to $500 to cover transportation, program fees, and materials. Applicants will be notified of their grant status by May 15. Application details can be found here. For more information about the program, click here.
The Discover the Outdoors fund honors the memory of Tom Huck, a dedicated DNR employee and advocate for children’s outdoor experiences. Donations to support this program can be made here.
