Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2012

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NIAGARA FALLS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA TO RECEIVE ALMOST $15,000; FEDERAL GRANT BRINGS FALLS TO LIFE FOR LOCAL STUDENTS

Funding Coming to Niagara Falls Through National Parks Foundation America’s Best Idea Grant Program

Schumer: Landmark Program Will Engage Students in History of Niagara Falls and Old Fort Niagara

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area has received an America’s Best Idea grant totaling $14,999 from the National Park Foundation. Specifically, this grant will support the Connecting Youth to History: Niagara River Historic and Natural Sites, Physical and Virtual program which will engage Niagara Falls fourth graders in their local National Park.

“Education is one of the keys to our future, and thanks to this grant, the next generation of Niagara Falls students will learn why the creation of the National Parks really was America’s Best Idea, I applaud the National Parks Foundation for choosing the iconic Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and encouraging our students to know what they have in their own backyard,” said Schumer. “This is another great example of the continued national focus on the great things going on in the Heritage area."

Initially, this program will directly impact approximately 500 fourth grade students and 25 teachers and teachers’ aides of the Niagara Falls City School District. They will participate in a long-term virtual experience and attend a field trip to Old Fort Niagara.

The America’s Best Idea grant program funds park programs designed to connect underserved and under-engaged populations throughout the United States with their national parks in innovative and meaningful ways. The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, raises private funds that directly aid, support and enrich America’s nearly 400 national parks and their programs. Chartered by Congress as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation plays a critical role in conservation and preservation efforts, establishing national parks as powerful learning environments, and giving all audiences an equal and abundant opportunity to experience, enjoy and support America’s treasured places.

###

Resource Center