Florida State Parks and Florida Prepaid College Board launch partnership to encourage youth education through outdoor experiences
Tallahassee, Florida – In a refreshing blend of nature, education, and opportunity, Florida State Parks and the Florida Prepaid College Savings Program are once again joining forces to promote a unique initiative aimed at inspiring curiosity and preparing Florida’s youth for the future. Now in its fourth year, the partnership continues to emphasize how a simple family outing can spark lifelong learning and open doors to college and career success.
Through June 30, 2025, families across the Sunshine State can enter for a chance to win one of ten exciting prize packages that combine the joys of the outdoors with the promise of higher education. Each prize includes a $1,000 Florida 529 Savings Plan scholarship, a Florida State Parks Family Annual Pass, and a Junior Ranger gift pack complete with an inflatable stand-up paddle board. The campaign serves as a reminder that education doesn’t always start in a classroom—it can begin under the shade of an oak tree, at the edge of a mangrove trail, or by exploring tidepools with a ranger.
“Florida State Parks play a role in inspiring curiosity, stewardship and a love of Florida’s natural resources,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Partnering with Florida Prepaid allows us to support families in connecting that sense of wonder with meaningful educational opportunities for the future.”
Across Florida’s 175 state parks, the opportunity for hands-on, minds-on learning is everywhere. Whether participating in a ranger-led program, exploring the parks at their own pace, or engaging with the Virtual Junior Ranger platform online, children of all ages and abilities are invited to learn about Florida’s diverse ecosystems, history, and wildlife. The Junior Ranger Program in particular serves as a launchpad for children to see themselves as stewards of their environment—an idea that pairs seamlessly with preparing for academic success.
“Summer is the ideal time for families to focus on outdoor learning and exploration that is such an important part of a child’s preparation for postsecondary education,” said John D. Rood, Chairman of the Florida Prepaid College Board. “This partnership with Florida State Parks is a testament to the value our state places on active learning.”
The Florida 529 Savings Plan, exclusively available to Florida residents, is among the most accessible and flexible college savings options in the country. With no set payment schedule, families can contribute as little as $25 per month and still build a substantial fund for future educational expenses. Recognized with a Morningstar medal, the plan currently supports more than 154,000 active accounts with over $1.3 billion saved for higher education.
By linking the thrill of discovery in Florida’s wild and scenic places with the foundational steps of college planning, the partnership creates a compelling narrative: that the path to college and personal growth might just begin with a hike, a paddle, or a Junior Ranger badge.
For more information on how to enter the sweepstakes, participate in the Junior Ranger Program, or learn more about the Florida 529 Savings Plan, families can visit FloridaStateParks.org/FloridaPrepaid.
