Poughkeepsie, NY – This fall, Michelle Penik, a teacher at Dover High School, will take 11th grade Environmental Science students to visit the Cary Institute for Ecosystems Studies and the Norrie Point Environmental Center, thanks to a $750 Field Trip Grant awarded by the Community Foundation of Dutchess County. 

Each year, Penik teaches a unit on water quality in the classroom.  These field trips will provide students with a hands-on experience in data collection and afford them an opportunity to look at several factors including land type and topography to help determine and analyze water quality.  By visiting both sites, students will be able to study differences in the data collected. 

Penik, reflecting on how this grant will provide a valuable learning experience said, “The two trips I am bringing my students on could never be simulated in a lab kit. I'd rather my students work with real scientists and conduct tests with them. Not only will my students be gathering data with scientists, they will also be getting a hands-on field experience that they will remember for life.”

Last year more than $8,000 in field trip grants were awarded to eighteen schools throughout Dutchess County.  These grants took students to New York City, Washington, D.C., to plays, zoos and museums.  “With many school budgets reducing or eliminating field trip funding, this grant program is one way to help our teachers bring lessons alive for our children outside the classroom,” says Nevill Smythe, Vice President, Programs at the Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation, through a grant from the Dyson Foundation, is pleased to offer this Field Trip Grant program. This grant program is designed to distribute funds in amounts up to $750 to public schools in Dutchess County to enhance classroom learning opportunities.  Applications will be accepted anytime between September 1, 2009 and March 1, 2010. Awards will be made on a monthly basis for eligible applications until available grant funds have been expended.  Visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.cfdcny.org for grant guidelines and application instructions.  For questions, please contact Nevill Smythe, Vice President, Programs or 845-452-3077.

About the Community Foundation of Dutchess County
Your first resource for everything charitable.

Established in 1969, the Community Foundation of Dutchess County has been a driving force for affordable philanthropy in our region.  Currently, the Foundation administers more than 425 charitable funds established by donors who primarily live in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties.  Since the Foundation’s inception, more than $14 million in grants and scholarships has been awarded to our community.  For more information about the Community Foundation, call 845-452-3077 or visit www.cfdcny.org.