Florida State Parks and the Florida Prepaid College Savings Program have announced their continued partnership aimed at fostering both education and adventure for families. The collaboration, now in its fourth year, emphasizes the connection between exploration today and lifelong learning.
Families have until June 30, 2025, to participate in a contest where they can win one of ten prize packages. Each package includes a $1,000 Florida 529 Savings Plan scholarship, a Florida State Parks Family Annual Pass, and a Junior Ranger gift pack featuring an inflatable stand-up paddle board.
Both organizations aim to empower Florida’s youth by offering knowledge and experiences that connect recreation with education. “Florida State Parks play a role in inspiring curiosity, stewardship and a love of Florida’s natural resources,” stated Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. “Partnering with Florida Prepaid allows us to support families in connecting that sense of wonder with meaningful educational opportunities for the future.”
The state’s 175 parks offer various educational programs through ranger-led activities or self-guided explorations available both on-site and online as part of the Virtual Junior Ranger initiative.
“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. He highlighted this partnership as evidence of the state’s commitment to active learning.
The Florida 529 Savings Plan provides flexible options for college savings exclusively to residents of Florida. With automatic payments starting at $25 per month, there are currently over 154,000 active plans amounting to more than $1.3 billion in savings.
Further information about this initiative and how to enter the contest can be found at FloridaStateParks.org/FloridaPrepaid.
