Florida State Parks and Florida Prepaid are joining efforts to encourage families to explore nature while preparing for college

Tallahassee, Florida – A renewed partnership between Florida State Parks and the Florida Prepaid College Savings Program is offering families a unique opportunity to connect outdoor adventure with college preparation. Now in its fourth consecutive year, this initiative invites Floridians to discover the state’s natural beauty while making strides toward educational planning for their children’s future.

From now through June 30, 2025, families can participate in a special giveaway that reflects the spirit of this collaboration. Ten lucky winners will each receive a $1,000 Florida 529 Savings Plan scholarship, a Florida State Parks Family Annual Pass, and a Junior Ranger gift pack, which includes an inflatable stand-up paddle board—blending the fun of outdoor recreation with meaningful educational investments.

The initiative reflects a shared mission between two of the state’s most family-focused institutions. Both Florida State Parks and the Florida Prepaid College Board are dedicated to equipping young Floridians with knowledge, skills, and experiences that can help them thrive both in school and in life.

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“Florida State Parks play a role in inspiring curiosity, stewardship and a love of Florida’s natural resources,” said 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.”

Families across the state are encouraged to explore Florida’s 175 state parks, each offering its own unique learning experiences. Many parks feature guided ranger programs, interactive visitor centers, and self-paced educational activities through the Junior Ranger Program, which is accessible both in-person and online as the Virtual Junior Ranger.

For younger participants, these programs are more than just fun—they’re a foundation. Engaging with Florida’s ecosystems can foster environmental awareness, problem-solving skills, and a natural sense of curiosity that supports academic growth.

“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 is at the heart of this initiative. Designed exclusively for Florida residents, the plan offers flexible and affordable options for saving toward college expenses. With automatic contributions starting at just $25 per month, families can build a solid financial foundation over time. The plan’s national recognition, including a medal rating from Morningstar, reflects its reliability and growing popularity—more than 154,000 active Florida 529 Savings Plans now hold over $1.3 billion in savings.

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By combining this respected savings tool with the immersive experience of state parks, the partnership presents a well-rounded approach to early childhood development—blending financial planning, outdoor discovery, and family engagement into a single, enriching package.

To learn more about how to participate in the promotion, discover the Junior Ranger Program, or explore educational opportunities through Florida’s parks and savings plans, families are encouraged to visit FloridaStateParks.org/FloridaPrepaid.

In a time when parents are looking for both meaningful recreation and long-term planning tools, this partnership stands out as a bright example of how public programs can work together to benefit families across Florida.