The Audubon Society of Rhode Island announces a $10,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation State Giving Program to support the Audubon Environmental Education Initiative for urban and Title One designated schools. This initiative brings the highest level of science-based environmental education programs to underserved students in every district across the state.

With a proven 15-year success rate in urban schools, this initiative continues to grow, allowing Audubon to positively impact greater numbers of low and moderate-income students. Particularly in urban areas, many school children have limited access to areas where they can observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Not only does Audubon present opportunities for students to study the environment in fields, forests, wetlands and along state shores, they provide critical environmental science-based programming that enhances school science curriculum and brings classroom learning experiences to life.

“For years, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island has provided underserved students statewide with exceptional environmental education programming that they normally would not have access to,” said Bill Hatfield, president of Bank of America Rhode Island. “We take great pride in our partnerships with organizations that help children and young adults reach their full academic and developmental potential, and applaud Audubon for their efforts.”

Audubon Executive Director Lawrence Taft said that the initiative has been particularly successful in targeting students with the most need, but added it would not be possible without the support of outside businesses and community members.

“We are deeply grateful to the Bank of America Charitable Foundation for their support, which allows Audubon to continue the success of this initiative and reach even more economically disadvantaged school children across Rhode Island,” he said.