NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Funding Available for Zoo Field Trips

First grade teachers planning a spring field trip to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo can get some financial assistance for their students, thanks to the new Just Zoo It mini-grant program presented by the Northeast Indiana REMCs – your local Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

“Just Zoo It fits with one of our core values of Commitment to our Communities. We’re pleased to be able to help our local schools and students with educational opportunities. Just Zoo It is the perfect program to help thousands of kids visit the zoo, something they may not otherwise have the chance to enjoy,” says REMC Spokesman Kevin Dreibelbis.

Teachers can apply for Just Zoo It mini-grants to cover one-half of their students’ zoo admission fees, up to a maximum of $75. This opportunity is available to first grade classes in the Northeast Indiana REMCs – Touchstone Energy Cooperatives service areas: all schools in DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley counties, plus Northwest Allen and Southwest Allen school districts in Allen County.

“Every child should have the chance to visit the zoo,” says Zoo Education Director Cheryl Piropato. “Just Zoo It makes that possible for low-income students.” The normal admission fee for groups of 15 or more children is $5.00 per child.

Applications for the Just Zoo It mini-grant program can be downloaded from kidszoo.org or requested by e-mailing education@kidszoo.org or calling 260-427-6808. Applications must be submitted by February 15, 2008. The zoo opens for the season on April 19.

# # #