Grant awardees
Recognizing educators who make the parks their classroom.
Celebrate our James E. Cook Nature's Classroom Grant Awardees. This grant, named in honor of Western National Parks' chief executive officer from 2011 to 2022, was established to increase access to national parks for underrepresented K–12 youth. Educators receive funding for engaging in-park, in-classroom, and virtual experiences.
Congratulations to our grant awardees.
Debbie Luevano
2024 James E. Cook Nature’s Classroom Grant
Debbie Luevano of University High School in New Mexico is guiding students on a journey of discovery at Pecos National Historical Park, where natural and cultural stewardship come together. Her project helps students explore the region’s rich heritage—including Native American and Spanish colonial influences—while deepening their understanding of conservation and preservation. Through hands-on experiences and cultural reflection, these future leaders gain valuable insight into New Mexico’s past, present, and future, fostering respect, curiosity, and civic responsibility.
Stephanie Mendoza
2024 James E. Cook Nature's Classroom Grant
Stephanie Mendoza, an educator at Brownsville Raul Yzaguirre STEM Scholars Academy in Texas, is inspiring young minds through hands-on conservation. Her project, Prairie Protectors, will engage 230 fourth- through eighth-grade students in restoring the coastal prairie ecosystem at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park. Through immersive field trips and interdisciplinary learning, students will explore science, math, social studies, and language arts while working alongside park rangers. Stephanie’s leadership fosters stewardship, curiosity, and a deep connection to public lands.
Rianne Kravitz
2022 James E. Cook Nature’s Classroom Grant
Rianne Kravitz, educator at Developing Virtue Secondary School, a private Buddhist boarding school in Ukiah, California is the first recipient of the new James E. Cook Nature’s Classroom Grant. The school’s plan to introduce teens to nature exemplifies WNPA’s mission to make young people aware of our national treasures, so that they will want to protect them for future generations.
A group of eight girls who have never gone camping will visit Pinnacles National Park. They will spend two days working with park rangers and the Ventana Wildlife Society helping researchers monitor the endangered California condor. They plan to maintain the birds’ natural habitat and identify challenges to condor survival.
As part of learning how to be good stewards, the students also will spend time cleaning up the park, maintaining trails, and practicing the habit of “leaving no trace” during their visit.
Upon their return the group will share what they learned about conservation, to educate fellow students and the community. As part of their own conservation effort, they will build a monarch butterfly habitat.
Rianne wants the experience to instill a love of nature that needs protecting. WNPA is delighted to help bring this aspiration to life by providing this grant.
