Mission Statement
Inside the Outdoors mission is to empower students, teachers, parents, and the community to explore the natural world, while expanding their knowledge and understanding of science and the wonders of nature.
The Mission of Inside the Outdoors Foundation is to provide financial, educational, and advisory support to the Inside the Outdoors Science Study Programs.
Description
Since 1974, Inside the Outdoors (ITO) has been creating change in communities by empowering students, teachers, parents, and the community to explore the natural world, while expanding their knowledge and understanding of science and the wonders of nature. The discoveries students, teachers, and communities make during ITO programs foster an appreciation for science and stewardship of the environment.
Inside the Outdoors programs serve over 145,000 Southern California students, parents, teachers, and community members each year in one of ITO's four programs: Traveling Scientist, Field Trips, Outdoor Science School, and Community Programs. Over 60% of the students who attend an ITO program are from low income schools and receive sponsorship to attend. While the program is administered by the Orange County Department of Education, ITO is self-supporting and receives no tax-based funding. As such, Inside the Outdoors Foundation (ITOF) was founded in 1984 to raise funds to support ITO programs.
