Tremont’s Local School Support Fund
At Tremont Institute, we believe every child belongs in nature—and that nature begins at your doorstep. Our Local Schools Support Fund helps students from communities surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park explore, learn, and grow in the very mountains that shape their daily lives.
Each year, we welcome more than 5,000 K–12 students into immersive, hands-on outdoor learning experiences. These programs enhance classroom learning, fostering curiosity, confidence, connection, and a lifelong sense of stewardship.
While we serve students from across the country, we are especially committed to reaching youth in gateway communities to Great Smoky Mountains National Park—places where the Smokies serve as the backdrop to childhood. These include Blount, Knox, Sevier, Anderson, Monroe, and Roane Counties, among others. Through this fund, we create more opportunities for these students to experience the Smokies as their own living, learning landscape.
Why This Fund Matters
Despite their proximity to the park, many local schools face logistical and financial barriers to accessing Tremont’s programs. The Local Schools Support Fund helps remove those barriers by:
- Building strong relationships with local school educators and administration
- Providing scholarships and financial assistance
- Supporting transportation and logistics
- Engaging families and community leaders in the outdoor learning experience
By investing in students who grow up alongside the Smokies, we nurture a deeper connection to place—and help cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards and community leaders.
Who This Supports
The Local Schools Support Fund supports a growing network of schools across East Tennessee, including Blount, Knox, Sevier, Anderson, Monroe, and Roane counties. Learn more about how this fund empowers local students.
Wondering if your district qualifies? Reach out to us.
Funded By Those Who Believe in Local Roots and Lasting Impact
We are proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to East Tennessee students and their connection to the land they call home. These funders understand the lasting value of outdoor learning—and the importance of investing in the next generation right here in our gateway communities.
Join in the Support!
Supporting the Local Schools Support Fund is more than a charitable gift—it’s a tangible investment in the health, education, and future leadership of Tennessee’s youth. As a funder, you are:
- Expanding equitable access to transformative, place-based education in one of America’s most iconic national parks
- Strengthening ties between students and the natural and cultural heritage of East Tennessee
- Empowering educators and schools with meaningful, hands-on experiences that enhance classroom learning
- Building your organization’s legacy as a champion for local communities, environmental stewardship, and youth development
Let’s Make This Possible—Together
Whether you’re a foundation, business, or individual passionate about local education and the environment, we invite you to join us. Together, we can ensure that more children in our gateway communities have the opportunity to experience the Smokies as their living classroom.
Current funders include:
