In response to a community need for expanded access to nature-based early learning experiences, the SAN diego ZOO will launch a new school program for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the Zoological Society of San Diego (doing business as San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance) $1.202 million under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) on September 1, 2026.

The recipient will launch Wild Beginnings, a two-part nature-based early learning program serving transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students throughout San Diego County. The program combines in-school instruction with field trips to the San Diego Zoo, offered at no cost to classes along with transportation support. The zoo will co-design the learning model with teachers and community partners, establish an advisory committee of classroom teachers to develop program content and reduce participation barriers, and engage consultants to provide staff training aligned with best practices in community-centered inclusive program design. The program will reach over 3,000 students, and the zoo will share evaluation findings with peer institutions across the zoo and aquarium field.

The award period runs through August 31, 2029, with performance taking place in San Diego, California.

In response to a community need for expanded access to nature-based early learning experiences, the SAN diego ZOO will launch a new school program for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students. Wild beginnings will engage teachers and community partners in CO-designing a two-part learning model that includes an in-school program and a field trip to the ZOO. The program will be offered at no cost to classes throughout SAN diego county along with transportation support, and the ZOO will work in partnership with an advisory committee of classroom teachers to develop the program content and reduce barriers to participation. Consultants will provide staff training to ensure the project aligns with best practices in community-centered inclusive program design. The program will reach over 3,000 students and the ZOO will share evaluation findings with peer institutions across the ZOO and aquarium field.