b'Next Generation ProgramsEDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS: In 2020, Rocky Mountain National Parks entrance gates did not see quite as many big yellow school buses as usual. Prior to the start of the pandemic, Rockys Education and Outreach Program was able to provide 28 field programs for 845 participants on site in Rocky. As classrooms across the country transitioned to virtual learning, Rockys existing and well-established Distance Learning program was ready to meet the changing needs of students and teachers. Unable to safely transport kids to the park on a bus, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy funded education technicians and interns that were beamed in to meet students virtually who traditionally had visited the park in person, and to those who never had, at home, or in classrooms. Distance Learning programs were free, offered nationwide and worldwide, year-round. In 2020, Rockys Distance Learning program reached nearly 4,000 students during 175 connections across the country and around the world. Some of the destinations included Vermont, Colorado, California, Georgia, New York, British Columbia, Mexico and India.Virtual learning in action from Rocky | RMNP12 |ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY 2020 ANNU2020 ANNUAL REPORAL REPORTT13'