AIM Receives Circuit Trails Coalition Grant to Expand Outdoor Biking Program
AIM Receives Circuit Trails Coalition Grant to Expand Outdoor Biking Program

We are pleased to announce that AIM Academy has received a $20,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Circuit Trails Coalition, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This grant will allow us to expand our outdoor education program to include a new Pedal and Paddle Program.

AIM's commitment to outdoor education is reflected in programs like the NICA mountain biking team, Riding for Focus, and Middle School Outride, and Sam’s Place, named in memory of Samuel Ozer ‘20, who tragically passed away while riding his bicycle home from work in 2020. This dedicated space houses our AIM School Bikes cycling programs, including Project Bike Tech training, and serves as a central hub for our Outride curriculum and  mountain biking team. This grant will will enable us to further develop these programs and add new outdoor activities to our learning opportunities.

Head of School Annette Fallon expressed her excitement, stating, "As AIM continues to expand our outdoor education programs, we are thrilled to receive this grant, which will give our students even more opportunities to explore the world around them and foster partnerships with organizations in the area. AIM has a strong commitment to offering enriching academics and activities, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this expansion will have as it fosters an environment of learning and growth in our students."

The Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program supports community organizations leading programming and projects #OnTheCircuit along the Circuit Trails, a network of multi-use trails across nine counties in Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.

This grant serves as a testament to AIM's commitment to infusing literacy with outdoor education, allowing students to foster a love for learning and outdoor activities. Jeff Fetterman, AIM’s Coordinator of the Cycling Program, shared his thoughts on the grant, saying, "This grant will allow us to develop another of Sam Ozer's passions by expanding our cycling program and adding a paddling program. Our goal is for our students to have a Pedal and Paddle Outdoor Education Program to access the Schuylkill River Trail and the Schuylkill River during the school day and extend the uniqueness of our academic programming. We also look to share our biking and paddling opportunities with the surrounding community."

The generous grant  is a significant milestone for AIM Academy, and will not only allow us to enhance our existing programs, but also exemplifies our dedication to providing students with enriching academic and outdoor experiences. We are excited about the opportunities this expansion will bring, allowing our fearless learners to explore, learn, and grow in a dynamic and engaging environment.

  • all school news
AIM Receives Circuit Trails Coalition Grant to Expand Outdoor Biking Program