DYERSVILLE, Iowa (KCRG) – The Field of Dreams is receiving a $500,000 grant from Google.org to support educational and team-building programs for youth, the nonprofit Dyersville Events announced Thursday.

“This grant will support youth across the state who typically do not have access to this high-caliber enrichment program,” said John Sutter, Travel Dubuque vice president of Field of Dreams operations.

The Field of Dreams hosts around 500 youth teams and several team building camps each year.

The nonprofit said it plans to expand the site’s offerings to include the following:

• Communication and confidence skills building camps
• Teamwork and leadership coaching
• Mentoring experiences with ghost players
• Fantasy and Athletic Skills Camps with Former Major League Baseball Players
• Interactive historical and hands-on tours highlighting Iowa history

“The Field of Dreams is an iconic and magical place that is quintessentially Iowa,” said Dan Harbeke, regional manager of external affairs and public policy at Google. “Google believes it is essential to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible, which also applies to making dreams seem equally accessible to all Iowans. We are proud to help more young Iowans have the opportunity to participate in innovative on-site programs, be inspired to dream big dreams, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said the Field of Dreams project is a case study in what communities can accomplish through locally anchored public-private partnerships.

“Now the Google grant will help the Dyersville team significantly expand its education offerings for youth and bring this iconic Iowa landmark to even more people,” Reynolds said.

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