A new $1 million pilot project will provide North Carolina public school students with access to field trips.
Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper and State Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) Secretary Reid Wilson announced the “Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund” which will give funding for field trips to more than 100 DNCR locations around the state. These sites include state parks, historic sites, museums, aquariums, and the zoo.
According to WRAL, the pilot is made possible by funding from the state and is managed by DNCR in partnership with PBS North Carolina.
“Hands-on learning through field trips is an important part of children’s education but not all schoolchildren have the opportunity to experience them,” stated Governor Cooper. “This program will help ensure that public school students have the opportunity to take field trips regardless of barriers like cost or location.”
Funding is available to any K-12 public school in the state, with priority given to schools with a higher percentage of lower-income students. Public schools that visit the DNCR sites will be offered reimbursements.
“DNCR has more than 100 locations across the state where students can engage with science, history, art, and nature,” stated Wilson. “Through this fund, we will be able to help even more students venture outside the classroom and visit these special places that will captivate their interest and curiosity and also connect them to what it means to live in and love North Carolina.”
In response to Hurricane Helene, a portion of the funds will be reserved for western North Carolina schools to ensure they receive equal opportunities for field trip funding, WRAL reports.
“The goals are for every child to understand our state’s history, arts and culture; how science works; the importance of getting outdoors in nature; and the value of reading,” said Wilson in a statement. “This happens in many ways—through field trips, visits to schools, teacher training, and extensive online content.”
Applications for the fund are now open. Schools can view the form here.
