Schools can apply now for 2007 field trip grants

Trips afield energize students and create teachable moments.

JEFFERSON CITY-Teachers who want to bring biology classes to life and get students excited can draw on the Missouri Department of Conservation's Field Trip Grant Program to make it happen. Applications are open now for more than $200,000 in grants for field trip transportation.

School budgets always are tight, and transportation costs are a significant obstacle to teachers who want to offer off-site learning opportunities for their classes. The Field Trip Grant Program is aimed at removing that roadblock to learning.

Educators in all Missouri elementary and secondary schools-including public, private, parochial and home schools-may apply for grants under the program. The Conservation Department reimburses travel expenses of up to $700 per application, with a $1,400 annual limit per group or school. To be eligible, field trips must take place after award notification and before May 25, 2007. Trips cannot exceed 100 miles one way, and they must take students to fish, wildlife or habitat-related sites in Missouri. Field trips also have to address specific goals connected to classroom instruction. The per-student cost of transportation cannot exceed $7 per student, and at least 20 students must participate.

Field trip grants provide reimbursement for actual travel expenses. Schools that receive grant approval will submit transportation receipts and narratives describing the trip accomplishments and benefits. Documentation must be received by the Conservation Department within 15 business days after the field trip is taken or by June 4, whichever is earlier.

Field trip sites eligible for grants include, but are not limited to:
* Conservation Department nature centers and interpretive centers.
* Conservation Department shooting ranges or outdoor education centers.
* Conservation areas or natural areas.
* Fish hatcheries.
* State parks.
* National wildlife refuges or national forests.
* City or county parks.
* Sites that contribute to the understanding of fish, wildlife and habitat.

So far this school year, 183 schools have been approved for field trip funding totaling $59,689. Nearly 16,000 students already are scheduled to take field trips under the program this school year. Remaining funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Further information is available by online at www.mdc.mo.gov/teacher/, or by contacting Nichole Baumhoer, Nichole.Baumhoer@mdc.mo.gov, (573) 522-4115 ext. 3807.

-Jim Low-