The Save Ellis Island NJ Field Trip Fund
Class trips are often among the most memorable experiences of a student’s time in school. They foster connections among classmates while providing valuable hands-on learning beyond the classroom.
At Save Ellis Island, we believe these opportunities should be available to all students, regardless of their background. Thanks to the generous support of our Board Chair, Cathy Burke, we are proud to launch the Save Ellis Island NJ Field Trip Fund—a new initiative that makes these experiences more accessible. Each year, the Fund will provide two fully funded field trips—one in the fall and one in the spring—to schools in underserved communities across New Jersey.
These trips will provide students with the opportunity to explore the rich history of hospitals on Ellis Island’s south side and deepen their understanding of immigration, public health, and American heritage.
Save Ellis Island NJ Field Trip Fund Criteria
Save Ellis Island is committed to providing meaningful learning opportunities for students who may otherwise have limited access to cultural and historical sites. To ensure our Field Trip Fund supports the communities that will benefit most, the following criteria apply:
Eligibility
All public, charter, and nonprofit private schools serving pre-K through 12th grade in New Jersey are eligible to apply.
Focus on Underserved Communities
Priority will be given to schools that:
- Are designated as Title I
- Serve a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunch
- Have limited access to field trip funding or extracurricular programming
One Application Per School
Each school may submit one application per academic year. Multiple applications from the same school will not be considered.
Group Size
Trips can accommodate a class or grade-level group of approximately 25–50 students, plus chaperones.
Transportation
While the Field Trip Fund covers the cost of the tour and educational programming, schools are encouraged to indicate if they require assistance with transportation, which may be available on a case-by-case basis.
Commitment to Engagement
Selected schools will need demonstrate how the field trip connects to classroom learning with a post-visit reflection or related curriculum activity. Selected schools may be featured in photos, videos, and press releases.
Selection
Schools will be selected through a weighted lottery system, with priority given to those that meet one or more of the underserved criteria. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year must be submitted by August 1, 2025. The selected schools for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 field trips will be announced on August 15, 2025.
