The Potawatomi Zoo has opened the application process for its 2019 Educational Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is a donor-funded program that provides scholarships for admission and transportation costs for under-served and low-income school age children in the Michiana community who may not otherwise be able to attend the Zoo. The Zoo’s goal is to fund 20% of its annual field trip attendance with scholarship awards in 2019. In 2017 and 2018, about 17% of field trips were covered by EAP funds.
“Reaching out to children through education is an integral part of all Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited programs and facilities, including the Potawatomi Zoo,” says Margie Anella, director of development at the Potawatomi Zoo. “We are so grateful to our donors both past and present for their help in connecting young minds to nature.”
The 2019 season EAP donors are The Pokagon Fund, PNC Bank, Kerry’s Kids, and Enterprise Holdings.
“The Pokagon Fund believes that field trips provide children with experiential learning, which is different than traditional classroom-based learning,” says Janet Cocciarelli, director of the Pokagon Fund. “It’s an opportunity to socially and physically interact with cultural institutions and to experience new environments. The Pokagon Fund is grateful to continue supporting visits to our local assets including the Potawatomi Zoo.”
Early childhood development programs and schools throughout St. Joseph County, Elkhart County, and surrounding areas serving children ages 3-14 can apply for field trip funding by filling out a two-page application and submitting it to the Potawatomi Zoological Society. Program requirements must be met for approval of funds. Applications are reviewed as received and qualified applicants will be accepted until all available funds are allocated. The program will close upon funding depletion.
For details and to download the application, please visit www.potawatomizoo.org/plan-your-trip/field-trips.
