Transportation Fund

Experiencing the Natural World

Field trips enrich the lives of our students, but the sad reality is that the cost of bus transportation severely restricts most schools from providing field study programs. This is especially true for schools in lower income communities. Whereas affluent schools almost always have a parent association raising funds, in low-income schools this is often not the case. Thus it is that low-income youth have little to no access to enriching outdoor education experiences.  The Transportation Fund provides bus subsidies to low-income classrooms throughout the bay area so that our local youth can experience nature preserves, science museums, and field study excursions.

"Our fieldtrip to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve was very beautiful and educational. We saw tide pool creatures such as: starfish, sea anemones, sea urchins, harbor seals, and sunstar fish. What an amazing day! I would like to thank my teachers, parents, and docents. I never knew that there were so many tide pool creatures."
-- Your friend, Jack (3rd grade)

Exposure to nature benefits children academically. In a national study, at-risk youth experienced a 27% increase in the measured mastery of science concepts, enhanced cooperation and conflict-resolution skills, gains in self-esteem, increased motivation to learn and convern for conservation, all after receiving nature-based education.
-- American Institute for Research, 2005

"This year, the fifth grade team at my school got a scholarship from the Transportation Fund to cover the cost of travel for our students’ trip to Science Camp in Saratoga.  This funding was integral to making our students’ trip a reality. Because we get no district support in paying for this field trip (which costs our students and school over $20,000), the grant from the Transportation Fund allowed us to redirect money that would have gone towards busing to student scholarships. Essentially, this grant allowed us to give full or substantial scholarships to at least 5 students.  Given that more than 90% of our students come from families that qualify for free or reduced price lunches, such financial aid is beyond invaluable. It is wonderful that the Transportation Fund exists to support and empower low-income students and schools, and everyone in our school community hopes that such funding continues to be available in the future."
-- 5th Grade Teacher, Scott Lane Elementary

"Field trips are a huge factor in student engagement in learning.  They allow students to see and experience things they might not otherwise experience.  It creates a common experience for students to bond and develop community within a classroom.  The gifts of field trips are not measured in a single day, they continue to give back during an entire school year.  Without transportation grants, we simply couldn't afford the field trips we take.  Our students would miss out on a huge opportunity!"
-- 3rd Grade Teacher, Castro Elementary

"Through the generous grant from the Transportation Fund, our entire 5th grade cohort was able to take a field trip to the Sunol Ag Park. They spent the day learning about where food comes from and what plants and animals need to grow. It was a wonderful experience for the students to see how the food they eat everyday is cultivated locally. Additionally, our students come from the inner city and the opportunity to spend the day outside on a farm while learning science was a great experience."
-- 5th Grade Teacher, Bridges Academy

"I wanted to say "thank you" for the transportation stipend.  Without the stipend, our students would not have the opportunity to learn about composting, planting and harvesting from Heal Farm.  With the rising cost of bus transportation, our students would have to pay $16.00 each to pay for the bus.  This would not be feasible because we are a Title 1 school where 60% of our students are on free and reduced lunches.  Thank you for this wonderful opportunity."
-- 1st Grade Teacher, Sunnybrae School