Airline is the first in industry to provide ground transportation assistance for school field trips
TEMPE, Ariz. — US Airways /quotes/zigman/390962/quotes/nls/lcc LCC +7.79% is proud to announce details of a unique education program, the Field Trip FUNd, which awards $500 grants to Title I public schools in the airline’s hubs and focus cities of Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. The US Airways Field Trip FUNd will absorb the ground transportation costs for educational field trips, providing the opportunity to enrich and extend classroom studies.
Almost half of superintendents surveyed by the American Association of School Administrators in 2008 said they were reducing field trips due to budget cuts and rising energy, fuel and ground transportation costs. Julie Coleman, US Airways director of community relations, said, “We want to help schools in need by alleviating the burden of some of these costs.” Through the US Airways Field Trip FUNd, students can ‘take off’ on a new educational adventure, whether that’s taking a bus to hear the opera, visiting a zoo or walking in the footsteps of our ancestors at historical sites.
“Countless schools have told us that even when we waive our nominal fees, they can no longer afford the bus rental to get to our facility,” said Gwen Borowsky, CEO, National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia.
“We have witnessed the transformative impact our life skills curriculum has on at-risk youth. US Airways’ new Field Trip FUNd will enable us to reach more children who urgently need our support,” Borowsky added.
The grants may be applied for by teachers, school administrators, club advisors and parent volunteers located within the geographic parameters of the airline’s three hubs and focus city. The schools that apply must have a minimum 70 percent Title I student population (students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals as determined by the State Board of Education). Preference will be given to schools in which children of US Airways employees are students.
A $500 grant will be awarded directly to schools to be utilized for field trip ground transportation needs such as buses or gas. Applications are now available and must be submitted by Oct. 1. For more information, to see more application dates or to apply for a grant, visit www.usairways.com/corporategiving . Grants will be awarded based on educational goals, adherence to state educational standards, curriculum and projected outcomes.
