Title I Field Trip Grants

Opening Doors to Discovery

At Texas Science & Natural History Museum, nestled in the north side of The University of Texas at Austin campus, something extraordinary is happening. Thanks to generous grants, the museum has welcomed a growing number of Title I schools—offering students the chance to experience the wonders of science, natural history and higher education.

Through a dedicated Title I field trip grant program, the museum is removing financial barriers and opening its doors to students who might otherwise never have the opportunity to visit. These field trips are more than just a day away from the classroom—they are immersive, TEKS-aligned educational experiences that spark curiosity, deepen understanding and inspire future dreams.

Thanks to philanthropic support, the museum awarded grants during the 2024–25 school year to 37 schools across 13 districts. This funding covered museum admission, transportation, and educational materials for over 3,000 students and more than 400 educators and chaperones across 40 field trips.

“Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity for this museum visit. It was so exciting for our littlest learners to be able to have this experience, something they may not have been able to do otherwise. They had so much fun!”

For many students, the museum’s exhibits—ranging from ancient fossils to Texas wildlife—bring classroom lessons to life in unforgettable ways.

“We just concluded our unit on fossils, so students were extremely excited to see that the museum had so many to look at!”

And for some, the experience is truly a first.

“Wow, I have never been to a museum before,” has become a constant and humbling refrain from our young visitors—reminding us of the importance of access and opportunity.

But the impact goes far beyond academics. Stepping onto a college campus can be a transformative experience. The museum’s location at UT Austin gives young visitors a glimpse into a future they may not have imagined for themselves.

“For some students, it was exciting just to be on the UT campus and feel what it might be like to be a student there. I believe this experience will inspire them to continue to pursue higher education.”

“Several students mentioned that they would like to attend UT in their future!”

Educators have shared how smoothly the museum staff handled every detail—from orientation to lunch logistics—making the experience stress-free and enjoyable for all.

“Everyone I interacted with during this whole process was professional, knowledgeable, accommodating, and kind, which made planning my first ever field trip with a whole grade level surprisingly easy.”

These visits are often the highlight of the school year. In some cases, they are the only field trip students experience all year.

“With tight budgets, many schools are not able to go on field trips.”

Thanks to the support of corporate and private donors, the museum is not only enriching education—it’s expanding horizons and planting seeds of possibility. Every grant awarded, every bus funded, every exhibit explored and every question asked is a step toward discovery and a more inspired future.

“To the foundations that make these grant opportunities possible, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your dedication to supporting educational innovation and community development empowers educators, students and organizations to reach their full potential.”

Looking ahead, the museum is expanding this grant program to reach even more schools and districts. Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, students visiting through the Title I grant program will receive their own museum journal—a place to capture observations, questions and curiosities sparked during their visit. Each page will be a doorway to deeper learning and discovery.

Thanks to the donors, supporters and champions of the Title I grant program, students are not only learning about the world around them, they are beginning to see their place in it.

Are you a Title I educator? Reserve your free field trip today!