Expanding Equitable Field Trip Access for K-12 Students

$18,381
Donated
367% of $5,000 goal
74
Donors
This campaign ended on December 03, 2024, but you can still make a gift to University of Michigan by clicking here!
About

At Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA), we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to connect with nature, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Our mission inspires us to weave equity, justice, and sustainability into every facet of our educational initiatives. This Giving Tuesday, we are focusing on "Expanding Equitable Field Trip Access for K-12 Students" with a special emphasis on supporting students from regional Title I schools.

Nearly 40% of the 4,000 K-12 students that MBGNA hosts annually come from Title I schools, where financial constraints often limit extracurricular learning opportunities. We recognize that transportation and associated costs are major barriers preventing these students from experiencing the transformative power of nature-based education. On average, the transportation cost alone (between $350-600 per bus) can make field trips unattainable for many schools. By covering all transportation and associated program costs, we eliminate these barriers to ensure more students from Title I schools can visit and learn at MBGNA.

Our field trips are not just about seeing plants and animals; they are immersive experiences that encourage students to navigate new spaces, gain invaluable knowledge, and build relationships with the natural world. These visits help children develop problem-solving skills and a sense of agency in an increasingly complex world.

Join us this Giving Tuesday in making nature accessible to all students. Your support will help us reduce barriers, create equitable opportunities, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Program Impact

Donor Affiliations
Gradhat icon42%Alumni
Suitcase icon18%Faculty/Staff
Friends icon14%Friends
Parent icon3%Parents
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