Museum of Science and Industry

About the Program

Please note: Program funding is exhausted for the 2011-12 school year.

The Museum of Science and Industry's Bus Scholarship Program offers field trip busing assistance to economically disadvantaged schools in the Chicago Public Schools system.

The program provides up to two buses per school per year for transportation to and from the Museum of Science and Industry. Only schools where a minimum of 51 percent of the student population qualify for free or reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program may participate.

This program operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding for the year is limited, so apply early! Funding is for buses only and cannot be used for Museum admission, programs or lunches. If you receive funding, it is your responsibility to make or cancel reservations for busing and the field trip. Book your field trip at least four weeks in advance. We recommend visiting in September, October, January or February, which are less crowded.

How to Participate

1. Write a letter on CPS letterhead that includes a statement indicating that a minimum of 51 percent of your school's student population qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program. The letter must be signed by both the school principal and the participating teacher(s).

2. Provide additional documentation that demonstrates the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. This might include a copy of your school's official notification of Title I funding, a printout from the Illinois State Board of Education website, or other official documents. Not sure of your school's TItle I status? Visit www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/eligibility_listings.htm to see if your school is listed.

3. Fax or mail the documents to the Bus Scholarship Program Coordinator at:

Education Department
Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637-2093
Attn: Bus Scholarship Program Coordinator
Fax: (773) 947-3120 or (773) 684-1591

Due to the overwhelming number of applications received, please allow seven to 10 business days for a response to your request. If you have not heard from the Museum after 10 business days, please contact the Bus Scholarship Program Coordinator at (773) 684-9844 ext. 2243 to confirm that your letter was received and to see if you have been awarded funding.

We look forward to seeing you!