Bus Scholarship Program

Bus scholarships are available to bring K-12 students to the park for educational programs

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In collaboration with park partners, the C&O Canal National Historical Park offers a bus scholarship program to ensure all students have an opportunity to explore and learn about the park. If you're a teacher planning a visit to the C&O Canal and are in need of bus funding, please consider requesting information about applying to the bus scholarship program along with your field trip reservation by contacting [e-mail]. Funding varies per school year and is first come, first serve. Your bus scholarship application must be received at least 2 weeks prior to your class' field trip. Confirmation of your application will be confirmed within one week of submitting the application request to the park.

In addition to the application, teachers must submit an invoice or receipt for the transportation costs incurred to bring students to the park. This can be an invoice from a private bus charter company, a letter from your school district's transportation office, or a letter from your school office. If approved for bus funding, reimbursement checks will be mailed within 30 days following the field trip and only upon receipt of all required paperwork (i.e. bus scholarship request documentation, invoice for total transportation costs).

Eligibility

• Public, private, and charter schools.
• K-12 students only.
• Field trips must take place within the boundary of the C&O Canal National Historical Park and students must participate in Canal Classrooms or Bridging the Watershed (BTW) programs. Independent Teacher-led field trips are not eligible for funding.
• Schools will be required to complete pre/post visit activities to receive funding.
• Schools are encouraged to send a thank you letter to the park's partner organization (more details provided upon confirmation of funding).
• Funding is prioritized for Title I schools.
• Classes are eligible for reimbursement once per school year.