Environmental field trip transportation funding request
Field trips can provide audiences of all ages a meaningful experience to see environmental processes in-person, learn about sustainability in action, and develop a closer connection with the natural world. To overcome a common barrier to going on field trips, Hennepin County provides bus transportation to schools and organizations to take their groups on environmental field trips.
Buses are provided through a contract Hennepin County has with a bus company. The county cannot reimburse for bus funding arranged through other companies.
Steps to apply for bus funding
1. Decide where you are going
Select a field trip location and activity that aligns well with the age group and interest of your audience and your educational goals. To more easily get approved for funding, select a field trip site and activity from our pre-approved list (PDF). You can go to field trip sites not listed in this document, but you will have to provide more details about the field trip location and activities and how they align with the county’s goals for this program.
2. Schedule your field trip
Work with the selected field trip site to schedule a date and time for your field trip. You must have your field trip scheduled before you apply for bus funding.
3. Plan your pre and post activities
Plan pre and post field trips activities you will do with your group to prepare them for the field trip and reinforce and enhance the learning at the field trip. For ideas, ask your field trip site contact if they have pre or post curriculum or see Hennepin County’s environmental activity guides.
4. Apply for the field trip bus grant
Complete the field trip bus grant application form at least two weeks prior to your scheduled field trip.