PassPORTS Blended-Access Field Trips
PassPORTS is now full!
Thank you for your interest! Our funding has now all been allocated. Approved teachers will be receiving an email by September 27th.
What is Blended Access?
1. Engage virtually
2. In-Person Experience
3. Reflect & Create
Field-trip funding $$$
If you teach at a Title I Public School, you qualify for reimbursements toward your field trip costs, including transportation! Funding is limited so submit your request early.
Funding for the PassPORTS program is made possible through our partners, Parks CA and CUE.
Apply today for a funded field trip!
- Explore participating parks
- See which parks near you offer PassPORTS programs
- If the calendar for your park is available, you can schedule your virtual and/or in-person dates in advance.
- Submit a request (Form will be available 12:00pm September 3rd, 2024)
- Submit an interest form and provide details about your school, preferred park, and students
- Provide information about your Title I status and financial needs.
- Secure your funding
- Once your request is approved, a coordinator will reach out with a checklist for securing your funding. This will include steps to complete before and after the date of your field trip.
PassPORTS FAQ
What is blended-access?
Blended-access combines both digital and in-person experiences to provide deeper sequential learning. In the context of the PassPORTS program, blended-access usually consists of a live virtual connection to the park prior to an in-person field trip, but could also include other digital pre- or post- field trip engagement tools such as videos, VR/AR, and Project Based Learning.
How do I qualify for funding?
Field trip funding is available to all Title I public schools. If your school is not a Title I public school, but has significant socioeconomic or institutional barriers, you are still encouraged to apply and provide more details about your financial need. Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
How much does the PassPORTS grant cover?
The PassPORTS grant covers up to $1000 of field trip costs through our reimbursement process. The final grant amount is calculated based on the receipts and invoices received. If you are coordinating for large groups under the same grant (multiple classes, full grade levels, etc) the maximum amount may be increased.
What types of expenses can be reimbursed?
Reimbursement covers field trip related expenses including transportation, substitute teachers, program fees, administrative fees, field trip supplies and project materials. If you are unsure whether a certain expense can be reimbursed, the program coordinator can discuss this with you during your consultation.
How do I schedule my virtual and in-person programming?
When your request is approved, a program coordinator will contact you to schedule a brief 20 minute virtual consultation. During this consultation, the coordinator will help you schedule your virtual and in-person appointments and answer any questions about the funding process. Please note that virtual and in-person availability depends on the park. Some parks will have their programs available for booking directly on the website, in which case you may choose to schedule your field trip prior to receiving approval for your grant.
What if my desired park is not listed under the participating PassPORTS parks list?
If you have a park in mind that is not currently participating in the PassPORTS program, please write it into the form. We will do our best to accommodate a custom program, depending on the capacity of the park staff. It is best to include at least one option from the PassPORTS participating park list as a backup.
Does PassPORTS provide transportation services?
No. PassPORTS funding provides reimbursements for transportation costs, but the school is responsible for arranging and paying for transportation.
If I don’t need funding, can I still participate in a blended-access program?
Absolutely! Blended-access is an excellent way to connect multiple learning experiences. Even if you don’t need funding, you can still pair your in-person field trip with a virtual program to improve the experience for your students. Use the PORTSfinder to explore and customize your blended-access program, or schedule a consultation for recommendations from our program coordinator.
Can more than one class participate?
Yes! Maximum student capacity varies per individual park sites, but multiple classes can be included in the same grant.
Questions? Contact kara.lu@parks.ca.gov!
Want to find more PassPORTS Programs? Search the PORTSfinder!