The Opportunity Project
The Oklahoma Aquarium has recently been awarded funds for select TPS sites to visit us on a fully funded field trip through our partners at the Opportunity Project!
The Opportunity Project connects our city’s array of youth-focused programs, services, and curriculum-based efforts, to provide pathways to success for children and youth. Grounded in research that shows learning beyond the classroom improves student success and equips them to reach future goals, The Opportunity Project offers Tulsa’s youth development community the tools and expertise needed to lift up young people in marginalized communities and broaden access to hands-on learning opportunities.
This funding is a part of the Expanded Learning Initiative, which was designed in response to the need for intentional, high-quality, experiential, and equitable learning opportunities for young people in Tulsa Public Schools. Focusing on relationships, engagement, and social and emotional wellbeing, high-quality out-of-school time (OST) learning has been shown to improve academic outcomes, reduce risk-taking behaviors, and mitigate trauma, such as many young people experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While all school groups in need may apply for funding from our Fish Friends Scholarship, groups who belong to the TPS Sites listed below are eligible for funding made possible by the Expanded Learning Initiative.
To apply for any field trip funding at the Oklahoma Aquarium (including funding from the Expanded Learning Initiative), see our Fish Friends Application.
Funding from The Opportunity Project through the Expanded Learning Initiative will provide field trip admission, lunch, and transportation for the following TPS Sites:
- Bell Elementary
- Central High School
- Central Middle School
- Council Oak Elementary
- Daniel Webster High School
- Daniel Webster Middle School
- East Central High School
- East Central Jr. High School
- Eugene Field Elementary
- Greenwood Leadership Academy
- John Hope Franklin Elementary
- Kendall Whittier Elementary
- Lanier Elementary
- MacArthur Elementary
- McClure Elementary
- McLain High School
- Monroe Demonstration Academy
- Nathan Hale High School
- Nathan Hale Jr. High School
- Patrick Henry Elementary
- Robertson Elementary
- Salk Elementary
- Unity Learning Academy
- Walt Whitman Elementary
- Wayman Tisdale
- Will Rogers College High School
- Will Rogers College Middle School
- Additional Schools are coming soon!
Groups applying for funding through the Expanded Learning Initiative will also apply using our Fish Friends Scholarship application.
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION FOR FIELD TRIPS
Any school, youth group, or nonprofit who cannot otherwise afford a field trip to the aquarium is welcome to apply for a field trip funded by a Fish Friends Scholarship. The scholarship will fund admission for all students and required chaperones as well as one educational program (if requested). Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis. Programs are only available on weekdays.*
Group size and chaperone requirements:
- Groups must bring a minimum of 20 students (some exceptions made for public or private schools).
- For Pre-K-2nd grade (3-7 yrs) - 5:1 chaperone ratio required
- For 3rd grade and older (8+ yrs) - 10:1 chaperone ratio required
*Due to COVID-19, we are only able to offer Inside Story!: Behind-the Scenes Tour (7th-12th grade only) at this time.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FIELD TRIP FUNDING
To learn more about field trips at the Oklahoma Aquarium, see here.
For any questions about field trip for funding, contact our education department at education@okaquarium.org.