In just four years, the donor-funded Field Trip Scholarship Program has grown exponentially—from serving just one school district, to an entire county. We set our goal to reach every eligible school in Pierce County, and we are excited to open it up this coming school year as we continue to raise funds to support this effort. In the 2026-27 school year, 17 school districts and Washington State Tribal Education Compact Schools now have the opportunity to apply.

These scholarships give underserved children in our community the chance to connect with nature at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. “We often Google images of animals in class so students can connect names to photos, so seeing them in person is a really special experience for them to have,” said a first grade teacher after a visit to the zoo on a field trip scholarship. “I only have a handful of students who have opportunities to go to the zoo with their families outside of school field trips, so this is very special for us.”

In the 2025-26 school year, more than 8,000 students (396 classrooms) visited Point Defiance Zoo on either a full or partial scholarship. For many, this was their first time experiencing the zoo—allowing them to see animals up-close and learn about the natural world.

For qualifying schools, full scholarships cover the cost of admission for teachers, students, and chaperones, plus reimbursing their transportation expenses—the largest barrier for many of these schools. Thank you to our generous donors who make this experience possible for so many students in our community.