WEST CHICAGO –With support from State Senator Karina Villa, three schools in the 25th District will receive funding from the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation.
“Ensuring students have meaningful opportunities to connect with nature and our state’s history is essential for a well-rounded education,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Illinois is home to incredible natural and cultural resources and every student deserves the chance to experience them.”
IDNR awarded more than $101,000 for 108 field trip grants that will allow nearly 7,000 to visit Illinois state parks, natural areas, museums and other natural resources sites. The competitive grant program allows Illinois teachers to apply for funds to cover expenses such as transportation and substitute teachers.
Since 2001, the program has distributed more than $1.7 million, providing more than 146,000 students the opportunity to take part in a field trip. Grant recipients are located throughout Illinois and represent students from pre-kindergarten through high school.
The following schools in Villa’s district received a grant:
- Kenyon Woods Middle School, South Elgin, $1000: Grade 7, Starved Rock State Park
- Vangaurd Gifted Academy, Batavia, $715: Grades K-5, Morton Arboretum Lisle
- West Chicago Community High School, West Chicago, $655.95: Grades 11-12, Urban Stream Research Center, Warrenville
“Our educators work tirelessly to create engaging learning experiences that leave a lasting impact,” said Villa. “This grant program helps remove barriers, giving teachers the support they need to foster students’ learning outside the class room.”
Teachers can apply online by Jan. 31, 2027 for the next round of field trip funding. For more information about the program, contact the IDNR Division of Education by emailing dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov or calling 217-524-4126. View the complete list of grant recipients here.
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