Abbott Elementary star and creator Quinta Brunson has launched a new initiative that allows thousands of Philly students to expand their learning and creativity beyond the classroom.
Why did Quinta Brunson launch the Quinta Brunson Field Trip Fund?
Throughout its five seasons, Brunson’s character, Janine Teagues, on the hit ABC series Abbott Elementary, has shown her love for teaching and students. Now, the Philadelphia native is taking her appreciation for teachers to another level with the Quinta Brunson Field Trip Fund, which she launched on Giving Tuesday, according to a news release.
Brunson, who’s a former Philadelphia school district student, recalled how much she enjoyed school trips and how they enriched her academic experiences.
“Field trips were some of the most memorable parts of my own education growing up in Philadelphia,” Quinta Brunson said in a news release statement. “They opened my world, sparked my creativity, and helped me imagine a future beyond what I saw every day. Going somewhere new shows you that the world is bigger and more exciting than you believe, and it can shape what you come to see as achievable. I’m proud to support Philadelphia students with experiences that remind them their dreams are valid and their futures are bright.”
Quinta Brunson’s fund will provide free school trips to over 117,000 Philly students
This opportunity allows “students from underserved communities increased access to out-of-classroom experiences.” They will have the chance to explore nearly 200 museums and national landmarks, as well as over 100 parks, discovery centers, and venues, according to the news release.
The school trips are fully funded by donations made through the website. Donors can share a bit about themselves and contribute one-time gifts of $25, $50, $100 or $250, as well as monthly donations of $15 to $75, or any amount they choose.
District teachers and administrators can apply for field trip funding through a brief application, which is reviewed by an independent team of educators. Grants are awarded twice a year, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The impact of school field trips on students
Kathryn Epps, president and CEO of the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of students having these experiences outside the classroom.
“We are honored to partner with Quinta to expand these experiences for children in Philadelphia’s public schools, helping them to envision and realize any future they desire,” Epps told the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Tony B. Watlington Sr., the superintendent of the Philadelphia School District, said partnering with Brunson will support both the students and the district.
“We want our students to venture out and bridge what they’re learning in the classroom to engaging, real-world learning experiences,” Watlington said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “This commitment to equitably expanding opportunities for students to have experiences outside of their classroom will help accelerate student achievement and we are becoming the fastest improving, large urban school district in the nation.”