Prairie State Wire

More than 350 students from fourth to eighth grade in Illinois will have the opportunity to visit state historic sites during this school year, thanks to grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The State Historic Sites Field Trip Grant program has allocated over $4,376 in donated funds for 12 field trip grants across six counties.

"This program allows students to visit state historic sites throughout the state to see first-hand what they've been learning about in the classroom and to visit a place where notable historic events happened," said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. "Students need the opportunity to experience Illinois' historical resources in person. We're pleased to be able to enhance classroom learning with these grants."

The recipients include schools from Cook County such as St. Frances of Rome School and Hamlin Upper Grade Center; Villa Grove School District CUSD 302 from Douglas County; Evergreen Elementary School from DuPage County; Coolidge Junior High School from Madison County; Peoria Academy from Peoria County; and Jonesboro Elementary School from Union County.

The funding is made possible by private donations directed towards IDNR state historic sites. This grant program began in the 2020-2021 school year, offering competitive opportunities for teachers in Illinois to apply for funds that support educational trips directly linked with their curriculum. These funds cover transportation costs.

For further details on how schools can participate or contribute, interested parties can contact the IDNR Division of Education via email at dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov or by phone at 217-524-4126. The application form for the next school year will be available online by summer 2025.