Eastern State Penitentiary offers scholarships to reimburse the costs of transportation (up to $400) for qualifying K - 12 schools in the Philadelphia area. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarships reimburse bus or public transportation costs up to $400. Funds are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis through December 2025.
Self-guided group visits for Philadelphia public and charter schools are always free.
Eligibility Guidelines:
- Title I school in the Philadelphia area
- K - 12 school
- Schools within the School District of Philadelphia are given priority
Reimbursement Guidelines:
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site will reimburse by check or electronic payment. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site will not pay the bus company or public transportation provider directly.
Your school must handle all transportation logistics. These logistics include:
For buses: contacting a bus company, scheduling a bus, and/or communicating to the bus company the pick-up and drop-off times and locations.
For public transit: planning route, deciding mode of transportation, and ticket purchasing. For more information regarding SEPTA, visit their website.
In order for your school to be reimbursed, a copy of the paid in full bus invoice or public transit receipt and a completed W-9 must be presented upon arrival or emailed by December 31, 2025.
If the school cancels the field trip and fails to cancel the transportation arrangement, the school will be responsible for any transportation cancellation fees/penalties or the cost of the transportation.
For questions or more information please reach out to [email protected].
How to Apply:
Applications must be received at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled visit. Failure to submit the application in advance will disqualify the school from participating in the program. APPLY HERE.
