Since its inception in 2000, the School Scholarship Program has provided over 60,000 students and teachers from low-income K-12 schools with free access to the Fleet Science Center.

Current studies of science proficiency in our schools have found a wide gap between the scores of high and low-income students. This holds true at the national, state, and local levels.

As Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch, executive director at the Fleet Science Center, points out, "It is clear that students from low-income communities in San Diego are at a disadvantage when it comes to science education, and this program is one of our most successful efforts addressing this ongoing need."

Field trips arranged through the School Scholarship Program provide school groups with a memorable, crystallizing moment for a year of studying science in the classroom. Whether it is time spent in interactive exhibit galleries, an IMAX film, a planetarium show, a hands-on science workshop, or flying a mock shuttle mission in the Challenger Learning Center, the Fleet Science Center helps students realize that science education is cool, fun, and accessible.

A field trip through the School Scholarship Program may be the first time a San Diego student visits Balboa Park. At the Fleet Science Center the natural enthusiasm for the field trip is transformed into an enthusiasm for scientific exploration.

The Fleet Science Center is only able to offer these services for free as funding allows. All donations made to the School Scholarship Program directly benefit low-income school groups that would not otherwise be able to participate in the Fleet Science Center’s educational services.

Thank you for helping us inspire those who need it most. If you are interested in making a donation to the School Scholarship Program please contact Associate Director of Development, at (619) 685-5749 or.

The School Scholarship Program is open to schools within San Diego County with a 60% or higher student enrollment in the national free and reduced lunch program. There are currently 227 schools in San Diego County that meet these criteria, representing more than 140,000 students.

If you are a teacher from a low-income school site in San Diego County, and are interested in finding out if funding is available for your class, please call (619) 238-1233 ext. 806.