The Save Ellis Island Student Access Initiative
Class trips are often among the most memorable moments in a student’s education. They build community, inspire curiosity, and bring classroom lessons to life through shared discovery and hands-on learning. At Save Ellis Island, we believe every student should have access to these enriching experiences, regardless of background or financial barriers. That belief has long been championed by our President, Janis DeLuce Calella, whose vision and dedication inspired this initiative.
The Save Ellis Island Student Access Initiative was founded to provide fully supported educational visits for students in underserved communities across New Jersey and New York City. Each year, one participating school will be selected for the fall semester and one for the spring semester. Now entering its second year, the initiative is expanding to include eligible schools in New York City’s five boroughs, further advancing Save Ellis Island’s commitment to increasing access to meaningful educational and cultural experiences.
These immersive visits invite students to explore the historic Ellis Island Hospital on the island’s lesser-known south side through guided tours, storytelling, arts enrichment, and place-based learning. Students engage with themes of immigration, public health, resilience, and American identity while experiencing history in a powerful and personal way. By connecting students directly to this nationally significant site, the initiative encourages exploration, reflection, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the diverse stories that shaped our nation.
STUDENT ACCESS INITIATIVE CRITERIA
Save Ellis Island is committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities for students who may otherwise have limited access to cultural and historical enrichment programs. The following criteria help ensure the initiative reaches the communities that will benefit most.
ELIGIBILITY
The initiative is open to public, charter, and nonprofit private schools in New Jersey and New York City’s five boroughs for students in grades 4–12.
Priority consideration will be given to schools that:
- Are designated as Title I
- Serve a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students
- Demonstrate limited access to field trip funding or enrichment opportunities
ONE APPLICATION PER SCHOOL
Each school may submit one application per academic year. Multiple applications from the same school will not be considered.
GROUP SIZE
Each visit is designed for approximately 25–35 students, accompanied by 3–5 chaperones. Due to the program and the nature of the site experience, entire grade levels or large multi-class groups cannot be accommodated.
TRANSPORTATION AND PROGRAM COSTS
The initiative provides a free, all-inclusive educational experience, including:
- Guided Ellis Island Hospital Tour
- Ferry transportation to and from Ellis Island
- Educational and arts enrichment program
- Lunch for participating students and chaperones
- Additional educational materials, when applicable
Transportation assistance to and from the ferry departure location may also be available based on school location and demonstrated need.
COMMITMENT TO ENGAGEMENT
Selected schools should demonstrate how visits connect to classroom learning and student enrichment. Participating classes will be asked to complete a post-visit reflection, creative response, or related curriculum activity. Participating schools may also be featured in program photography, videos, educational materials, or press outreach highlighting the initiative and student experiences.
SELECTION PROCESS
Participating schools will be selected through a lottery process, with priority consideration given to schools meeting one or more of the criteria listed above.
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are due by August 1, 2026. Selected schools for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 trips will be announced on August 14, 2026.
The Save Ellis Island Student Access Initiative Application
Our goal is to raise $20,000 by this Fall to double the number of field trips we can offer!
Each field trip gives up to 35 students in grades 4–12 the opportunity to explore these momentous halls and experience our cultural history firsthand. With your help, we can double the impact!
- $150 donation will sponsor one student
- $5,000 donation will sponsor an entire field trip
Your gift, at any level, will help us reach our goal and bring this unique educational experience to as many children as possible this Fall.
