Program provides a growing number of students with free access to Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is celebrating the back-to-school season by welcoming its newest educational supporters – Imperial Oil Foundation, Kraft Canada and the Slaight family – who have generously contributed to the ROM School Visits Bursary Program. Established five years ago, the ROM School Visits Bursary Program offers students from various disadvantaged communities within the Toronto District School Board the opportunity to visit the Museum and participate in an educational program free of charge.
“It is a pleasure to support this dynamic educational program offering underprivileged students the opportunity for an enriching experience at the ROM,” said Ms. Ada Slaight, a long-time supporter of the ROM who has contributed the largest gift ever received towards the ROM’s School Visits Bursary Program. “Imperial Oil has a long history of supporting education and community initiatives,” said Monica Samper, President, Imperial Oil Foundation. “We believe that learning is a lot more fun and enjoyable when you get a chance to see and touch things that you wouldn’t be able to in a classroom or a textbook. Our funding makes sure that students who want to see the ROM are able to come and experience all the amazing and wonderful things you can see here.”
Already more than 30,000 students and educators have been given free access to the ROM since 2004. With growing support from donors and sponsors, it is our goal to welcome 17,550 school bursary visits in the 2009-2010 school year. “We are very thankful for the generous support of these corporations and individuals and look forward to welcoming thousands of students who may otherwise be unable to visit the ROM in the school year ahead,” said Julian Kingston, Head of Education & Programs at the ROM.
Working closely with ROM staff, the Toronto District School Board identifies schools that would benefit from one of the ROM’s diverse educational programs at no cost. The School Visits Bursary Program includes admission, tours of the galleries and interactive activities that correspond to the school’s curriculum. Students also enjoy access to the Museum’s 30,000 square-foot Learning Centre that is used for workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on creative experiences.
One of Canada’s largest extra-curricular educators, the ROM offers a diverse School Visits Program aimed at enhancing the understanding and appreciation of natural history and world cultures through creative and interactive activities. The ROM welcomes more than 150,000 students each year from more than 3,000 schools locally, nationally and internationally. During weekdays, up to 2,000 students from elementary schools, high schools and post-secondary institutions visit the Museum. To learn more about the ROM School Visits Program, please visit www.rom.on.ca/schools.