Cincinnati Non-Profit Steps In to Save School Field Trips Amid Budget Cuts
CINCINNATI — As Ohio schools grapple with rising costs and shrinking budgets, extracurricular activities like field trips and arts programs are often the first to go. But one Cincinnati-based non-profit, ArtsWave, is on a mission to keep these enriching experiences alive for students.
The Academy of World Languages in Cincinnati recently sent its choir on a field trip, and the students returned buzzing with excitement. For educators like Suzanne Nall, an art teacher and Fine Arts Curriculum Chair, these trips are more than just a break from the classroom—they’re a vital part of learning.
“When students go on these experiential field trips, they come back with a deeper understanding that the arts aren’t just a hobby,” Nall said. “They see that creativity can be a career, a passion, and a way to connect with the world.”
From museum visits to theater performances and concerts, arts field trips offer students a hands-on way to engage with culture and history. Yet, for many schools, these opportunities are becoming increasingly rare. Rising transportation costs and budget constraints have forced districts to scale back, leaving some students without access to these transformative experiences.
According to ArtsWave Vice President of Community Investments Ray Gargano, only about half of U.S. schools currently offer arts education field trips—a number that has been steadily declining.
“We’ve seen these opportunities shrink over the years, and it’s a real loss for students,” Gargano said. “These trips aren’t just fun—they’re a critical part of education.”
A Lifeline for Arts Education
To combat this trend, ArtsWave has launched an initiative to fund arts field trips for students in the Cincinnati area. The program focuses on sixth graders and younger, covering the costs of trips to museums, theaters, and other cultural venues.
Gargano explained that while field trips may seem costly at first glance, the investment per student is relatively modest. “It takes about $20 per student to make a field trip happen,” he said. “When you consider the impact that experience can have, it’s well worth the cost.”
ArtsWave is also matching donations to amplify its efforts, ensuring that even more students can participate. The organization believes these trips can inspire future careers, broaden perspectives, and provide students with memories that last a lifetime.
Why Field Trips Matter
For educators, the value of field trips extends far beyond the classroom. They provide students with a chance to explore new environments, engage with diverse cultures, and see firsthand how the arts can shape society.
“You can learn something sitting at a desk, but actually experiencing it—that’s something completely different,” Nall said. “Field trips give students a chance to connect with what they’re learning in a way that’s meaningful and memorable.”
ArtsWave’s initiative is already making a difference. Students who participate return to school with a renewed sense of curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the arts. For many, these experiences serve as a gateway to new interests and potential career paths.
As schools continue to face financial challenges, organizations like ArtsWave are stepping up to ensure that students don’t miss out on these enriching opportunities. By investing in arts education, they’re helping to cultivate the next generation of artists, thinkers, and leaders.
— Reported by Nexio News
