SAN DIEGO — It's been a record-breaking year for sending underserved students to Balboa Park. In this Zevely Zone, I met the group called Patrons of the Prado.
Over the past year, a record-breaking 47,484 children have explored the treasures of Balboa Park through Bucks4Buses grants. The money is made possible by Patrons of the Prado and their generous sponsors.
"Good morning," said members of Patrons of the Prado as children from Hedenkamp Elementary exited three school busses. From October 2022 through September 2023, 47,484 schoolchildren were sent to Balboa Park with a $140,000 grant from Patrons of the Prado at cost of only $2.95 per child.
"A lot of times I think people talk about underserved students from the perspective of the students. Let's talk about it a little bit from the perspective of the community," said Mwenda KudumuBiggs.
"When we allow all voices to be a part of science, when we allow everyone to be connected to be power of science it's going to change science," said Mwenda who is the Vice President of Community Service and Engagement, Fleet Science Center.
83.5% of the children came from Title I schools. Since B4B was launched in 2012, 356,484 San Diego schoolchildren have been sponsored by Patrons of the Prado to explore the arts, culture, science, historical archives and to attend live theatre in Balboa Park.
I asked a nine-year-old student named Damian about his passion for chemistry and how he knew so early in life he wanted to be a scientist. "Because I love science," said Damian. Another student, Sienna Webb wants to be an actor and Balboa Park offers many acting opportunities."It's amazing, it's like the best place I've ever been to," said Sienna.
"I came to the park as a child and I remember it being very important to me and it was not nearly as fun as it is now," said Patron of the Prado member Susan Davey. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the children of San Diego to come to the park and see what they could be. As we always say if you have not seen it, you do not know what you can be."
"The goal really is to connect more people to the power of science," said David Laurenvil, Director of Education and Community Partnerships, Fleet Science Center. He spoke about how a student's face lights up when they arrive at Balboa Park. "Oh, my goodness, when we start with the orientation and you cannot silence them because they are so excited, they come off the bus, all you hear is kids excited about what they are going to be doing for the day," said David.
"We are very excited," said Patrons of the Prado member Julie Cowan Novak about the record-breaking year. "47,484 children came to the park that is a cost of 2.95 per child that's quite a bargain," said Julie. Afterall, kindness and culture should be open to everyone.
With a gift of $400, you, your family, or your organization can support a field trip to the Fleet or to one of the other Bucks4Buses beneficiaries on the Balboa Park Prado. For more information click here.