Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson is giving back to her hometown’s educational system by collaborating with the School District of Philadelphia to establish a fund that will enable thousands of students to go on free school trips.
The initiative, known as The Quinta Brunson Field Trip Fund, was launched on Giving Tuesday. In a statement, it was explained that the funds generated from the initiative will be directly channeled toward resources that enable students to go on free school trips.
Brunson, in the statement, recalled going on field trips as a student in Philadelphia and how they had a positive impact on her.
“Field trips were some of the most memorable parts of my own education growing up in Philadelphia,” Brunson, 35, said. “They opened my world, sparked my creativity, and helped me imagine a future beyond what I saw every day.”
The statement said that the initiative will provide greater “access to out-of-classroom experiences” for students from underserved communities.
“Going somewhere new shows you that the world is bigger and more exciting than you believe, and it can shape what you come to see as achievable,” Brunson said. “I’m proud to support Philadelphia students with experiences that remind them their dreams are valid and their futures are bright.”
More than 117,000 students in Philadelphia’s traditional public schools will benefit from The Quinta Brunson Field Trip Fund. Those students will have the opportunity to visit almost 200 museums and national landmarks in the city. They will also explore over 100 parks, discovery centers, and venues in Philadelphia.
In a report, the National Education Association stated that school trips are highly beneficial for students, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
“Children who take school trips have better grades (59%), higher graduation rates from high school (95%) and college (63%) and greater income (12% higher annually),” the National Education Association says.
“In fact, 89% said educational field trips had a positive, lasting impact on their education and career because enriching field trips made them more engaged, intellectually curious, and interested in and out of school.”
Brunson launching the fund also came after she was awarded the key to the city of Philadelphia in May. The event took place at Andrew Hamilton School, which is the 35-year-old’s former elementary school, WHYY reported. Brunson said she gained the inspiration to create Abbott Elementary because of the school and retired teacher who used to work there.
