Schools eligible for bus scholarships

In these days of slashed budgets, a School Bus Scholarship program offered by the Friends of the Bosque del Apache is doubly welcome to schools. The bus scholarships can pay part, or all, of a school's cost for busing students to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for a scheduled education tour.
Visitors to the Festival of the Cranes next week (Nov. 16-21) will have an opportunity to support this popular program by participating in a silent auction and a spotting scope drawing.

The bus scholarships are offered in conjunction with the refuge's regular free curriculum-based tours, making school visits an exceptionally affordable and rewarding experience. Refuge bus tours, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide provided by the refuge, are available to school classes throughout the school year. Public and private schools and home-school groups anywhere in New Mexico booking one of these tours are eligible for the bus scholarships.



Reimbursement is based on 50 cents per mile traveled to and from the refuge, plus driver costs at $8 per hour. Schools in Socorro County are reimbursed at 100 percent, while those outside Socorro County at 75 percent, up to a cap of $250.

Friends of the Bosque originated the bus scholarships in 1996. Since that time, more than $25,000 has been awarded to schools to bring students to the refuge. In the 2006-07 school year, the peak year for scholarship usage, 31 schools received funds.

From its inception, donations from visitors and proceeds from an annual fund-raiser have provided the bulk of funds for the program. In 2008, the Emerson Learn Memorial Bus Scholarship Endowment was created as a receptacle for memorials and other designated gifts. As the amount in this endowment increases, it is hoped that it will earn enough to cover annual distributions for scholarship applications. Details about the endowment are available from the Friends at 575-838-2120 575-838-2120 .

At this year's Festival of the Cranes, proceeds from a silent auction at the Thursday evening Annual Friends Dinner will be placed in the endowment fund. Money raised from a drawing for a Zeiss Diascope 20-60 power spotting scope and tripod will be used to offset this year's bus scholarship awards. Drawing tickets are available at the refuge visitor center and Festival events.