More than 48,000 students in select grade levels will soon take part in a new high-quality learning experiences program that aligns with the high-quality instructional materials being used across classrooms, and these experiences will take them across Dallas ISD.
Thanks to a partnership with Lyda Hill Philanthropies and Dallas ISD Academic Services, K-8 students will visit the Dallas Zoo, Perot Museum, Dallas Arboretum, and Environmental Education Center. This program connects classroom instruction with real-world learning by removing financial and logistical barriers to provide meaningful and engaging educational experiences.
The ‘Learning Voyages’ provide real-world applications of learning that ignite passion and open eyes to a world of future possibilities,” said LeVonue Brewster, executive director of academic enrichment and support. “By sparking this type of curiosity now, we hope to show our students just how big the world is and inspire them to solve the challenges of tomorrow.”
Made possible by the Lyda Hill Philanthropies, these field trips will be free for all students. By removing financial and logistical barriers, the district aims to provide meaningful educational experiences.
“These learning experiences bring classroom lessons to life in a way that is memorable and meaningful for students,” said Tiffany Huitt-Powell, chief of school leadership, “When students can connect what they’re learning to the world around them, whether at the zoo, a science museum, or in nature, it deepens their understanding and sparks curiosity.“
“We value partners like the Lyda Hill Philanthropies, who provide high-quality experiences for our Dallas ISD students,” said Angie Gaylord, chief of academics. “The curriculum-aligned learning experiences passport aims to spark a passion for STEM by allowing students to apply learning in real-life settings. Students will annually explore interactive exhibits and engage in activities designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and discovery at every grade level, inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
The pilot program, which is set to commence in spring 2026, will encompass students in grades one, two, four, five, and seven. Full implementation of the program is slated for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative aligns with Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde’s ongoing district charge to ensure all Dallas ISD students have access to substantial field trip opportunities across every grade level.
“STEM learning is strengthened when students can connect classroom lessons to hands-on experiences at Dallas’s world-class science and nature institutions,” said Lyda Hill, Founder of Lyda Hill Philanthropies. “We applaud Dallas ISD’s commitment to expanding these STEM-rich opportunities out of the traditional classroom and are proud to help make this pilot possible.”
“This is a win for students, teachers and field trip partners alike,” said Margaret Black, Managing Director of Lyda Hill Philanthropies. “Students get meaningful, hands-on learning, and the institutions can focus on one grade level at a time—allowing them to design stronger experiences and deliver better student learning outcomes.”
Dallas ISD is actively seeking volunteers to help chaperone the field trips. For more information, click here to complete a volunteer interest form.
