Santa Barbara Zoo - Zoo 4 You Ed

ZOO4U Program

Each year, there are many children, families, and school groups within our community who cannot afford to visit the Zoo. In order to better serve the community, the Santa Barbara Zoo's ZOO4U program was created. The program, funded by caring community members, provides free admission to the growing community of schools in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties who would not otherwise be able to afford a visit to the Zoo.
Through continued collaboration with the program's generous donors, ZOO4U also serves social service organizations that support underserved children and families within our community. Children and families who would otherwise not be able to visit will be able to experience the Zoo and all of its wonders. If you'd like to donate to the ZOO4U Scholarship Program, please read more here.

Interested in receiving a scholarship through the ZOO4U program? Please review our complete policies below. Please fill out the appropriate application (see below) and return it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ZOO4U Application and Award Procedures

1.) The year is broken down into three scholarship application periods:

a. For groups visiting the Zoo between September 1st and December 31^st, the application deadline is September 30^th.

b. For groups visiting the Zoo between January 1st and June 30^th, the application deadline is January 5^th.

c. For groups visiting the Zoo between July 1^st and August 31^st, the deadline is June 5^th.

2.) There are two separate applications available:

a. Title 1 Schools

i. Schools must be listed on the California Department of Education list of Title 1 schools for the year they will be visiting to be approved. All other organizations must use the non-profit application.

ii. Applications from schools must be for an ENTIRE GRADE LEVEL and not individual classes.

iii. Preschools, including those affiliated with Title 1 schools, are not eligible for ZOO4U funding during the 2009-2010 school year. Funding may become available for these groups in later years.

iv. Middle and high schools who wish to bring a specific class or campus organization instead of an entire grade level may apply for individual classes.

v. After-school programs, summer camps, and similar programs run through Title 1 schools are only eligible for funding as schools if they are funded by the school district. Non-district funded programs should apply for funds using the non-profit application.

b. Non-Profit Organizations

i. Non-Profit Organizations must re-submit the entire application, including the one page statement for every field trip date. The ZOO4U committee determines eligibility for these organizations by current non-profit status and potential program impact.

3.) A committee of three Santa Barbara Zoo staff members will review all applications to determine eligibility and to award funds. All eligible applications are awarded on a first come, first-served basis.

Application for Title 1 Schools

Application for Non-profit Organizations (Please inquire)