The Kansas Cosmosphere is asking for the public’s help in bringing students to the local museum.

They say in a request for assistance that since 2009, field trips have declined by 24-percent and based on current requests from teachers seeking financial help for transportation and ticketing, 2012 numbers will decline even further.

According to one school administrator, significant state-wide budget cuts have all but eliminated field trips, causing schools to prioritize not only to what is critical but to that which is most frugal. The experience that many of us shared, visiting museums, zoos, and historic sites are unavailable to many of today’s school children.

So, the Cosmosphere’s Foundation Board has made possible a $25,000 matching fund through The Patty Carey Education Endowment Fund. It’ll provide a means for dedicated teachers to bring their students to the Cosmosphere.

Officials say their goal is to raise $25,000 in matching funds, totaling $50,000 to bring thousands of school children to the Cosmosphere. It’s not news that many children struggle in critical areas of math and science – a strong resource at the Cosmosphere just waiting to be utilized.

They’re asking residents across the state to help inspire children to do great things in the future and are asking for donations for this matching funds.

For more information on how you can help, call them at 662-2305 or toll free at 1-800-397-0330.