The Big Universe Scholarship (BUS) Fund was established in 2023 to remove one of the primary financial barriers preventing schools from taking their students on field trips to the planetarium— the cost of busing. 

The BUS Fund offers travel reimbursements of up to $100 per bus with a maximum of $300 per school per academic year. This initiative was so successful in its first year that all the designated funds were distributed to area schools.

“I know we were one of the first schools to sign up for the BUS Fund in February of 2023. We were back in January of 2024, and we plan to make the planetarium a yearly trip,” said Emily Scharnott of Woodcrest Elementary in Midland. “Our PTO greatly appreciates your organization helping with our transportation costs.”

An increase in funding by $2,000 was requested to continue serving our community and filling this need. “It is very laudable that you can help schools with transportation costs,” said David Payne of Weiss Elementary in Saginaw Township. “I don’t know of any organization that does that.” 

The fund is supported by the Delta College Foundation, the Bay City Noon Optimist Club and the kind donations of planetarium patrons. Schools where 40% or more of their student population qualifies for free or reduced lunch, or similar criteria, are eligible for a BUS Fund reimbursement. 

To apply for a reimbursement, please inquire about the BUS Fund during your field trip booking process. If you have any questions about the BUS Fund, please contact the Planetarium at 989-667-2260 or planetarium@delta.edu. 

Visit delta.edu/planetarium for details about field trip programs.