Bridge to Learning
The Bridge to Learning program at the Vancouver Maritime Museum provides equitable access to educational experiences for children, students, schools, families, and community groups. We offer partial to full subsidies for field trips and programs to those in need, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent participation.
The Bridge to Learning program at the Vancouver Maritime Museum offers an open approach to maritime education and cultural engagement. It features:
- Diverse museum programs that connect participants with maritime history and culture.
- Engaging summer camps providing hands-on learning opportunities for children.
- Open House days allowing the community to explore the museum for free, fostering a welcoming environment for all.
These offerings underscore the vital role that cultural institutions play in enhancing our understanding of cultural heritage by fostering a deeper connection to the diverse narratives that shape our collective identity.
MAKE A DONATION TO BRIDGE TO LEARNING
Available support includes:
School field trips: Opportunities for students to engage with maritime history firsthand.
Self-guided tours: Allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
Charter bus transportation: Facilitating access for groups from various locations.
Summer camp subsidies: Making educational summer programs more accessible.
Group visits: Accommodating various organizations and communities.
Group program activities: Offering tailored experiences for different groups.
Open House days: Providing free access to the community at Open House Days throughout the year.
How to Participate
We encourage all interested parties to explore how the Bridge to Learning program can support your visit to the museum. Whether you’re a school, youth organization, community group, or parent, we welcome your inquiries and are ready to discuss how we can make your museum experience possible.
- Fill out a form and describe your group needs and/or how much financial aid you require
- Our education coordinator will get in touch with you
- Funding is accessed on a first come, first serve basis
Donate to Bridge to Learning: bridging the gap
The Bridge to Learning program fosters a love for learning among children from all backgrounds. A study from the American Institute of Museum and Library Services shows that children who visit museums in kindergarten achieve higher scores in reading, mathematics, and science. However, many families, especially from vulnerable communities, struggle to access these cultural resources.
We aim to bridge that gap. and provide free access to 6,000 children annually.
The Bridge to Learning program adopts a flexible approach prioritizing adaptability and personalization. By removing barriers and offering diverse engagement options, the program makes maritime education inclusive for all.
We appreciated the kindness and knowledge of all the staff who accompanied us that day, and their great patience with the children. They have a wealth of knowledge and know how to answer any questions.Teacher
Our vision
The Vancouver Maritime Museum’s Bridge to Learning program will expand in 2024/25, focusing on enhancing equity, flexibility, and accessibility. The initiative aims to make maritime education and heritage more accessible so everyone can experience the rich maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and Arctic. Key growth strategies include creating dedicated funding and programming for open-ended access and providing family passes to organizations like ‘Kids Up Front’ and ‘The Kettle Society’.
Donations will support community access, summer camp subsidies, and a pay-what-you-can model for schools. The expansion seeks to increase participation in the program, broaden school access to museum resources, and offer greater engagement flexibility for individuals and groups.
We had excellent guides who taught our class and all the adults something new in an engaging manner. I really appreciated them splitting the class into smaller groups. We loved the pirate hats as well.Teacher
Sponsors
Bridge to Learning is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors.