Eligible Title I schools can apply for free Fall and Winter field trips to TrainTastic through the Ticket to Learn Grant Program, presented by Gulf Coast Community Federal Credit Union. The program helps provide students with hands-on STEM learning, interactive exhibits, and educational experiences outside the classroom at no cost to qualifying Title I schools.
Applications for Fall/Winter 2026 are open now through July 31.
Why Do Field Trips Matter?
Some lessons simply can’t be taught from a desk.
When students can build, explore, ask questions, and interact with what they’re learning, the experience becomes memorable.
Educational field trips help students:
- Connect classroom lessons to real-world experiences
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Build confidence through exploration
- Encourage teamwork and collaboration
- Stay engaged through hands-on learning
At TrainTastic, learning happens naturally because students are actively participating instead of simply observing.
What Is the Ticket to Learn Program?
Ticket to Learn is TrainTastic’s educational grant program designed to help eligible Title I schools provide meaningful field trip experiences for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity.
Presented by Gulf Coast Community Federal Credit Union, the program helps remove financial barriers so more students can experience hands-on STEM education and interactive learning.
The goal is simple:
Give more students the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom.
What Will Students Experience at TrainTastic?
TrainTastic is more than a museum.
It’s an interactive learning environment where students explore concepts in:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Art
- Mathematics
During their visit, students can:
🚂 Explore the world’s largest model railroad museum
🧱 Build and create in hands-on activity areas
⚙️ Learn how engineering and transportation connect
🔬 Participate in STEM-focused exhibits
🤝 Practice teamwork and problem-solving
🎨 Discover creativity through interactive experiences
Many students leave without realizing how much they’ve learned because the experience feels like play.
Why Teachers Love TrainTastic Field Trips
Teachers are always looking for field trips that reinforce classroom learning while keeping students engaged.
TrainTastic offers:
- Curriculum-friendly STEM experiences
- Interactive exhibits for multiple grade levels
- Indoor learning spaces
- Opportunities for exploration and discovery
- Programs that encourage curiosity
It’s one of the reasons TrainTastic has become a popular educational destination for schools across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Who Can Apply?
The Ticket to Learn Grant Program is available to eligible Title I schools interested in scheduling a Fall or Winter 2026 educational visit to TrainTastic.
If your school qualifies and you’re looking for an engaging STEM field trip, we encourage you to submit an application before the deadline.
Applications Close July 31
Applications for Fall/Winter 2026 field trips are being accepted now.
Eligible Title I schools should submit their applications by July 31.
Early applications are encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Ticket to Learn Grant Program?
The Ticket to Learn Grant Program is available to eligible Title I schools that wish to bring students to TrainTastic for an educational field trip.
What is Ticket to Learn?
Ticket to Learn is TrainTastic’s grant program that helps qualifying Title I schools receive free educational field trips.
Who presents the program?
Ticket to Learn is proudly presented by Gulf Coast Community Federal Credit Union.
What do students learn during a visit?
Students explore engineering, transportation, history, STEM concepts, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving through hands-on exhibits and interactive learning.
When do applications close?
Applications for Fall/Winter 2026 close on July 31.
Give Your Students a Classroom They’ll Never Forget
The best classroom doesn’t always have four walls.
Sometimes it’s filled with trains, hands-on exhibits, creative challenges, and opportunities to discover something new.
If your Title I school is planning educational field trips for the upcoming school year, the Ticket to Learn Grant Program can help make that experience possible.
👉 Apply for the Ticket to Learn Grant Program today!
