Schools snap up Ohio Statehouse field trip funds

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio schools have quickly grabbed up all of the grant money made available earlier this week for field trips to the Ohio Statehouse.

Beginning Tuesday, schools could apply for up to $400 to bring students by bus to the capitol building in Columbus and the new Statehouse Museum. Officials say the program’s $72,000, provided by Honda of America and the Walmart Foundation, had run out by mid-afternoon on Thursday. The money was offered first come, first served.

William Carleton, who heads the board that oversees the Statehouse, says the rapid response shows teachers need help bringing their students to the capitol to learn about government and democracy.