SCHOOL AND GROUP TOURS

The application portal for the 2026/2027 school year will open September 4, 2026 and close end of day September 13, 2026. It will be open for 10 days. All applications submitted during that time will be considered.

The program is designed to help schools cover bus transportation expenses to the Ohio Statehouse. The grants are based on one-way mileage from the school to Columbus.

All grant applicants will be notified by email of their status by September 18, 2026.
 

The application form will be available here on September 4, 2026.

2026/2027

Application Process 

The application form will be available on this webpage in early September.

The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center will use a random lottery system to choose 60 schools from each mileage category listed below (180 total grants): 

Mileage for a one-way trip from your school to the Ohio Statehouse:

0 to 50 miles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 300.00
51 to 100 miles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 400.00
101+ miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 600.00

If you have questions regarding the grants, please contact Ariana Glaser at 614-728-3726 or tours@ohiostatehouse.org. 

Who Can Apply?

Any Ohio school that receives state funding can apply. However, grants are limited to Ohio students in the 4th through 12th grades during the 2026/2027 school year. Classes below the 4th grade level are not eligible. 

Only one grant will be awarded to each school regardless of the number of buses or students. Grant applicants must have a minimum of 20 students in their tour group in order to receive transportation funding. 

Where Do I Apply?

Applications must be submitted, online, through this page and by an authorized teacher or school administrator. Only online applications are accepted. 

How Many Grants Are Available?

There are 180 grants available with 60 grants awarded in each of the three categories based on mileage.

How Is the Grant Amount Determined?

The grant is determined by the mileage for a one-way to trip from the school to the Ohio Statehouse:

0 to 50 miles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 300.00
51 to 100 miles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 400.00
101+ miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 600.00

It’s important to select the correct box on the online application that corresponds to the distance, one-way, from your school to the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.

When And How Will I Be Reimbursed?

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board will reimburse schools within 21 business days after their visit to the Ohio Statehouse. Reimbursements will be made by check. Please be sure to indicate to whom the check is to be written.