Transportation Access
Goal
The Transportation Access Program provides bicycles, wheelchairs and other transit needs to our students. Our goal is to remove transportation as a barrier to education.
Why There Is a Need
Without a public-school transit system, many rural students can spend over an hour walking to school. Inclement weather can even prevent students from going to school altogether.
How VNSF Helps
Our grants help students with any transportation needs. These can include:
New Bicycles
Wheelchairs
Bus Fare for school trips
Internship transportation expenses
Program Details
TAP Grants: $10-$500
The TAP program was initially funded by Jason Weiss with a donation of $1,200. This amount was matched by VNSF for a total starting fund of $2,400.
Criteria for Selecting Students
Must be a VNSF scholarship recipient
Must not have received a TAP award within the past 12 months of application
Must be able to articulate hardship in reaching school or accessing educational resources
Students who request bicycles must live at least 3 kilometers from their school
Process
Applicants submit a TAP application and essay
Applications are reviewed by the program committee
Bicycles are purchased and delivered to students
Money for requests for other support (e.g. bus fare) is delivered to students
Proof of purchase (a receipt and/or photo of the student and bike) is sent back to VNSF