Thank you for your interest in The Save Ellis Island Student Access Initiative. Each year, we are proud to offer two fully supported educational visits for students in underserved communities across New Jersey and New York City.
One application per school per academic year. Only students in grades 4 through 12 may participate in the field trip. Trips can accommodate a group of approximately 25–35 students, plus 3-5 chaperones. Entire grade levels or large multi-class groups cannot be accommodated.
The Student Access Initiative provides access to the Ellis Island Hospital Complex through Save Ellis Island's Hard Hat Tour program. This is not a standard visit to the Ellis Island Museum; participants will enter unrestored historic hospital buildings that are normally closed to the public, and therefore must complete a waiver prior to visiting. The tour route is not ADA accessible with uneven walking surfaces and stairs without handrails. Schools with questions about accessibility or participation requirements are encouraged to contact us before applying.
Please complete the form below to apply.
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year must be submitted by August 21, 2026. The selected schools will be announced on August 31, 2026.
