Westminster, CO – Butterfly Pavilion, the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited, stand-alone, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world, announced plans to continue its Education Scholarship program, made possible by Xcel Energy Foundation and Marathon Community Investment Program. The program aims to educate underserved schools and children, provides discounted admission and programs at Butterfly Pavilion, and outreach opportunities for Title I schools and children from low-income households.

Education Scholarship Program

Butterfly Pavilion’s scholarship program makes it possible for children from low-income families to fully participate in field trips, classroom workshops, virtual programs, and day camps.  Butterfly Pavilion’s K-12 school programs bring science to life and uncover the exciting world of invertebrates, nature’s hidden heroes. On field trips, students journey through immersive indoor exhibits and learn through hands-on, curriculum-aligned activities. Whether at Butterfly Pavilion or in the classroom, learners meet invertebrates up close and discover how our lives are interconnected.

Butterfly Pavilion is committed to serving children from low-income households. Through the scholarship fund, Title 1 schools can apply for discounted admission, programs, and bus transportation reimbursements. Financial aid is based upon the percentage of students the qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program. The program opens the door to underserved, disenfranchised children who otherwise may have not had the opportunity to learn about invertebrates and the natural world.

Butterfly Pavilion also provides scholarships for its day camps throughout the year, which cover up to 50% of camp costs for qualifying students. In addition to interactive science, nature, and invertebrate activities, these camps provide opportunities for children to socialize with their peers. Research has shown youth programs lead to development of important life skills like sharing, setting boundaries, and problem-solving.

Visiting zoos can help foster an appreciation for wildlife, invertebrates while educating about the importance of taking care of the environment. Butterfly Pavilion strives to teach all its young visitors these values while providing an environment that promotes socialization, physical activity, and discovery.

The scholarship fund is made possible by Butterfly Pavilion’s generous donors including Xcel Energy Foundation and Marathon Community Investment Program.

About Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion has been part of the Colorado community since 1995 and is the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited, stand-alone, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world, currently occupying a 30,000-square foot facility situated on an 11-acre campus provided by the City of Westminster, Colorado. Butterfly Pavilion’s mission is to foster an appreciation of butterflies and other invertebrates while educating the public about the need for the conservation of threatened habitats in the tropics and around the world.

Beyond Colorado and the United States, Butterfly Pavilion conservationists are doing important invertebrate research projects around the world from Mongolia and Saudi Arabia to Sumatra and Tanzania. Closer to home, a new Butterfly Pavilion in Broomfield, Colorado is planned to open in 2025 in the Baseline community, setting the global standard for invertebrate science and conservation. The $55M, 81,000-square-foot facility will include greatly expanded guest experiences, world-class research labs and a much larger zoological facility. Learn more at www.butterflies.org.

To find out more about Butterfly Pavilion’s scholarship program or to apply, please contact education@butterflies.org.