Ohio Supreme Court Funds Record School Field Trips
Transportation grants go to 142 schools for visits to the Moyer Judicial Center in Columbus during the 2026-27 school year.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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The Ohio Supreme Court has awarded record transportation grants to 142 schools to help cover bus costs for field trips to the Moyer Judicial Center in Columbus. Grants range from $200 to $500 based on distance and support schools across 64 Ohio counties.
Why it matters
Transportation costs can be one of the biggest obstacles to planning field trips, particularly for schools farther from Columbus. The grants are part of the Supreme Court's civic education outreach to Ohio students.
The Court awarded grants to 142 schools in 64 Ohio counties, with per-school awards of $200 to $500 based on distance from Columbus. The total dollar value of the awards and actual student attendance were not reported.
The players
Ohio Supreme Court
The state's highest court, which oversees the judicial branch and runs the civic education program that funds these school trips.
The details
Schools apply for grants that offset bus costs for trips to the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center, which houses the Supreme Court Courtroom, Grand Concourse, Visitor Education Center, Native American lobby, and Law Library. Elementary and middle school groups take part in a mock trial simulation, and free tours can be booked by emailing CourtTours@sc.ohio.gov or calling 614-387-9223.
Timeline
The grants apply to the 2026-27 school year.
Tour bookings are accepted through the end of the school year.
Legal Context
The grants extend the Ohio Supreme Court's civic education outreach, which aims to give students direct exposure to the courts that shape state law. Increasing funding by about 40% signals the Court's continued investment in bringing students into the Moyer Judicial Center.
Schools farther from Columbus may now be able to afford field trips they previously could not, with grants covering part of bus costs. Teachers interested in booking a free tour can email CourtTours@sc.ohio.gov or call 614-387-9223 before the school year ends.
The takeaway
Teachers planning a civics unit should check whether their district can apply for a transportation grant before the school year ends. Tour bookings close at the end of the school year, so early contact is advisable.
Further reading
Explore more on Criminal Justice coverage from across Ohio's court system.
More information
Schools can book a free tour by emailing CourtTours@sc.ohio.gov or calling 614-387-9223.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Athens Messenger.
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