Peoria Riverfront Museum's Every Student Initiative
Established in 2017, the Every Student Initiative (ESI) is the innovative, flagship program with a goal to engage every student from every public, private and homeschool organization in Central Illinois with a curriculum-connected visit to the Peoria Riverfront Museum every year. The program now includes free family passes for every student and complimentary Museum memberships for sponsored educators. The Every Student Initiative was launched with a multiple year grant from the Barton Family Foundation. Since then hundreds of others have joined them in supporting this ground breaking program. Additional general support is provided by the Christmas in the Village event and the Museum’s Visionary Society members.
Educators | Connect With Every Student Initiative
To learn more about Peoria Riverfront Museum’s field trips, contact us at [email protected]. Ready to register for a field trip? Visit our field trip webpage!
Support Every Student Initiative!
To support the Every School Initiative with a donation - click here. Contact Anne Marie Miller at [email protected] or 309.863.3026.
Sponsorship of ESI Schools
As of December 2024, K-8th grade students from 49 schools and 9 districts from across central Illinois participate in the program. The museum asks for sponsors to the program to provide $20 per student and commit to funding their school or district for multiple years. Funding must be secured in school size increments to add a school to the program. The museum asks the schools to provide transportation for the trips.
Peoria Public Schools, District 150
Established in 2017, thanks to the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Sharon Kherat, the inaugural partner and hometown public district, ESI began with a multiple year commitment serving all K- 8 graders in Peoria Public Schools.
Lead Sponsor: Barton Family Foundation
Co-Sponsor: Jim and Katie Owens, Sally Snyder
Additional support from the Corporate Visionary Society Council
East Peoria District 86
In 2019, prompted by the multiple-year commitment of Peoria Riverfront Museum Foundation board member Michael Graham, East Peoria public schools became the second public school partner of the program.
Lead Sponsor: John Graham & Associates
Co-Sponsor: Federal Companies
Diocese of Peoria
In 2019, the first school from the Diocese of Peoria was added, St. Philomena School. Since then nine additional sponsored schools have joined and all Catholic Schools in the city of Peoria are involved, along with several in surrounding communities.
Dunlap Community Unit School District 323
In 2021, the first school from Dunlap was added thanks to Peoria City Councilman Denis Cyr. Additional sponsors are needed to help expand the program throughout the Dunlap district.
Roanoke Benson Community Unit School District 60
In 2021, thanks to the success in East Peoria, and in honor of his family, Michael Graham from John Graham & Associates expanded his support to include the students from Roanoke-Benson. Presenting Sponsor: John Graham & Associates
Metamora Community School District #7
In 2022, thanks to Lacon residents and Visionary Society members Bob and Kathy Brown, Lacon’s Midland school was added expanding the reach of ESI even farther across central Illinois. Presenting Sponsor: Ruby K. Worner Charitable Trust
Lowpoint-Washburn Community Unit School District 21
In 2022, thanks to Peoria Riverfront Museum Board member and RLI VP for Marketing, Lisa Gates, RLI increased its giving to the Museum to provide funding for four additional schools to join ESI. Presenting Sponsor: RLI
Creve Coeur School District 76
In 2022, thanks to Peoria Riverfront Museum Board member and RLI VP for Marketing, Lisa Gates, RLI increased its giving to the Museum to provide funding for four additional schools to join ESI. Presenting Sponsor: RLI
Brimfield Community Unit School District 309
In 2022, thanks to Peoria Riverfront Museum Board member Laura Cullinan and her husband Allen, ESI continued expanding into our rural central Illinois communities with the addition of Brimfield.
Elmwood Community Unit School District 401
In 2023, thanks to Peoria Riverfront Museum Board member Laura Cullinan and her husband Allen, ESI continued expanding into our rural central Illinois communities with the addition of Elmwood.
