In 1995, parish elementary school teachers in Philadelphia asserted that budget constrictions most often impacted their art and music programs. The Foundation responded by establishing the Connelly Access Program (CAP).

Designed to supplement schools’ curricula, CAP matches selected cultural organizations with a new audience of Catholic elementary school students. Having achieved its initial goal to serve all students in grades 4-8, the success of CAP has resulted in a second round of programming that offers memorable cultural encounters for a new generation of learners.

The Connelly Access Program provides educational experiences for Philadelphia parish elementary school students in grades 4-8 through:

• Live performances at concert halls, theatres, museums and visits to historic and scientific venues
• Unique cultural programming that supplements classroom learning provided at their own schools
• Coverage of all entrance fees and transportation costs 

An additional benefit of this program is the opportunity to direct financial support to high quality cultural organizations and institutions in the Philadelphia region.

Approximately 25 Philadelphia parish elementary schools are invited to participate in CAP on a two-year rotating basis. At the annual Exhibit Fair cultural organizations tout their programs and exhibits, and teachers respond by making reservations for two field trips for each of their classes and collaborate on the selection of three in-house performances.

Eighteen arts and cultural organizations receive funding to present their outstanding offerings to participating schools. Admission and transportation costs are included for all excursions. To date, a total of 116 schools have enjoyed CAP.

Information for schools and reservation forms are available at Downloadable Forms in the Guidelines and Forms section.