Spark Travel Subsidies

Because eSpark is a virtual program, we will not be granting travel subsidies for Spark 2021. However, information from previous years is available below for reference.

For Spark 2020, we will be granting a limited number of teacher travel subsidies. Please read these instructions **thoroughly** and then complete the application form below.

Anyone who needs to travel (by commuter rail, plane, etc.) to MIT in order to teach a Spark class is eligible to apply. If you are traveling to Spark to be a part of the “admin team” (usually this is because you’re traveling with Learning Unlimited), you should contact LU because this page does *not* apply to you.

You can apply for a maximum of $30 per teacher. Unfortunately, we have a limited travel budget, so we may grant you less money than requested (or even none at all). Keep in mind that registering a class is a commitment, so you should only register a class if you are able to teach regardless of whether you receive a subsidy.

All applications received before Spark will be considered equally, though each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

You may *not* use your class budget to pay for any travel-related expenses; the travel fund is completely separate. Additionally, you will have to pay for the travel yourself and save all your receipts. At a later date, we’ll ask for these receipts and send you a check in the mail for the amount of your subsidy or the amount you actually spent, whichever is smaller.

If you choose to travel to Spark, you are responsible for guaranteeing that you will arrive for your class on time. If coming from hours away, we recommend arriving the day before Spark to reduce the chance that travel delays affect your ability to teach. However, if you choose to stay overnight, you are responsible for finding your own accommodations.

Finally, if you’re traveling from very far away, we encourage you to first check the [national list of Splashes](http://www.learningu.org/current-programs) to see if there’s one closer to where you live.

The travel subsidy application form can be found here.