Vandenberg Partners with Lompoc Schools for Beach Field Trips
Space Launch Delta 30 and SpaceX will fund environmental beach field trips for all Lompoc third-graders over the next three years.
Lompoc third-graders will soon explore local beaches through a new partnership between Lompoc Unified School District and Space Launch Delta 30. The school board unanimously approved an agreement that brings environmental field trips to all nine elementary schools in the district.
Space Launch Delta 30, with funding and participation from SpaceX, will provide up to 42 field trips over three school years — a maximum of 14 trips per year. The $124,500 program fully covers transportation costs, substitute teacher pay, and supplies. Students will learn about snowy plover birds and their coastal habitats through in-class lessons followed by outdoor education at Surf Beach or Ocean Park.
Making Up for Beach Closures
The field trip program serves as a mitigation measure agreed upon between Vandenberg and the California Coastal Commission. It offsets restricted public access to Jalama Beach County Park during Falcon 9 rocket launches. Professional educators provided by SLD 30 will lead the outdoor lessons with videos and craft supplies.
LUSD Board President Tracy Phillips expressed appreciation for the collaboration. The agreement runs through June 2029 and may be extended if all parties agree. For more local education news, visit /news.
Facts via Noozhawk.
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