Cost - Benjamin Franklin Experience

Cost

The tuition for participation is $2,370 per course.

Scholarships are available for eligible students.

If you are accepted into BFE, we will make every effort to ensure that you can afford to come to BFE.
BFE provides financial aid on the basis of financial need. For the students that receive financial aid, the size of the award depends entirely on your family’s financial situation.

We commit to being financially accessible to the students that are accepted to our program. If you have a real desire to be here, then we will work with you and your parents to help you get here.

Additional Scholarship Information

What’s Included

Students and parents/guardians have no need to anticipate unexpected fees or expenses from program participation.
The cost of tuition covers everything a student will need including:

Certificate of Learning
Certificates of Learning are awarded to students to demonstrate to colleges and prospective employers the development of interdisciplinary skills, as well as experience interacting with leaders from a diverse array of disciplines.
Transportation
All field trips depart from class headquarters. Transportation to and from field trips and headquarters is provided. Many are walking field trips. (Assistance in getting from home to class headquarters and back each day may be available for eligible students.)
Lunch, snacks, and beverages
We have some amazing restaurant-partners that provide us with delicious meals each day! Please let us know about any special dietary requirements in your application, and we will accommodate!

Field Notebooks
Field notebooks are provided to each student to capture observations, thoughts, and notes during each experience. They allow students to reflect back on the events of the day.
Loaned Equipment
Some experiences will require special gear, such as rain gear, rubber boots, or technical equipment. BFE provides all the items necessary for students to participate.

Loaned Cameras and Photo Gear
Students will have a crash course in photography from photojournalists. Professional camera gear may be borrowed for all field trips so students can take pictures of experiences.
Portfolio of Writing and Photography
Students complete focused reflection writing exercises at the end of each day. These entries are edited, and compiled into a portfolio for students to keep. Portfolios are more than mementos. They also serve as work samples to potential colleges and employers that demonstrate student’s writing ability. Students who take pictures will have photos included in portfolios as well.

Cloud Based Gallery
Students have access to a cloud based gallery to showcase their portfolios of written, visual, and musical works. This online storage space is accessible for years to come.
BFE Hat
Graduates also receive a BFE hat. It’s a really cool hat. Everyone will actually be excited about the hats. (Photo coming soon.)

Scholarships

How to Apply

The BFE Student Application includes a section for scholarship consideration. Both full and partial scholarships are available.

Automatic Consideration

Teens receiving assistance from one or more of these programs will automatically be considered for scholarships:

Free or Reduced Lunch School Program
Foster Care
Medicaid
Other similar local, state or federal programs

Verification of program participation is required. Simple instructions on what to send, and where to send paperwork can be found in our Student Application.

Full and Partial Scholarships

For teens and families seeking either full or partial scholarships, the following information is required:

A copy of the household’s 2016 federal income tax return filed by a parent or guardian; and
A statement by the guardian or student that describes the family’s financial need for the scholarship and the applicant’s interest in the program. Please include the amount that would be required (in scholarship funding) to make it possible for the student to attend this program.