WAMS Launches Sponsorship Drive to Support 8th Grade NYC Trip

By The Waterbury Times|Published Dec 3, 2025

Waterbury- Waterbury Arts Magnet School (WAMS), one of the region’s nationally recognized leaders in urban arts education, is launching a community sponsorship effort to support its upcoming 8th Grade New York City Trip, scheduled for May 27–29, 2026.

The three-day, two-night educational experience costs $1,462 per student, and WAMS educators are working to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from participating. The school is inviting local businesses, community partners, and civic organizations to help lower the cost by sponsoring the trip.

As part of the fundraising effort, WAMS will create custom trip t-shirts that all students and chaperones will wear. Local businesses that sponsor the trip will have their business name or logo featured on the back of the shirts, offering visibility throughout the community and during the trip.

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According to 8th Grade Reading teacher and NYC Trip Program Leader Cynthia Machol, opportunities like this play an important role in student development:

“Travel experiences motivate students to stay involved in school, expand their cultural awareness, and help them feel connected. Our young people absolutely have grit, work ethic, and drive. This trip gives them a chance to experience the world beyond the classroom.”

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WAMS educators emphasize that hands-on learning—especially in a city rich with art, history, culture, and diversity—has a lasting impact on students as they prepare for high school and beyond.

Local businesses interested in supporting the trip can contact Cynthia Machol at
📧 Cynthia.Machol@waterbury.k12.ct.us
📞 (203) 573-6300 ext. 43410

The school is requesting that sponsorship forms and payments be submitted by February 1, 2026.

The Waterbury Times will continue following this story and highlighting local initiatives that uplift our students and strengthen community partnerships.