Outreach Program FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for WAVE on Wheels Programs
Why do I need to select a back-up animal for a Penguin Program?
Our penguins love going out on programs, but sometimes they choose to stay at Newport Aquarium with their friends. We practice animal choice and control, which means that our penguins have the choice to come with us on program or stay behind.
There could also be cases of Avian Flu in the area (which means our penguins will not be allowed to leave Newport Aquarium to ensure their health and safety), they could be molting, or nesting. Wednesdays are the penguins rest days, so they are unable to go off-site for programming these days.
If a penguin does choose to go on program, they may choose to stay in the transport container. Educators will not force the penguin out of they are choosing to stay in the transport container. Educators will still provide an engaging and educational program.
Selecting a back-up animal means that you still get an engaging and quality WAVE on Wheels program with another amazing ambassador animal!
What is your cancellation policy for WAVE on Wheels and Finstitute programs?
Cancellations received 15 or more days before a scheduled program will receive a full refund, minus a $25 administrative fee.
Cancellations received 14 days or less days prior to the program date will incur a $100 cancellation fee. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case scenario. If a program can be rescheduled, a rescheduling fee may apply. Rescheduling should be done through your original contact.
All cancellations must be made via email to wave@wavefoundation.org.
Any refunds will be credited to the original form of payment.
Program, cancellation, and rescheduling invoices will be sent via WAVE QuickBooks/Intuit.
If an organization does not pay fees incurred by cancelling or rescheduling, WAVE reserves the right to refuse future program scheduling requests.
If WAVE must cancel a program due to the organization not abiding by program guidelines, the booking organization will be liable to pay a fee up to 100% of the program cost.
How much do programs cost?
WAVE on Wheels programs range in price depending on age/grade level, type of ambassador animal, and type of program. Please see our Program Request Form to view program options, prices, and to request a program.
Do you offer grant-funded programming? How do I apply for this?
Yes, WAVE Foundation offers partially or fully funded programs through our Community Outreach Scholarship Fund (COSF).
COSF was created to support underserved schools in the Tri-State area. Applying for the scholarship does not automatically qualify your school to receive funding. Funding is granted based on need and other applications received.
School’s must be within 30 miles of Newport Aquarium and have at least 50% or more of students on the free/reduced lunch program. The application and its requirements are found within the Program Request From.
Funding for COSF is provided by the Dater and Nippert Foundations.
How do your education programs happen and how do you transport the animals?
Our educators need 30 minutes to set up once they arrive to the program location. Programs are anywhere from 30 minutes to 1-hour in length, depending on the grade level. During the program, the educators will give an introduction, move on to the main topic of the program, teach the attendees some conservation actions they can take at home, and end with an opportunity to see the animals up-close. Attendees will also be able to ask questions throughout the program.
We transport our ambassador animals in approved, safe transport containers. These containers ensure the safety and wellbeing of our animals during transport, and keep their ambient temperatures consistent. For our aquatic ambassador animals, salt water is taken from their habitat at the aquarium and returned to the habitat once our educators arrive back at the aquarium after the program.
How can I find out if a WAVE on Wheels program is happening near me?
We work with many libraries within 125 miles of the WAVE Education Center in Newport, KY. The best way to see if we are presenting a program near you is to check with your local library. Many of them will promote the program once they have booked with us.
How do you determine if the animals are uncomfortable or stressed out?
Our educators go through rigorous animal handling training to ensure that they and our ambassador animals are comfortable with each other, and that the educator can handle the animal safely.
During this training, our educators learn to read the body language of each individual ambassador animal, know the signs if an animal becomes uncomfortable or stressed, and can take the proper steps to ensure the animal’s comfort and safety.
Do you bring any physical learning materials?
Our educators bring a variety of artifacts and biofacts for tactile learning along with picture posters. WAVE does not bring learning materials for teachers to keep after the program, but we do have resource under the Teacher Resources page. This page has activities and videos to continue the aquatic learning after a WAVE on Wheels program.
Do you offer career shadowing or community pathway programs?
WAVE Foundation does not offer career shadows at this time. However, we do offer an Aquarium Careers 101 WAVE on Wheels program for middle and high school students. Additionally, we offer Career Exploration Panels on a quarterly basis.
Be sure to check our website and social medias for updates.