Taylor Scholars Awards Program Sets New Record

The longstanding partnership that Audubon Nature Institute and New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) have with the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation continued to prosper during the 2021-2022 academic year. More than 241,000 students from across the state were recognized for academic excellence, setting a new record for the program.

The Taylor Scholars Awards Program is a statewide program that rewards students in grades sixth through twelve with a GPA of 2.5 or higher with unlimited free admission for one year to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, and NOMA.

"Audubon Nature Institute is proud to partner with the Taylor Scholars Awards Program as it continues to reach new heights and communicate to our young leaders the important message that learning does not stop at the classroom,” said Audubon President and CEO Ron Forman. “Our hope is that, by encouraging students to visit Audubon Zoo or Aquarium, youth will continue to be inspired to protect and preserve the natural world for the better.”  

Taylor Scholars receive free admission, discounts, and special access for the Taylor Scholar and up to four guests on Taylor Family Free Days. In 2022, NOMA’s Taylor Family Free Day is July 30 and Audubon’s Taylor Family Free Days are June 3 at the Zoo and August 5 at the Aquarium.

"Art encourages curiosity, learning, and discovery. We are so grateful to the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation for their ongoing work in exposing young scholars to the wonders of the visual arts," said Montine McDaniel Freeman Director at the New Orleans Museum of Art Susan Taylor. "We look forward to welcoming teens to the museum for Taylor Family Free Day on July 30."

Participation in the program has grown steadily over the past 25 years and more than 15,000 awards have been distributed this year over last year. Through the Taylor Scholars Awards Program, the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation strives to encourage young people to excel in the classroom. The program was created to provide motivation and incentive to achieve this goal. 

“Our children, and our community, are fortunate to have two world class facilities like NOMA and Audubon Nature Institute,” said President of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Byron LeBlanc. “Experiencing larger than life sculptures, major paintings, the antics of an orangutang or watching a shark swim above you can change your perspective and excite your curiosity to learn more. The ​Patrick F. Taylor Foundation is honored to provide these ​awards and congratulate all the students that earned them.”

The Taylor Scholars Awards Program was created in partnership with the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation. A generous donation established the program and has allowed Audubon and NOMA to continue to recognize students across the state for their hard work.