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Education at Hearst Castle Illuminate. Inspire. Empower. We’re inspiring and empowering future generations with educational tours, art lessons, conferences, scholarships, and authentic historical experiences. Featured Program STEAM Program at the Castle Designed to inspire and empower middle school students from underserved communities throughout California Watch students from the Boys & Girls Club experience our STEAM Program at Hearst Castle. Click above to view. Sponsored by The Foundation at Hearst Castle, the STEAM Program is a unique educational opportunity offered in collaboration with the CA State Parks PORTS Program. The program includes a custom tour of Hearst Castle and a guided exploration of nearby San Simeon Bay and Pier, aligned with grade-appropriate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum. For qualifying groups,* our nonprofit organization covers all costs of your day trip, including a hearty lunch and transportation (if your district does not provide a bus). The STEAM program will be available on a first come, first served basis. *Some restrictions apply. This program is designed especially for students in underserved communities who do not have the opportunity to take field trips to museums or state parks. Please review the School Qualification Guidelines. STEAM Program Components Pre-visit: Classroom engagement with California State Parks interpreters using high-quality interactive videoconferencing Film: Screening of Hearst Castle: Building the Dream showcased on the SLO Safe Ride Charter Custom tour: Hearst Castle tour aligned with STEAM curriculum Coastal study: Guided exploration of the nearby pier and beach life, also aligned with STEAM Frequently Asked QuestionsHow many students does a STEAM tour accommodate? 45 students + 7 chaperones What if there are more than 40 students that want to come? While we try our hardest to accommodate everyone, we have to max out tour count at 40 due to various limitations and rules. What grade levels qualify for this opportunity? Grades 4-8th What does a typical STEAM tour day look like? The tour begins at 10:30am and goes until about 4:30pm; please keep in mind if you are a school traveling from afar, that does not include travel time. What if we have students who need special accommodations? Please let us know in the planning phase so that we can make the proper arrangements. Inclusivity is important to us. Are students allowed to bring their own lunch? Yes, of course. Just please make sure the lunch count provided is accurate as we don’t want a student to miss out. Can the STEAM tour be cut short? Unfortunately no. When signing up for the tour, you’re signing up for the full day — 10:30am – 4:30pm Calling All TeachersRequest More Information Today! Are you interested in bringing your class to Hearst Castle for an unforgettable STEAM tour? We’d love to share more information with you and help make it happen! These hands-on learning experiences are designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in students. Don’t wait too long—spots for qualifying schools fill up quickly. Reach out today to learn more and reserve your class’s opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in a truly unique setting! Contact Us “Every detail was meticulously planned, from the charter [...]

Donate Support the Preservation of Hearst Castle and The Foundation's STEAM Program Join us in preserving the legacy of Hearst Castle and supporting The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s STEAM Program by making a donation today. Your support ensures that future generations can continue to experience and appreciate this historic landmark while exploring STEAM disciplines. Donate Now One-Time Donation Give Monthly Monthly Giving Give Memories Tributes & Memorials Plan Ahead Planned Giving One-Time Donation Help maintain and conserve Hearst Castle and support STEAM  education with a one-time donation. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving  its architectural splendor and advancing educational initiatives. Donate Once Monthly Giving Become a sustaining donor by setting up a monthly gift. Your ongoing  support provides reliable funding for conservation efforts, educational programs, and the  STEAM Program’s activities. Give Monthly Tribute and Memorial Gifts Honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion with a  tribute gift. Your gesture supports Hearst Castle’s preservation and enriches STEAM  education opportunities for students. Tribute Gifts Planned Giving Leave a lasting impact through planned giving options such as  bequests, charitable trusts, or gifts of stock. Ensure Hearst Castle's preservation and  contribute to the growth of the STEAM Program for future learners. Plan Your Gift Why Donate? By donating to the Hearst Castle Foundation, you play a crucial role in safeguarding this  iconic estate and empowering students through STEAM education. Your generosity  supports ongoing preservation projects, educational initiatives, and hands-on learning  experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Join us in  protecting Hearst Castle's historical significance and inspiring the next generation of  innovators and creators. Donate today and become a steward of Hearst Castle's legacy while championing STEAM education. Together, we can preserve this national treasure and cultivate future leaders in STEAM fields. Donate Now

SAN SIMEON, CA, JULY 23, 2024 —   We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program for the upcoming year. Building on the success of last year’s initiative, where we hosted up to 14 schools and served over 600 students, we are now increasing our capacity to accommodate 25 schools and aim to serve over 1,000 students. How can we achieve this? To achieve this ambitious goal, we will be doubling our operational days, offering two tours each day. This change will provide greater flexibility in scheduling, making it easier for more schools to participate with the dates available. By doing so, we hope to extend the opportunity for hands-on learning and exploration to a broader audience of eager young minds. This expansion wouldn’t be possible without the support of our dedicated state park staff. Their commitment to excellence and passion for education make them incredible guides for the student tours at the castle. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their ongoing assistance and expertise, which are crucial to the success of our program. Our STEAM program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a journey of exploration and self-discovery. We strive to provide engaging, hands-on experiences that delve into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, while also inspiring our students to envision the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Just as Julia Morgan, the pioneering architect and engineer, built Hearst Castle a century ago, we want our students to see that they, too, can dream big and achieve their goals through dedication and creativity. As part of our program, students will engage in a variety of activities designed to both inspire and educate. At the beach, they will explore wildlife, dive into marine science, practice nature journaling, and learn about park careers. At the visitor center, students will participate in hands-on experiences that emphasize the historical and technological developments of our time. These experiences are crafted to provide valuable insights into the evolution of technology and its impact on society, all while aligning with California State Content Standards. Thank You To Our Donors We are also grateful to our donors, who play a pivotal role in the success of our STEAM program. We invite them to shadow our tours to see firsthand the impact of their contributions on the students who participate in our program. New Fundraising Goal To support this significant expansion, our fundraising goal for this year is set at $80,000. These funds will be used for various needs, including supplies, expanding our program, providing lunches and morning snacks, and covering transportation costs. We believe that with support, we can reach this goal and continue to provide enriching and inspiring experiences for our students. Looking Ahead As our program evolves, so does our commitment to excellence. We are focused on continually updating our resources and refining our activities to offer even more enriching experiences. The genuine excitement and curiosity we observe in students, particularly those encountering the beach for the first time, underscore the remarkable potential for learning and growth. Our mission is to […]

SAN SIMEON, CA, JUNE 24, 2024 — The Foundation at Hearst Castle is thrilled to announce the appointment of Doug Jenzen as its new Executive Director, along with welcoming Lisa Haas and Susan Boutonnet as the newest members of its board of directors. These appointments come at an exciting time as the Foundation continues to enhance its efforts in preserving the cultural and historical integrity of this iconic landmark. Doug Jenzen brings over 29 years of experience in nonprofit leadership to his new role as Executive Director of the Foundation at Hearst Castle. Previously, as Vice President of Engagement and Access at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, Doug led a diverse team, managing a thriving retail and visitor experience operation. His strategic leadership not only increased visitor engagement significantly but also transformed the museum store into an educational resource that contributed notably to the center’s financial health. A Cal Poly graduate, Doug’s previous work in California’s central coast also includes uncovering and restoring a nearly century-old Cecil B. DeMille movie set. As Executive Director, Jenzen will be overseeing all aspects of the organization – including the management and growth of membership, pursuing grant opportunities, strategic planning, budget implementation, and securing ongoing funding. “Doug’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility is evident through his initiatives to ensure that all community members – regardless of physical, cultural, or economic barriers – can engage with and enjoy the benefits of educational and cultural resources,” says Schuyler Hoversten, President of The Foundation at Hearst Castle Board. “His strategic planning abilities and commitment to heritage conservation are expected to drive significant advancements in the Foundation’s efforts to preserve and enhance the historical integrity of Hearst Castle. Doug’s innovative approaches and deep understanding of the nonprofit landscape will be instrumental as he leads the Foundation towards new heights in the coming years.” Lisa Haas joins the board of the Foundation at Hearst Castle with over 25 years of expertise in the Specialty Finish field as a leading decorative artist and licensed painting contractor in Northern California. Her work, which adorns both residential and commercial spaces locally and internationally, showcases her mastery in creating and restoring visually stunning environments. Lisa’s artistic skills extend beyond traditional aesthetics – she brings a unique blend of creativity and technical knowledge that is vital for the meticulous restoration projects at Hearst Castle. Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa is deeply invested in community engagement and education. Her commitment to the community is exemplified in her teaching of Mycology classes, which combine her love for science and nature. Lisa’s diverse background, from managing a full-time crew of talented painters to her innovative work in the decorative arts, positions her as a dynamic contributor to the Foundation’s board, enhancing both its conservation efforts and its mission to connect the public with the artistic and historical significance of Hearst Castle. Susan Boutonnet, a seventh-generation Californian, joins the Foundation at Hearst Castle with a robust background in community development and property management. As a partner at Village 5 LLC, Susan has been instrumental in providing safe and affordable housing solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to […]

SAN SIMEON, CA, FEBRUARY 12, 2023 — We’re thrilled to share the exciting news that we’ve surpassed our goal of 12 S.T.E.A.M tours for the year and officially hit our max of 15! It’s a remarkable achievement that underscores our commitment to inspiring and educating young minds through our unique S.T.E.A.M Program. What is the S.T.E.A.M Program? Our S.T.E.A.M Program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a journey of exploration and self-discovery. We aim to provide engaging and hands-on experiences that not only delve into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math but also inspire our students to envision the endless possibilities that lie ahead. We aim to inspire our visitors to reflect on how the knowledge and experiences gained during our tours can influence their future aspirations and self-perception. Just as pioneering architect and engineer Julia Morgan built Hearst Castle a century ago, and William Randolph Hearst who had the vision to bring it to life, we want our students to recognize that they too have the power to dream big and turn their aspirations into reality. Join the Adventure!  As we celebrate the success of our past S.T.E.A.M tours, we’re thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all members to join our upcoming enriching adventures. These custom tours of notable landmarks, along with interactive workshops and guided explorations, offer immersive experiences aligned with grade-appropriate S.T.E.A.M curriculum. Furthermore, we wholeheartedly encourage you to take part in the tours you’ve played a pivotal role in bringing to life, allowing you to directly witness the profound impact of your contributions on our students’ educational journeys.  January 19th Shafter Youth Center February 9th El Sausal Middle School February 16th Peoples Self Help Housing Group  February 23rd San Lucas Elementary School March 1st  Fairgrove Elementary School March 8th Oak Avenue Elementary School March 15th  Palm Avenue Middle School March 22nd Virginia Peterson Elementary School April 19th Branch Elementary School April 26th Monarch Grove Elementary School May 3rd San Ardo Elementary  May 10th Loma Vista Community School May 17th Shell Beach Elementary School May 24th  Cambria Grammar School  May 31st Community Action Partnership of SLO  The Experience What makes our S.T.E.A.M Program even more special is the opportunity to introduce children to experiences they may have never encountered before. Imagine, for instance, some of the kids have never seen the beaches.In our upcoming tours, we have selected destinations where these young minds will have the chance to behold the beauty of the beach for the very first time, enhancing their educational journey with an added sense of wonder and excitement. Our S.T.E.A.M Program isn’t just about guiding students through tours—it’s about facilitating a transformative journey for both them and our participants. It’s about witnessing the sheer joy of discovery, the excitement of learning, and the profound impact it has on young minds. But more than that, it’s about embarking on a deeply personal journey of growth and inspiration. As we set forth on this path together, let’s aim to make this more than just an educational experience for kids. Let’s make it a personal journey—a voyage of self-discovery and enlightenment. […]

The Foundation at Hearst Castle (FHC) was named “Nonprofit of the Year” by the Latin Business Association (LBA), the nation’s largest organization representing the issues and concerns of Latino business owners. The announcement was made during LBA’s Sol Business Awards on March 25, 2022.

We need your help to continue this special livestream + tangible experience. We know that combining education and inspiration in a memorable environment makes a lasting impact.

Hearst Castle tour guide and PORTS Programs lead, Tracy Kosinski, has played an instrumental role in building our free educational program. 

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of past FHC board member and president Dr. Lynn Frady Kelley-Enoch on March 5, 2021.

In early 2022, The Foundation at Hearst Castle added four new board members, Gail Cayetano-Classick, Sam Mazzeo, Christopher Burgart, and Bob Priola.