Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish the "Outdoor School for All" grant program to provide equitable access to outdoor educational experiences for students in Minnesota. It acknowledges the current lack of outdoor engagement among children and seeks to address the disparities in access to outdoor activities based on race, income, ability, and location.

Main Provisions

• Creation of Grant Program: The program will fund immersive and accredited outdoor educational experiences for students in grades 4 to 8.
• Eligibility Criteria: Grants will be available to accredited overnight outdoor schools and regional nonprofit learning centers that offer programs meeting specific criteria.
• Educational Focus: Programs must offer multiday residential experiences emphasizing outdoor-based learning and provide field study opportunities for students. They must use research-based curricula related to environmental, ecological, or agricultural education.
• Integration and Skills Development: The outdoor programs should integrate with local school curricula to support academic standards and foster skills such as leadership, critical thinking, self-sufficiency, and social-emotional skills.
• Accessibility Considerations: The program must address the accessibility challenges faced by underserved students, including those with disabilities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new legislation coded in Minnesota Statutes chapter 84 to establish a formal program that encourages outdoor learning as part of the educational system in the state.

Relevant Terms

• Outdoor education
• Grants
• Equity in education
• Environmental curriculum
• Accessibility in education programs
• Multiday residential educational experience
• Nonprofit learning centers