The bill S.F. No. 2526 proposes the creation of the Outdoor School for All grant program in Minnesota, aimed at providing students in grades 4 to 8 with immersive outdoor educational experiences. It highlights concerns about children spending excessive time indoors and emphasizes the benefits of outdoor education, such as improved academic achievement, leadership development, and hands-on learning in natural resource fields.

Key Provisions:

1. Program Establishment

   • The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will oversee the program.
     
   • Grants will support accredited overnight outdoor school providers and regional nonprofit learning centers.

2. Eligibility Requirements

   • Programs must offer multiday, residential outdoor education.
     
   • Learning experiences should be primarily outdoor-based and aligned with scientific and environmental curricula.
     
   • Activities must promote leadership skills, critical thinking, self-sufficiency, and decision-making.
     
   • Programs must be integrated into local school curricula and improve accessibility for underserved students, including those with disabilities.
     

3. Appropriation of Funds

   • The bill allocates funding from the general fund for the program in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

This initiative seeks to ensure that all Minnesota students have equitable opportunities to engage with and learn from nature.