Bipartisan support grows for Outdoor School for All grant program
St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota Senate Environmental, Climate and Legacy Committee has passed omnibus bill SF 2077, a sweeping legislative package aimed at advancing environmental stewardship, natural resources, and legacy programs.
A key feature of the bill is the allocation of $848,000 to the Outdoor School for All grant program—signaling a strong commitment to hands-on, nature-based learning opportunities for Minnesota students.
The Outdoor School for All program is designed to provide equitable access to multi-day, immersive outdoor learning experiences for every student in the state of Minnesota. The program aims to foster outdoor literacy, promote physical and mental well-being, and inspire future generations of environmental stewards.
Environmental and education advocates applauded the committee’s decision, highlighting how the bill aligns with Minnesota’s broader goals around natural resource literacy and equitable access to outdoor learning. This initial investment marks a critical step toward ensuring that every student, regardless of background, can benefit from immersive outdoor education during their formative years.
The bill, which now advances to the House and Senate floors, has drawn strong bipartisan support, with 10 Republican and 10 Democratic lawmakers authoring the Outdoor School for All bills. Chief authors include Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL–Hermantown) in the Senate and Representative Roger Skraba (R–Ely) in the House. If enacted, the program will begin accepting grant applications for the upcoming school year.
“This initiative is about two things Minnesotans hold quite dear—our children and the outdoors,” said Senator Grant Hauschild.
“Outdoor School instills in our youth a connection to our natural resources and helps them envision a future with outdoor recreation,” said Representative Roger Skraba.
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center Executive Director Peter Smerud emphasized, “We’re at a point where parents and leaders who grew up outside are now watching their kids and grandkids lose those connections, to the detriment of their health. This initiative is how we reclaim those bonds—for their sake and ours.”
For more information about SF 2077 and the Outdoor School for All grant program.
About Outdoor School for All MN:
Outdoor School for All MN is a statewide coalition working to ensure that every Minnesota student has access to immersive outdoor education experiences—regardless of zip code, background, or ability to pay.
