
MINNESOTA

OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR ALL

All MN students deserve equitable access to outdoor experiences where they can learn, play, and grow.
HOWEVER, current access to outdoor educational opportunities is inequitable. For too many kids, access to the outdoors is determined by race, income, ability, and zip code.

Outdoor School for All Minnesota is advocating for the establishment of a statewide grant program to support immersive, multi-day, accredited overnight outdoor education program experiences for students in grades 4 to 8 to address these needs and to ensure that all students have a chance to benefit from outdoor education.

What is Outdoor School?
An Outdoor School program is a multi-day, accredited overnight experience where students have the opportunities to participate in outdoor-based learning activities in outdoor recreation, natural science, and cultural history.
Outdoor School program providers work with partnering school groups to meet curriculum goals and state academic standards.

Learn about Outdoor School for All
Click here to see the list of current authors and co-authors of the bills.

Research shows participants in outdoor educational activities have:
Higher academic performance, enhanced critical thinking skills, and higher graduation rates
Improved behavior in school
and relationships with peers
Direct experience in scientific concepts in the field, leadership, and collaboration
Deeper engagement with learning, place, and community

Only 29% of Minnesota students are able to access Outdoor School.

Outdoor School for All MN in the Media
5/12/23
WDIO - Duluth
"Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center supporting bill that would fund nature-based learning for all Minnesota students"
5/24/23
Northern News Now
"Lawmakers introduce bill to teach students Minnesota’s outdoor traditions"
5/31/23
Lakeland PBS
"Northwoods Experience: Long Lake Conservation Center Supports ‘Outdoor School For All’ Bill"
8/24/23
WCMP News
"Pine County Board Signs Letter of Support for Program to Help Children Get Outdoors"
5/18/23
WJON - St. Cloud
"Bill Introduced for Outdoor School For All Minnesota Students"
5/23/23
WXOX - La Crescent
"Bipartisan effort in Minnesota wants to fund outdoor schooling"
7/27/23
KSTP-TV
"Minnesota Live with Pete Smerud of Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center"
For media inquiries: Please contact Christine Lekatz at lekatz@neuger.com
