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 a statewide grant program that supports immersive, multi-day, accredited overnight outdoor education​ program experiences for students in grades 4 to 12.
The grant provides state funding for program fees, transportation, and teacher stipends to ensure every student in the state has the opportunity to experience an accredited overnight Outdoor School Program.
Only 29% of Minnesota students are able to access Outdoor School.
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.
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Minnesota currently has five outdoor school providers eligible for Outdoor School for All funding:​​
Deep Portage ELC — Hackensack
Eagle Bluff ELC — Lanesboro
Long Lake Conservation Center — Palisade
Osprey Wilds ELC — Sandstone
Wolf Ridge ELC — Finland
Learn about Outdoor School for All
About the Bill
The bill establishs a statewide grant program to support overnight outdoor education​ experiences for students in grades 4 to 12.
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The legislation provides state funding for program fees, transportation, and teacher stipends to ensure every student in the state has the opportunity to experience an accredited overnight Outdoor School Program.
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In 2025, the Outdoor School for All initiative was officially signed into law as part of Minnesota’s Environment Omnibus Bill by Governor Tim Walz. The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support and created the state’s first dedicated funding stream for overnight outdoor education programs.
The initial appropriation provides approximately $848,000 in grant funding to help Minnesota schools send students to one of the state’s five accredited outdoor schools. The program will be administered through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is expected to begin awarding grants to schools in 2026, expanding access for thousands of students across the state.
Outdoor Opportunities
for Minnesota Youth
Legislative Report
The 2025 DNR report recommends the creation of a state program, Outdoor School for All Minnesota Youth, which will demonstrate and implement a statewide commitment of inclusive outdoor education so that every Minnesota child has access to a life-changing experience in the outdoors.
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
Partner Organizations
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