MINNESOTA

OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR ALL

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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 12 to address these needs and to ensure that all students have a chance to benefit from outdoor education.

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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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Learn about Outdoor School for All

Read the MN Outdoor School for All Bill

The bill would establish a statewide grant program to support overnight outdoor education experiences for students in grades 4 to 12.

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

Read S.F. 1050 & H.F. 2548

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.

Read the Report

Click here to see the list of current authors and co-authors of the bills.

Download the Outdoor School for All MN brochure!

GET THE BROCHURE

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.

“Our students benefit from an outdoor education experience because they primarily come from low income families who reside in an urban setting. Many of our families do not have access to such opportunities or trips outside of [Outdoor School].”

- 5th grade teacher, Minneapolis