Senate Bill S.F. No. 1050, introduced in the Minnesota State Senate, proposes the creation of the "Outdoor School for All" grant program. This initiative is aimed at enhancing outdoor educational opportunities for Minnesota’s youth, particularly targeting students in grades 4 to 8. The program is designed to offer immersive, multi-day, and overnight outdoor learning experiences that are closely integrated with school curricula to help students meet academic standards.

The key findings supporting this bill emphasize that Minnesota’s children are increasingly disconnected from outdoor activities, spending a lot of time indoors, typically in front of screens. The bill argues that outdoor education not only boosts physical, emotional, and academic growth but also leads to higher graduation rates, improved social relationships, and better leadership skills among students.

The proposed grant program will be managed by the commissioner of natural resources and will distribute funds to eligible learning centers and organizations that can provide accredited overnight outdoor educational programs. These programs are required to involve hands-on learning with a focus on environmental, ecological, agricultural, or other natural resource-based subjects.

Additionally, the program will address equity by ensuring that underserved students, including those with disabilities, have access to these opportunities. Finally, specific funds are allocated for the implementation of this program for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill aims to make outdoor education an integral part of student learning, promoting a lifelong appreciation and understanding of the natural world.