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HF 2548

Outdoor School for All grant program created, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burkel and 15 co-sponsors

Creates an Outdoor School for All grant program to fund elementary outdoor education, expanding access to hands-on environmental learning in Minnesota.

Author added Norris
#naturalresourcesdepartment
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Bill Summary · HF 2548

Summary of HF 2548 (2025-2026) – Outdoor School for All Grant Program Created, and Money Appropriated

Purpose and intent

HF 2548 creates the Outdoor School for All grant program in Minnesota and appropriates funds to support grants for outdoor, hands-on environmental education. The bill aims to increase access to outdoor learning experiences for Minnesota students by funding school districts, charter schools, or other eligible entities to provide outdoor school programs, thereby promoting environmental literacy, student engagement, and experiential learning.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of a grant program: Creates the Outdoor School for All grant program within a state agency (the bill text specifies a lead administering department; the summary reflects typical framework to manage grants and applications). The program would distribute funds to eligible applicants to deliver outdoor school experiences for students.

  • ** appropriation of funds:** The bill appropriates state money to fund the Outdoor School for All grants. The exact dollar amount, funding term (e.g., annual appropriation or multi-year), and any earmarks or supplemental budget provisions would be detailed in the fiscal section of the bill or the authorizing statute.

  • Eligible recipients: Likely includes K-12 public schools, school districts, charter schools, or eligible non-public entities capable of delivering outdoor school programming consistent with state standards. Applicants would typically be required to demonstrate program design, alignment with learning standards, and capacity to serve a specified number of students or grade levels.

  • Program scope and duration: The act would define the length of outdoor school experiences (e.g., multi-day sessions, day programs), grade bands targeted (commonly elementary and possibly middle school), and the number of students served per grant. It may also outline allowable activities, safety standards, and program content focusing on local ecosystems, science inquiry, and environmental stewardship.

  • Application and administration: The bill would describe grant application procedures, timelines, reporting requirements, and accountability measures. This includes performance metrics, evaluation criteria, and progress reporting to ensure funds are used effectively.

  • Matching or limitations: There may be requirements for cost-sharing, in-kind contributions, or caps on grants per recipient. The bill could also set limits on administrative overhead or require alignment with statewide education goals.

  • Evaluation and outcomes: Provisions typically include how outcomes will be measured (student participation, improvements in environmental literacy, attendance, teacher professional development, and program sustainability). There may be a mandate for regular assessment and publication of results.

Who is affected

  • Students: Elementary and possibly middle-grade students who participate in outdoor school experiences funded by the grants.
  • School entities: Public school districts, charter schools, and other eligible organizations that implement outdoor school programs.
  • Educators and staff: Teachers and program coordinators who plan, lead, or support outdoor learning experiences; potential professional development requirements.
  • Communities and partners: Local parks, nature centers, and conservation groups that may collaborate on program delivery and site access.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referrals: HF 2548 was introduced and referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy committee, indicating initial consideration of environmental and outdoor learning implications.
  • Sponsor and author activity: Multiple sponsors and co-sponsors listed, with changes in authorship during March 2025, reflecting ongoing coalition-building.
  • Next steps (typical): If advanced, the bill would receive hearings, potential amendments, and passage votes in committee before moving to the floor, with a view toward final passage and potential appropriation timing aligned to the state fiscal year.

Notes

  • The provided summary reflects standard elements of outdoor education grant programs. Specific dollar amounts, eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, and administrative details will be defined in the enacted statute or fiscal provisions accompanying the bill text.
  • For readers and stakeholders, key questions to track as the bill progresses include: exact appropriation amount and duration, eligible recipients, grant sizes, performance metrics, matching funds, and required reporting.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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