Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026

This bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible entities for transforming outdoor spaces at public elementary and secondary schools into revitalized schoolyards. These park-like environments are designed to strengthen local ecological systems, provide hands-on learning resources, foster nature play, and enhance the health and well-being of children and adults. They may include features like trees, cultivated gardens, and outdoor meeting areas, also serving for shared public use.

The grant program operates on a biennial cycle, providing both planning grants to develop concept plans and subsequent implementation grants to fund their realization. Priority for these grants is given to schools in areas with low tree canopy, vulnerability to extreme heat or flooding, and those serving a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. A 5 percent reservation of funds is set aside for Tribal educational agencies, with remaining funds split 30 percent for planning and 70 percent for implementation, up to a $1,000,000 total per entity.

Implementation grants require a 20 percent non-Federal match, which can be waived for high-need schools. Additionally, the Secretary is mandated to maintain a clearinghouse of information on outdoor learning spaces and best practices. Appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support these initiatives.