This bill establishes a grant program, administered by the Secretary of Education, to support the revitalization of schoolyards across the United States. The primary goal is to transform existing outdoor school spaces into "revitalized schoolyards" that function as park-like environments. These revitalized spaces are designed to strengthen local ecological systems, offer a range of hands-on learning resources, and foster nature play and social opportunities, thereby enhancing the health and well-being of students and adults. Eligible entities for these grants include local educational agencies , educational service agencies, and nonprofit organizations with expertise in outdoor learning that partner with local educational agencies. The grant program operates on a biennial cycle, offering both planning grants to develop concept plans and subsequent implementation grants to execute those plans. A total of up to $1,000,000 can be awarded per entity, with 5 percent of funds reserved for Tribal educational agencies. Planning grants require the development of comprehensive concept plans, which must include school and public input, ensure longevity and resilience, and prioritize investments in schools with low tree canopy, vulnerability to extreme heat or flooding, or a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Implementation grants fund the actual construction and transformation of these outdoor spaces. Permissible uses of funds also include professional development for educators on outdoor teaching and support for maintaining the revitalized schoolyards. A 20 percent non-Federal matching fund is required for implementation grants, though this requirement can be waived for schools serving a high proportion of low-income students or for Tribal schools. The bill gives competitive priority to eligible entities serving schools where at least 75 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Additionally, the Secretary is mandated to maintain a clearinghouse of information on outdoor learning spaces, best practices, and resources to support these initiatives. Appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
This bill establishes a grant program, administered by the Secretary of Education, to support the revitalization of schoolyards across the United States. The primary goal is to transform existing outdoor school spaces into "revitalized schoolyards" that function as park-like environments. These revitalized spaces are designed to strengthen local ecological systems, offer a range of hands-on learning resources, and foster nature play and social opportunities, thereby enhancing the health and well-being of students and adults. Eligible entities for these grants include local educational agencies , educational service agencies, and nonprofit organizations with expertise in outdoor learning that partner with local educational agencies. The grant program operates on a biennial cycle, offering both planning grants to develop concept plans and subsequent implementation grants to execute those plans. A total of up to $1,000,000 can be awarded per entity, with 5 percent of funds reserved for Tribal educational agencies. Planning grants require the development of comprehensive concept plans, which must include school and public input, ensure longevity and resilience, and prioritize investments in schools with low tree canopy, vulnerability to extreme heat or flooding, or a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Implementation grants fund the actual construction and transformation of these outdoor spaces. Permissible uses of funds also include professional development for educators on outdoor teaching and support for maintaining the revitalized schoolyards. A 20 percent non-Federal matching fund is required for implementation grants, though this requirement can be waived for schools serving a high proportion of low-income students or for Tribal schools. The bill gives competitive priority to eligible entities serving schools where at least 75 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Additionally, the Secretary is mandated to maintain a clearinghouse of information on outdoor learning spaces, best practices, and resources to support these initiatives. Appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.