$1.5 Million Available for Outdoor Youth Programs in Washington
Washington State Parks – January 01, 2008
Washington's children are as "plugged in" as the rest of the nation's children. They are spending more time indoors, on computers, watching television, and less time playing outside. Children are not getting the experiences, memories and benefits of enjoying the great outdoors that previous generations did. Outdoor education and recreation programs can help turn this trend around. These programs help reduce stress of our over-scheduled children, increase their attention spans, reduce absenteeism, create positive behavioral changes and increase overall test scores. Outdoor education programs help children gain the experiences and benefits of connecting with the great outdoors.
No Child Left Inside is a grant program administered by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. The program has $1.5 million available to Washington state outdoor education and recreation youth programs to help get our children back outside to learn about and enjoy nature.
Washington is the second state in the nation to grant state funds to outdoor education and recreation programs. This grant program was provided by the Washington State Legislature. Program participation and support are critical to ensure future funds and a successful program that will serve as a model for states throughout the country.
Who can apply for a grant?
The following types of organizations are eligible to apply for a grant:
Public agencies
For-profit corporations
Private non-profit organizations
Public and private schools
Private individuals
Community-based programs
What types of programs are eligible?
No Child Left Inside focuses on ecological, environmental, educational and recreation programs. Any public or private program that meets the following goals of No Child Left Inside is encouraged to apply for a grant. The main goals of No Child Left Inside are to:
Provide a large number of underserved students with quality opportunities to directly experience the natural world.
Improve the student’s overall academic performance, life skills, self-esteem, personal responsibility, community involvement, personal health and understanding of nature.
Empower local communities to engage students in outdoor education and recreation experiences.
What group is served by the outdoor education and recreation programs?
Eligible programs serve students of Washington state, preferably, youth at risk of failing or dropping out of school, underrepresented learners, and those facing social, behavioral, economic and health barriers.
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An annotated bibliography of 20 premier studies focusing on the children and nature connection.
