Making Outdoor Classroom Access a Reality: Living Schoolyards Act

Every child should have access to a dynamic outdoor learning environment, and Good Fieldwork is thrilled to support the Living Schoolyards Act (S-4993) that, when passed, will help make that a reality for more students across the United States. 

This act, introduced by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, will direct federal resources and funding toward transforming school grounds into outdoor learning environments. We haven’t just seen how outdoor classrooms impact students and teachers - we’ve been directly involved in it, and we’re excited about this effort designed to provide more hands-on learning resources for youth of all ages.

This bill will establish an Outdoor Learning Spaces Grants program administered by the U.S. Department of Education, which will allow schools to create outdoor classrooms and learning spaces, install necessary equipment and infrastructure, and create gardens and other outdoor features.

Once enacted, school districts will have a two-step process to apply for these grants through the U.S. Department of Education. First, school districts will develop a master plan to turn all or part of their schoolyards into living schoolyards. The process will involve community input and consider ecological goals, educational and health outcomes for students, and relevant community partners. The second step is the implementation phase, which involves building the living schoolyards and offering professional development to educators to help them incorporate the outdoor spaces into their teaching.

Goals for these outdoor spaces can range from growing healthy foods, trees and pollinator plants, to serving as a platform for creative expression, allowing students to prepare skits, plays, murals and sculptures that celebrate nature. Learn more about the Living Schoolyards Act and how you can also endorse the bill.

As a company, we celebrate nature, educators and children every day. For many students, their schoolyard is the closest outdoor space they have access to, and we’re proud to create safe spaces outdoors where lifelong learning takes hold.