The proposed bill establishes the "Outdoor School for All" grant program aimed at enhancing outdoor educational experiences for Minnesota students in grades 4 to 8. The legislation recognizes the declining connection of children to nature and the inequitable access to outdoor opportunities based on race, income, ability, and location. It emphasizes the importance of outdoor activities for children's physical, emotional, and academic development, and aims to provide immersive, multiday, accredited overnight educational experiences that integrate outdoor learning with local school curricula.

To implement this program, the commissioner of natural resources is tasked with administering grants to eligible learning centers, including accredited outdoor school providers and regional nonprofit organizations. The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for grant recipients, which include providing a primarily outdoor-based educational experience, utilizing a research-based curriculum, and ensuring accessibility for underserved students, including those with disabilities. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds from the general fund for the program in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, ensuring financial support for its implementation.