Washington's outdoor school programs reel from state funding cuts
Washington schools looking to send students to overnight outdoor education programs are dealing with a financial crunch after grant funding was left out of the state budget.
The Outdoor Learning Grants program, established by the state Legislature in 2021, offered subsidies for schools to send fifth- and sixth-grade students to the outdoor school programs. But lawmakers zeroed out the grants as they worked to solve a budget gap this year. Enrollment is expected to drop as a result.
These programs are held at dedicated outdoor education centers and allow students to engage in hands-on activities out in nature, with an emphasis on scientific inquiry, environmental awareness and teamwork.
Funding also went to schools, tribes and program providers to develop outdoor education curricula.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/07/21/washingtons-outdoor-school-programs-reel-from-state-funding-cuts/