Governor McKee, RIDE, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announce $7.5 Million Learning Inside Out Outdoor Classroom Initiative

Published on Sunday, December 11, 2022

Rhode Island schools will receive funding to build and sustain enriching outdoor learning environments

CUMBERLAND, R.I. — Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Regional Director Kyla Hastie joined students and staff at Community School in Cumberland to launch the Rhode Island Department of Education’s (RIDE) Learning Inside Out Outdoor Classroom Initiative.  

“We are so fortunate as a state to be surrounded by Rhode Island’s natural beauty, but unfortunately, not every student has access to outdoor spaces. Through this initiative, we are providing resources so our students and educators can think outside of the box and build enriching and engaging outdoor classrooms students can learn, grow, and thrive in,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I extend my gratitude to Community School in Cumberland, which serves as a shining example of what is possible for our schools when we commit to expanding hands-on, innovative environmental education.”  

RIDE has made $7.5 million in grant funding available through a competitive application process, with up to 70 projects being awarded up to $100,000. The focus of this initiative is to create, enhance, and support access to natural resources for all students, while promoting environmental literacy and community connection and addressing problems such as inequitable access to the outdoors, habitat loss and degradation, and climate change.  

“Research has shown outdoor learning can have significant benefits on academic performance, mental health, and student behavior,” said Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso. “Not only are students often calmer and more able to focus when learning in nature, they are building a sense of community and environmental stewardship.”  

“To prepare students for lifelong success, Rhode Island is working across the board to put students first and build equity into all we do. Building outdoor classrooms across the state is just one part of this effort,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “Through this initiative, we will plant the seeds of inspiration in our children and show our students and educators learning does not have to be confined to four walls, regardless of their zip code." 

RIDE’s School Building Authority has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide local education agencies (LEAs) with additional resources and technical support. Professional consultants for landscape design and professional development/educational commissioning services shall be provided by the State, at no cost to LEAs.  

“School yard habitat projects, like the one here at Community School, connect kids with nature through hands-on learning," said Kyla Hastie, acting Northeast Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "These experiences are particularly important for communities that have borne a disproportionate share of environmental risks and consequences. By connecting our schoolchildren with the natural world, we can inspire the next generation of conservationists. The Fish and Wildlife Service is proud to partner with RIDE in this effort." 

RIDE will work with vendors to simplify the procurement process and provide a special focus on opportunities for minority-owned businesses.  

“The Learning Inside Out Outdoor Classroom Initiative is an ideal opportunity for minority business owners to support local communities while growing their business,” said Tomás Ávila, Associate Director Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. 

At Tuesday’s event, Community School leaders highlighted their amphitheater-style schoolyard habitat, which consists of stone seating, a whiteboard, and a 100-square-foot pollinator garden with multiple flower beds. Tree stump seats line a discussion area; school leaders hope to install a canopy over the area. The schoolyard habitat was made possible by donations and a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Audubon Society.  

"The District is very pleased to be hosting the launch of the Learning Inside Out Outdoor Classroom Initiative," said Superintendent Dr. Philip Thornton. “We are eager to learn more about this exciting grant opportunity and further enhance our outdoor classroom settings."

Schools with further questions may contact Keelia Kentor at Keelia.Kentor@ride.ri.gov. Applications, which prioritize sustainability and equity, are due April 3, 2023. Applications can be accessed at Learning Inside Out.