This bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to elementary and secondary schools for transforming outdoor spaces into nature-focused learning environments called "revitalized schoolyards." Schools can apply for two-stage funding: first, a planning grant (up to $1 million over two years) to develop detailed design and construction plans, and then an implementation grant (up to $1 million over two years) to build the actual projects, which may include native plants, gardens, natural playgrounds, water conservation features, and outdoor learning areas. The grants prioritize schools serving low-income students and those in areas vulnerable to extreme heat or flooding, with additional funding (5 percent) reserved for Bureau of Indian Education schools and tribal schools. Implementation grants generally require a 20 percent local match from non-federal sources, though this requirement can be waived for high-poverty schools. The bill authorizes funding through fiscal year 2031, though no specific dollar amount is specified, and requires the Department of Education to maintain an online clearinghouse of best practices and resources for outdoor learning spaces.
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