ORONO — University of Maine Cooperative Extension has announced a new round of funding for the Outdoor School for All program, which provides immersive outdoor education experiences for students in grades four through eight. The application portal for the 2026-27 school year opens November 6, with applications due November 20. Grants are available to eligible Maine nonprofit outdoor education organizations that provide these experiences to students attending publicly funded schools.

Established by the Maine Legislature in 2025 and administered by UMaine Extension, the program connects students with hands-on learning opportunities focused on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, environmental sustainability and the state’s natural resource industries. Funding is awarded to qualified outdoor school providers to support educational experiences for students in grades four through eight at public, charter and tribal schools. Home-schooled students may participate through partnerships with school districts. 

The new funding opportunity follows the program's 2025-26 pilot year, which served 1,675 students from 43 schools across 14 Maine counties, more than twice the originally projected number of students. Supported by a $1.3 million gift from the Libra Foundation, Extension administrators expect the program to reach more than 3,000 students during the 2026-27 school year.

A pilot-year impact report documented positive outcomes for participating students and educators. Among surveyed students, 89% rated their outdoor school experience positively, 67% reported that the experience increased their desire to care for the environment and 56% reported greater confidence in their ability to achieve their goals. Among surveyed educators, 96% reported a positive influence on students' interpersonal skills and 92% reported a positive influence on school engagement.

For the 2026-27 school year, grants will provide up to $410 per student, with individual funding requests capped at $175,000 or 426 students. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations operating in Maine that meet applicable licensing, safety, insurance and accessibility requirements. Programs must generally provide immersive experiences lasting at least three days and two nights, with exceptions for health or cultural considerations. Funding may support eligible outdoor school experiences occurring between Sept. 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, including retroactive reimbursement. Applications are due November 20. Additional eligibility requirements and application instructions are available on the program webpage.

To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jason Bolton at 207.581.1366 or jason.bolton@maine.edu.

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension: As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.