The Gray Family Foundation, a consistent champion of environmental and outdoor education throughout Oregon, celebrates the passage of Measure 99. Working in collaboration with countless organizations, businesses, and individuals passionate about establishing Outdoor School as a universal experience for all Oregon students, the Gray Family Foundation was a primary supporter of the ballot measure. We are pleased to witness Oregon make history as the first state in our nation to dedicate funding for outdoor education.
Measure 99, which passed by a wide margin, dedicates $22 million in lottery funds annually to provide the opportunity for every middle school student in Oregon to attend Outdoor School for a full week.
Of the measure’s success, Gray Family Foundation Executive Director Nancy Bales said, “Research has shown us that kids who attend Outdoor School experience academic, social and emotional growth. This new funding ensure that these transformational opportunities are not limited to schools with the greatest resources, but available to children of all backgrounds and zip codes.”
Oregon State University Extension Services will assume responsibility for distributing funds to schools and districts to attend Outdoor School, as well as extend other support to educators and nonprofits that will deliver Outdoor School experiences. Oregon State University Extension already provides leadership in outdoor and environmental education through programs such as 4-H, Oregon Natural Resources Education Program, and the Oregon Environmental Literacy Program.
“With these newly dedicated funds, we are confident that our colleagues at Oregon State University Extension will seize this opportunity to effectively support schools and districts as they navigate ways to successfully enhance students’ learning through Outdoor School,” says Bales.
The first allocation of funds from the Oregon State Lottery will go to Oregon State University Extension in July 2017 to identify support resources and establish granting strategies. They expect to begin distributing funds for the 2017-2018 school year. The Gray Family Foundation will continue to widely support outdoor and environmental education in the state of Oregon.
To learn more about the Outdoor School for All law and the effects of Measure 99, please see a comprehensive FAQ list at: http://www.oregonoutdoored.org/faq