Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, together with First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and leadership from the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), has officially announced the launch of the Arkansas Outdoor Education Pilot Program. Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, up to 30 selected schools across the state will participate in this pilot. The program is designed to bring conservation and outdoor recreation experiences into general education classrooms. ADE is committed to creating a new model of learning that draws on the beauty and natural resources of the Natural State. Schools are encouraged to support this initiative and help prepare students for future careers in outdoor recreation—strengthening Arkansas’s tourism industry and outdoor economy.

Pilot Program Opportunities and Application DUE August 15th. 

Schools interested in participating in the Arkansas Outdoor Education Pilot Program for the 2025–26 school year are invited to apply. Applications must be submitted no later than August 15, 2025. Selected schools will have the opportunity to help shape this new model of outdoor learning and contribute to building a stronger pipeline for Arkansas’s outdoor recreation and conservation workforce.

To access the application and learn more about program expectations and benefits, please click  here to apply by August 15th.

June 4th Press Release: https://mailchi.mp/e596fd5e5f9e/media-advisory-sanders-to-deliver-welcome-remarks-at-the-arkansas-department-of-education-summer-conference-10342008?e=e27b638081

Overall Purpose

The Arkansas Outdoor Education Pilot Program seeks to:

• Improve student health, academic engagement, and outdoor literacy.
• Connect classroom learning to Arkansas’ natural resources and outdoor economy.
• Foster interest in careers in conservation, ecology, and outdoor recreation.
• Reduce screen time and increase physical activity through hands-on experiences.

Curriculum & Competencies

• Grade-banded competencies from Pre-K through Grade 12
• Activities include biking, fishing, habitat exploration, nature journaling, and water safety
• Aligned to Arkansas Academic Standards in science, literacy, social studies, health and physical education, and the arts
• Built in collaboration with Arkansas educators and conservation partners

Pilot School Commitments

• Implement the Arkansas Outdoor Education best practices
• Schedule at least one hour of outdoor education per week
• Participate in professional development and data collection
• Contribute feedback to shape the statewide rollout

Professional Development

• Multi-day summer sessions in June and July 2025 for pilot schools
• Ongoing school-year PD (September, January, April)
• Yearlong support for educators and school leaders

Incentives for Pilot Schools

• Outdoor recreation equipment
• Access to outdoor education professional development, instructional materials, and aligned curriculum resources
• Inform pilot program for effectiveness, student impacts, outdoor education leadership opportunities, and advanced programming