ACTION NEEDED: Please consider sending an email TODAY to Senator Blake Tillery (R, Vidalia) Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, to thank him for his support of funding for outdoor learning grants last year and to encourage him to include $250,000 in the FY 2024 budget for GOLD Grants.
BACKGROUND: During the 2022 session, Georgia legislators passed a budget that included $75,000 for an initial round of GOLD Grants (Georgia Outdoor Learning Demonstration Grants). Eighty-eight schools and non-profit organizations from all parts of the state applied for these funds, which can be used for schoolyard improvements, professional learning for educators, teaching supplies, or field trips. A proposed docket will be considered and grants awarded at the State School Board meeting next week.
STATUS: Senator Sheik Rahman, whose bipartisan Senate Study Committee on Outdoor Learning recommended that outdoor learning grants be funded last year, supports adding a $250,000 appropriation for GOLD Grants in the Department of Education budget for FY 2024.
The large volume of applications received for the first round of GOLD Grants - despite a short application window during the winter holidays - is evidence of the great need for funds to help educators engage children in outdoor learning. There were many more excellent, highly-ranked applications than could be funded by the small initial appropriation. Additional funding is needed so that ALL Georgia children can enjoy the health benefits, nature connection, academic gains, real-world investigations and problem solving opportunities provided by outdoor learning.
Please write to Chairman Blake Tillery today, in support of a $250,000 appropriation to the Department of Education for GOLD Grants, to enable outdoor learning for children across the state!
blake.tillery@senate.ga.gov
