No Child Left Inside: Edmonds Schools Awarded $20,958 Grant

EVERETT, WA — One Snohomish County organization this month was awarded a portion of the $1.3 million in grants designed to incentivize children to get outside and explore Washington's parks, forests, and other natural areas. Doled out by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the No Child Left Inside grants focus specifically on funding local programs that provide opportunities for outdoor education and recreation for underserved youth.

Gov. Jay Inslee last week announced the distribution and beneficiaries of the 2019 grants, which includes Edmonds School District.

"This is about investing in our kids and making sure they have equal access to the outdoors," Inslee said in a statement. "We know that kids who spend time outdoors do better in school, are less stressed and get more exercise and social interaction. Some of my best childhood memories happened outdoors, and this funding is a big part of making sure these opportunities — to learn, grow and discover the world around us — are open to everyone."

According to the grant distributor, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (WSRCO), the state-wide grants throughout the next year will help get children outside to participate in a plethora of activities, spending an estimated one million hours or more hiking, rock climbing, and/or kayaking.

Awarded every two years since its inception in 2008, the No Child Left Inside grant program is in its fourth cycle, officials said, noting this particular cycle saw the greatest increase in submitted applications — 44 percent more than the previous cycle.

"That kind of growth shows an unparalleled level of support for this program and what it means for kids' health, emotional development, attention spans, understanding and overall happiness," said WSRCO Director Kaleen Cottingham. "With only enough funding for about 16 percent of the $8 million requested, it also represents how critical the need is in communities across Washington."

More than 170 applicants submitted a grant proposal, officials said; and the counties that were awarded grants will match the state funding, doubling the total award to about $3 million statewide.

"State Parks is excited about this grant program that gets young people outdoors for healthy recreation and environmental education," State Parks Director Don Hoch said in a statement. "We are seeing more and more studies show how important getting outdoors is for our health, so we are thrilled to offer this opportunity to the youth of Washington. We also are thankful to the Recreation and Conservation Office for working with us and administering this valuable program."

Along with Snohomish County's $20,958 grant, the following counties were also awarded:

• Benton County - $25,000
• Chelan County - $4,200
• Clark County - $15,100
• Cowlitz County - $24,998
• Grays Harbor County - $9,160
• Jefferson County - $49,980
• King County - $446,970
• Mason County - $136,490
• Pierce County - $144,962
• San Juan County - $24,963
• Skagit County - $25,000
• Spokane County - $104,580
• Thurston County - $149,931
• Whatcom County - $124,200
• Yakima County - $43,510

The Edmonds School District was awarded $20,958 to expand its Learning Outside program.

According to WSRCO:

Edmonds School District will use this grant to serve 28 at-risk, low-income students annually as part of its Interdisciplinary Studies Environmental Program. Students will head outdoors to learn about environmental science, social studies, physical education, English, health and art, while also improving attendance, teamwork, and self-esteem.

A credit-baring program is held during the spring quarter and a year-round extracurricular club further supports the program. Activities include hiking, backpacking, and camping while teaching students about civic engagement, native plant identification, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, camp skills, and teamwork. Students will enjoy journaling, sketching, and reading.

On average, students participate in 360 hours of programming annually. The school district will contribute $69,362 in a state appropriation, in-kind services, and donations of cash, equipment, and labor.

Visit RCO’s online Project Snapshot for more information and photographs of this project.