SAINT PAUL, Minn. — On Monday, Governor Tim Walz held a ceremonial signing for Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn’s No Child Left Inside legislation. The bill established a new grant program to fund outdoor environmental, ecological, and other natural resource-based activities for Minnesota youth, particularly those who would otherwise have limited access to these opportunities.
“Like many Minnesotans, I grew up hunting, fishing, and enjoying time outdoors with my family,” said Rep. Becker-Finn (DFL – Roseville). “Unfortunately, not all young people in our state have the same access to these Minnesota traditions and natural resources. I’m excited about the opportunities that No Child Left Inside will create for the next generation of Minnesota kids.”
Applications for No Child Left Inside mini grants will be accepted beginning today. Public entities, Native American Tribes, non-profit organizations, formal school programs, informal after-school programs, and community-based and city youth programs are eligible to apply for grant awards of $500 to $5,000 dollars. Additional phases of the program will be announced later.
More information about the No Child Left Inside program and the mini grant application process is available here. Rep. Becker-Finn further emphasized, “The application is just two pages and intentionally simple so that the application itself is not a barrier to community members accessing the program.”
