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Thrive Outside receives a $4,000 state legislative grant in support of outdoor learning programs, spaces and teacher trainings.

Thrive Outside is pleased to announce the receipt of a $4,000 legislative grant to support its Outdoor Learning Zones and outdoor education teacher training. The grant is sponsored by Representative Jason Knight with Representatives Speakman and Donovan as key supporters, and comes at a time of great growth for the organization, with a new Outdoor Learning Zone project at the Kickemuit Middle School, new after school nature programs, and a flourishing Teacher Learning Circle.

Thrive Outside’s mission to ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive outside, honoring their basic need and right to be nourished by nature, felt very relevant to Knight.

“When I was a kid growing up in a more rural area, nature was as close as the front door. Sadly that is not the case for many kids today. That’s why I’m so grateful for the efforts of Thrive Outside to help make the outdoors,and all its wonders, accessible to the children of our community.” Indeed, according to the Children & Nature Network, studies show that children today spend an average of 44 hours a week on screens and less than 10 minutes a day playing outside. To make matters worse, 74% of communities of color and 70% of low-income communities in the US live in nature-deprived areas (The Center for American Progress and The Hispanic Access Foundation).

This is not the first time a legislative grant has helped Thrive Outside increase youth access to nature learning opportunities and spaces. Last year Representative June Speakman and Representative Susan Donovan sponsored a grant supporting Thrive Outside’s efforts to grow its hiking and birding programs and make them more accessible to traditionally marginalized communities.

“I am pleased to work with my fellow East Bay legislators to support the work of Thrive Outside” affirms Representative Speakman. “I was privileged to attend one of their walks at Mt. Hope Farm. Although it was a challenge for me to keep up with the young families, I could see how much the kids were enjoying the walk, the woods and the water, how great their questions were, and how much fun their parents were having, too. I am grateful to Thrive Outside for creating these opportunities throughout Rhode Island.”

“We are truly grateful for the support of our local representatives as it shows their dedication to the youth of our community and fulfilling their fundamental need and right to thrive outside,” emphasizes Thrive Outside Executive Director Shannon Rozea.

Thrive Outside is a nonprofit organization on a mission to nourish all children with nature and protect their fundamental need and right to thrive outside. For more information or to get involved, visit our website or follow Thrive Outside on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

About Thrive Outside

Thrive Outside is a nonprofit organization on a mission to give every child the opportunity to thrive through a joyful relationship with nature. For more information or to get involved, visit our website or follow Thrive Outside on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.